Uterine fibroids are one of the most common conditions affecting women, yet many women live with symptoms for years before getting a diagnosis. Here’s a clear look at what fibroids are, why they develop, and how to recognize the signs.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are noncancerous, smooth muscular tumors that grow in or on the wall of the uterus. They’re remarkably common — about 30% of women develop fibroids by age 35, and as many as 70–80% of women will have them by age 50. Fibroids are benign and do not increase a woman’s risk of uterine cancer, but depending on their size, number, and location, they can cause significant symptoms that affect quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or periods that last longer than usual
- Pelvic pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness
- Fatigue or dizziness related to anemia from blood loss
- Frequent urination from bladder pressure
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower back or leg pain
- Constipation or a visibly enlarged abdomen
- In some cases, difficulty conceiving
Not every woman with fibroids experiences symptoms — many fibroids are discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. Symptom severity generally depends more on the size and location of a fibroid than on its number.
What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t fully understood, but they’re strongly linked to hormones — specifically estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate the growth of the uterine muscle tissue where fibroids develop. This is part of why fibroids tend to grow during a woman’s reproductive years and often shrink after menopause, when hormone levels decline. Other associated risk factors include obesity, family history, and having given birth multiple times, and fibroids are more common in women of African American descent.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Fibroids are typically diagnosed with a pelvic ultrasound, which provides detailed information about the size, number, and location of the fibroids. In some cases, a pelvic MRI is used to get a more detailed picture, especially when planning treatment or ruling out other causes of pelvic symptoms.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you’re experiencing heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, or symptoms that are interfering with your daily life, it’s worth talking to a doctor. Fibroids that are small and asymptomatic often don’t need treatment, but symptomatic fibroids have several effective treatment options — including a non-surgical approach called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) that preserves the uterus.
Curious about your treatment options? Read our companion post, UFE vs. Hysterectomy vs. Myomectomy, or visit our Uterine Fibroid Embolization page to learn how MIVA Medical treats fibroids without surgery. If you’re ready to book, see how to prepare for your first UFE consultation. Take our fibroid quiz or book a consultation to get started.