WHAT IS A UTERINE FIBROID TUMOR?

Although its cause is yet unknown, a uterine fibroid is the most common form of benign tumor in women of childbearing years.  These tumors appear as lumps, or masses, and can grow within the walls of the uterus.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Fibroids are made of muscle cells and other tissues . . .”  African Americans and those who are overweight are particularly at risk of developing fibroid tumors.  While some women never have any symptoms, others may experience particularly heavy or painful periods, with excessive bleeding in between.  Additionally, woman may experience a bloated, or heavy, feeling in the lower abdominal area, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, the need to urinate frequently, and various reproductive problems such as infertility, repeated miscarriages, or early labor.  Uterine fibroids are often harmless and are known to shrink during menopause.  Treatment options are surgical fibroid removal, full uterus removal, medicine to shrink fibroids.  Additionally, doctors may use a relatively simple (non surgical) procedure that can cut the blood supply to fibroids leading to a decrease in size.  Your choice of treatment should consider symptom severity as well as whether or not you desire at some point to become pregnant.

For more information on Fibroids and Fertility please call Dr. Abuzeid, the Michigan Infertility Expert at one of his Fertility Clinics in Michigan - click here.

Diagram of a Uterus with Fibroid Tumors