Fibroids are common, benign growths of womb (uterine) muscle.
They are present in around 1/4-5 of white women and 1/2 black women.
They are most common toward the end of the reproductive years. They
exist sometimes singly, but most often are multiple and range in
size from microscopic to filling the whole of the lower abdomen!
They are more common in obese women and those who have no children,
there probably is some genetic determinant and they are less common
in smokers.
Most fibroids do not cause symptoms, but overall symptomatic fibroids
account for about one third of all hysterectomy operations.
In some women, uterine fibroids may cause heavy bleeding, pelvic
discomfort and pain and create pressure on other organs. These symptoms
may require treatment, but not always a hysterectomy.
It is important to note that symptoms like pelvic pain or unusual
bleeding may not necessarily be related to the uterus or fibroids.
An accurate diagnosis through the use of trans-vaginal ultrasound,
magnetic resolution imaging (MRI), and endometrial biopsy is important
in helping you to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Diagnosing the cause of symptoms and attempting to treat those symptoms
prior to treating the fibroids through other, more invasive means,
is a critical step in the overall medical process of managing your
uterine fibroid condition.
National Uterine Fibroids Foundation
http://www.nuff.org/
http://www.fibroids.net/
http://www.womens-health.co.uk/fibroids.htm
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