Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are non-cancerous benign tumors made of muscle and fibrous tissue. in or on the uterus and vary in size -from tiny peasized nodules to large masses like melon . Uterus fibroids can affect menstruation, fertility, and overall comfort. They’re common and treatable, with options ranging from watchful waiting to medication or surgery depending on symptoms.

• Up to 80% of women may develop fibroids by age 50, especially during reproductive years.

• Higher risk in women of African descent, those with a family history, obesity, or early menstruation onset.

Common Symptoms

• Many women have no symptoms.

• When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Heavy or prolonged periods

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Frequent urination

  • Constipation

  • Pain during sex

  • Difficulty getting pregnant

🔍 Diagnosis

• Typically found during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound.

• MRI or hysteroscopy may be used for detailed imaging.

💊 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on symptoms, size, and fertility goals:

• If fibroids aren’t causing any problems, monitoring may be enough.

• Hormonal treatments (e.g., birth control pills, GnRH agonists, intrauterine hormonal devices) to shrink fibroids or control bleeding.

• Pain relievers for symptom relief.

• Myomectomy: Removes fibroids but keeps uterus intact (good for fertility).

• Hysterectomy: Removes uterus (permanent solution).

• Minimally invasive options: Uterine artery embolization, MRI-guided focused ultrasound.

🤰 Fertility and Pregnancy

• Some fibroids can interfere with conception or pregnancy.

• Treatment may improve fertility depending on fibroid type and location.

🧬 Are They Cancerous?

• No, fibroids are benign. The risk of a fibroid becoming cancerous is extremely rare—less than 1 in 1,000 cases.

• In very rare cases, a similar-looking tumor called leiomyosarcoma may develop, but it’s not a fibroid that turned cancerous—it’s a separate, unrelated cancer that happens to arise in the same area.
  There’s no known way to predict which cases might develop leiomyosarcoma, but it’s not caused by fibroids.

🔍 When to Be Extra Cautious!

• Rapid growth of a fibroid after menopause

• Severe pain or unusual bleeding

• Fibroids that don’t respond to treatment

• These signs don’t mean cancer, but they do warrant further evaluation.

      What You Can Do?
•     Regular checkups with a gynecologist
•     Ultrasound or MRI to monitor fibroid size and location
•     Biopsy or surgery only if symptoms are severe or growth is          suspicious