What Uterine Fibroids Are
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow on the wall of the uterus. These dense, rubbery masses can be microscopic or, in rare cases, grow to fill the entire abdominal category.
Pain caused by uterine fibroids can be mild or severe. The pain may be constant or intermittent. The only way to know if pain is caused by uterine fibroids is to be evaluated by your physician and undergo appropriate imaging.
Facts About Uterine Fibroids
Here are some facts about uterine fibroids:
- Uterine fibroids very rarely develop into cancer.
- Uterine fibroids are the most common, non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age.
- As many as 75% of American women have uterine fibroids, with as many as 40% of American
women suffering from symptoms of them.
- The average age for uterine fibroids to become symptomatic is 35-50.
- African American women are more likely to have uterine fibroids than women of other
racial groups. They also have uterine fibroids at a younger age. Fibroids in African American women tend to be larger.
- Uterine fibroids are linked to high estrogen production; consequently, they may grow faster
when a woman is pregnant or taking birth control pills.
- Uterine fibroids shrink after menopause when hormone levels decrease.