A fibroid is a benign tumor that develops in the myometrium (the muscle tissue of the uterus). It is not a rare phenomenon – it affects 1/4 of women over 30 years of age. Symptoms Most women who have uterine fibroids do not have any symptoms. For those that do, they can vary depending on the location, size, and number of fibroid nodules. For women who have symptoms, they are usually: Heavy menstrual bleeding; Menstruation lasting more than a week; Pain or pressure in the pelvic area; Frequent urination; Difficulty emptying the bladder; Constipation; Pain in the back and legs. Rarely, but sometimes a fibroid can cause severe pain if it grows and its blood supply becomes insufficient. In this case, it begins to die, which is also the cause of the pain. Types of Fibroids Fibroids are usually classified according to their location: Intramural nodules Intramural nodules are one of the most common types of fibroids in women of childbearing age. They develop in the wall of the uterus, which leads to its thickening. At first, the nodules are small and located in the uterine muscles. Subsequently, they can grow either in the direction of the uterine cavity or in the direction outside it. If they grow in the direction of the uterine cavity, they are called submucosal, and in the opposite direction – subserous. Submucosal fibroids Submucous fibroids grow in the direction of the uterine cavity. They can grow with a wide or very narrow base (foot). In the second case, they can show through the cervical canal or even break off, causing heavy bleeding. They can also lead to miscarriage or infertility, as their position can prevent successful implantation of the egg. Subserous fibroids Subserous fibroids grow in the direction of the abdominal cavity. They can reach significant sizes, which can lead to compression of adjacent organs and tissues. Subserous fibroids can also grow on the leg. In rare cases, they can detach from the uterus if they find an alternative blood supply. In these cases, we are talking about parasitic fibroids. Other myoma nodules In addition to those mentioned, there are other types of myoma nodules that differ in their location. When should you consult a doctor? It is important not to ignore your condition if you have fibroids. Consult your doctor if you have: Pain in the pelvic area that does not go away; Excessively painful, profuse and prolonged menstruation; Spotting or bleeding between periods; Difficulty emptying the bladder; Seek immediate medical attention if you have heavy vaginal bleeding or very sharp pelvic pain that comes on suddenly. Why do fibroids occur? Doctors have not yet determined what causes the appearance of uterine fibroids, but research and clinical trials point to the following factors:Genetic changes In many fibroids, there are changes in the genes – they differ from those in normal cells of the uterus. Hormones Estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones that stimulate the development of the lining of the uterus during each menstrual cycle, preparing it for pregnancy. They also stimulate the growth of fibroids. Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine cells. Other growth factors Substances that help the body form tissue, such as insulin-like growth factor, can affect fibroid growth. Doctors believe that uterine fibroids develop from stem cells in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus (myometrium). A cell begins to divide and eventually creates a hard, rubber-like mass that is distinct from the surrounding tissue. Fibroids can grow either slowly or quickly or stay the same size. Some fibroids go through a stage where they grow very quickly, while others may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that occur during pregnancy shrink after delivery as the uterus returns to its normal size. Fibroids often shrink after menopause – this is due to the decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone during this period. Risk Factors There are several risk factors for developing uterine fibroids other than simply being a woman of childbearing age. These may include: NEWS_MORE_BOX Heredity – if your mother or sister has fibroids, you are at increased risk of developing one. Race – Black women are also at increased risk of fibroids. In addition, they usually develop fibroids at an earlier age and are predisposed to developing larger fibroids. Environment – starting menstruation at a very early age, taking birth control pills (contraceptives), obesity, vitamin D deficiency, following a diet high in red meat and lacking in vegetables, fruits and dairy products, drinking alcohol, including beer – all of these factors seem to increase the risk of developing fibroids. Complications Although uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, they can cause serious discomfort and lead to complications such as anemia or severe blood loss. Pregnancy and fibroids Fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, in some cases, it is possible for a fibroid to prevent pregnancy or lead to pregnancy loss, especially if it is submucosal. In addition, fibroids can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or premature birth.Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine cells. Other growth factors Substances that help the body form tissue, such as insulin-like growth factor, can affect fibroid growth. Doctors believe that uterine fibroids develop from stem cells in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus (myometrium). A cell begins to divide and eventually creates a hard, rubber-like mass that is distinct from the surrounding tissue. Fibroids can grow either slowly or quickly or stay the same size. Some fibroids go through a stage where they grow very quickly, while others may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that occur during pregnancy shrink after delivery as the uterus returns to its normal size. Fibroids often shrink after menopause – this is due to the decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone during this period. Risk Factors There are several risk factors for developing uterine fibroids other than simply being a woman of childbearing age. These may include: NEWS_MORE_BOX Heredity – if your mother or sister has fibroids, you are at increased risk of developing one. Race – Black women are also at increased risk of fibroids. In addition, they usually develop fibroids at an earlier age and are predisposed to developing larger fibroids. Environment – starting menstruation at a very early age, taking birth control pills (contraceptives), obesity, vitamin D deficiency, following a diet high in red meat and lacking in vegetables, fruits and dairy products, drinking alcohol, including beer – all of these factors seem to increase the risk of developing fibroids. Complications Although uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, they can cause serious discomfort and lead to complications such as anemia or severe blood loss. Pregnancy and fibroids Fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, in some cases, it is possible for a fibroid to prevent pregnancy or lead to pregnancy loss, especially if it is submucosal. In addition, fibroids can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or premature birth.Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine cells. Other growth factors Substances that help the body form tissue, such as insulin-like growth factor, can affect fibroid growth. Doctors believe that uterine fibroids develop from stem cells in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus (myometrium). A cell begins to divide and eventually creates a hard, rubber-like mass that is distinct from the surrounding tissue. Fibroids can grow either slowly or quickly or stay the same size. Some fibroids go through a stage where they grow very quickly, while others may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that occur during pregnancy shrink after delivery as the uterus returns to its normal size. Fibroids often shrink after menopause – this is due to the decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone during this period. Risk Factors There are several risk factors for developing uterine fibroids other than simply being a woman of childbearing age. These may include: NEWS_MORE_BOX Heredity – if your mother or sister has fibroids, you are at increased risk of developing one. Race – Black women are also at increased risk of fibroids. In addition, they usually develop fibroids at an earlier age and are predisposed to developing larger fibroids. Environment – starting menstruation at a very early age, taking birth control pills (contraceptives), obesity, vitamin D deficiency, following a diet high in red meat and lacking in vegetables, fruits and dairy products, drinking alcohol, including beer – all of these factors seem to increase the risk of developing fibroids. Complications Although uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, they can cause serious discomfort and lead to complications such as anemia or severe blood loss. Pregnancy and fibroids Fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, in some cases, it is possible for a fibroid to prevent pregnancy or lead to pregnancy loss, especially if it is submucosal. In addition, fibroids can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or premature birth.and others may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that occur during pregnancy shrink after delivery as the uterus returns to its normal size. Fibroids often shrink after menopause – this is due to the decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone during this period. Risk Factors There are several risk factors for developing uterine fibroids other than simply being a woman of childbearing age. These may include: NEWS_MORE_BOX Heredity – if your mother or sister has fibroids, you are at increased risk of developing one. Race – Black women are also at increased risk of fibroids. In addition, they usually develop fibroids at an earlier age and are predisposed to developing larger fibroids. Environment – starting menstruation at a very early age, taking birth control pills (contraceptives), obesity, vitamin D deficiency, following a diet high in red meat and lacking in vegetables, fruits and dairy products, drinking alcohol, including beer – all of these factors seem to increase the risk of developing fibroids. Complications Although uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, they can cause serious discomfort and lead to complications such as anemia or severe blood loss. Pregnancy and fibroids Fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, in some cases, it is possible for a fibroid to prevent pregnancy or lead to pregnancy loss, especially if it is submucosal. In addition, fibroids can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or premature birth.and others may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that occur during pregnancy shrink after delivery as the uterus returns to its normal size. Fibroids often shrink after menopause – this is due to the decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone during this period. Risk Factors There are several risk factors for developing uterine fibroids other than simply being a woman of childbearing age. These may include: NEWS_MORE_BOX Heredity – if your mother or sister has fibroids, you are at increased risk of developing one. Race – Black women are also at increased risk of fibroids. In addition, they usually develop fibroids at an earlier age and are predisposed to developing larger fibroids. Environment – starting menstruation at a very early age, taking birth control pills (contraceptives), obesity, vitamin D deficiency, following a diet high in red meat and lacking in vegetables, fruits and dairy products, drinking alcohol, including beer – all of these factors seem to increase the risk of developing fibroids. Complications Although uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, they can cause serious discomfort and lead to complications such as anemia or severe blood loss. Pregnancy and fibroids Fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, in some cases, it is possible for a fibroid to prevent pregnancy or lead to pregnancy loss, especially if it is submucosal. In addition, fibroids can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or premature birth.they can cause serious discomfort and lead to complications such as anemia or severe blood loss. Pregnancy and fibroids Fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, in some cases, it is possible for a fibroid to prevent pregnancy or lead to pregnancy loss, especially if it is submucosal. In addition, fibroids can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or premature birth.they can cause serious discomfort and lead to complications such as anemia or severe blood loss. Pregnancy and fibroids Fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, in some cases, it is possible for a fibroid to prevent pregnancy or lead to pregnancy loss, especially if it is submucosal. In addition, fibroids can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, such as placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, or premature birth.