Uterine (Myoma) Fibroids

What is a uterine myoma (fibroid)?

A uterine myoma (also called fibroid, leiomyoma, leiomyomata, and fibromyoma) is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that grows within the muscle tissue of the uterus. There can either be one dominant myoma in the uterus, or a cluster of many small myomas. Uterine myoma range in size from larger than a melon to as small as a coin.

20-50% of women of childbearing age have uterine myoma. While many women do not experience any problems, symptoms can be severe enough to require treatment. For example, a very large myoma may cause the uterus to stretch to the size of a six or seven-month pregnancy.

There are three common types of uterine myoma (fibroid), classified primarily according to location in the uterus:

What are Common symptoms of uterine myoma (fibroids)?

• Pain in the back of the legs
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Very heavy and prolonged menstrual periods
• Pressure on the bowel which may lead to constipation and/or bloating
• An enlarged abdomen (this may be mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy)
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pressure on the bladder which results in: a perpetual need to urinate, incontinence, or the inability to empty the bladder

How do I know if I have uterine myoma (fibroids)?

When visiting your doctor to investigate these symptoms, your doctor will check the size of your uterus. If it feels enlarged, your doctor may order an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session to confirm the presence, location and size of the myoma.

If the doctor diagnoses your condition to be caused by myoma and based on the size and location of your myoma(s), treatment options will be advised to you. If you do not experience any symptoms caused by the myoma, there is no need to treat them. Your doctor may want to watch them and check for any further growth.

 What are my myoma treatment alternatives?