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Fibroids

Reviewed by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

Fibroids are connective tissue growths that develop from the muscular wall of the uterus or cervix. They may be found in the wall itself, under the external lining of the wall, or they can bulge into the cavity of the uterus.

Fibroids are a common finding in women over 35 years of age and are more common in Afro-Caribbean women.

What kind of growth is a fibroid?

Fibroids are benign growths composed of connective tissue and muscle. They can grow and shrink under the influence of female hormones.

The number and size of fibroids can vary enormously. Fibroids usually become very small after the menopause. Cancerous change in a fibroid is very rare.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Many women are unaware that they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms. The most common symptoms of fibroids are heavy periods, painful periods or irregular periods.

Fibroids may also cause discomfort through pressure on the bowel or the bladder since both these organs lie close to the uterus.

How are fibroids in the uterus treated?

If you experience no symptoms from the fibroids, nothing further needs to be done.

If the fibroids are large and causing problems, a gynaecologist may suggest a hysterectomy.

If the woman wishes to retain her fertility then the fibroids can sometimes be removed without performing a full hysterectomy. This is called a myomectomy.

Small fibroids lying near the lining of the womb can often be removed using a fibre-optic endoscope passed through the cervix (hysteroscopic removal).

Is it possible to become pregnant with fibroids in the uterus?

Yes. Fibroids are not normally a problem during pregnancy, although they may grow under the influence of high levels of pregnancy hormones.

Very occasionally, fibroids can prevent the baby from passing through the birth canal and a Caesarean section may be required.

Based on a text by Dr Erik Fangel Poulsen, specialist

Last updated 03.08.2005

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