Fibroids are muscular tumors that occur on the uterine walls. These tumors are almost always benign. The size and number of fibroids varies widely. They can range from the size of an orange seed to as big as a grapefruit. The number can range from just a few to many fibroids.
Fibroids are very common. Depending on the source, as many as fifty to eighty percent of all women will develop them by the time they reach menopause. There are some factors that increase the likelihood of developing fibroids. Some risk factors include: being over the age of 40, family history, ethnicity particularly African American, obesity and eating a diet high in red meats.
The symptoms of fibroids also vary. Some women experience heavy and painful periods due to the size and location of fibroids. Other women have no symptoms. Over time some of these women may develop bleeding and pain. Others will remain symptom free.
Other symptoms of fibroids include enlargement of the lower abdomen, pain during intercourse, frequent urination and pain in the lower back.
The main concern with a diagnosis of fibroids depends on future plans for having children. If the woman has no symptoms and is finished having children, the condition will be treated much differently than if she wants to have children.
The reason for this difference is the effect of fibroids on fertility. In some cases, fibroids can interfere with the baby implanting in uterine lining. This is fairly rare and occurs in cases where women have many large fibroids.
Fibroids can have an effect in pregnancy as well. The most common complication is the baby remains in a breech presentation, rather than turning to the head first position for birth. Even if the baby does turn, in some cases fibroids can block the baby’s head from passing through the birth canal. Women with fibroids are six times more likely to need a c section.
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