8 Facts About Fibroid Tumors Every Woman Should Know

Most women get uterine fibroids at some point. Fortunately, many don’t have symptoms, and for those who do, there are effective treatments. Here’s what you need to know about fibroids.

You may have a fibroid right now and not know it. Fibroid tumors are muscular tissue that grow in the uterus. They go by several names, including uterine fibroids, leiomyomas, and myomas. Women can develop one or many. They can be as small as a snowflake or as large as a grapefruit.

At Mira Women's Health & Midwifery in Boca Raton, Florida, Drs. Kenneth Konsker, Emily Woodbury, and our expert team of women’s health providers can diagnose and treat symptomatic fibroids so they don't cause pain or problems.

Could you have fibroids? Here are eight facts about fibroids you should know.

1. A lot of women get fibroids

Fibroids are common. Up to 80% of women will develop them at some point. They’re most common in women in their 40s and early 50s, but up to half of women of reproductive age currently have them.

2. Don't be scared of fibroids just because they’re called tumors

Although the word “tumor” is usually associated with cancer, a tumor is simply an abnormal or excessive growth of tissue. In the case of fibroid tumors, these growths are almost always not cancerous. More than 99% of fibroid tumors are benign.

3. Not all fibroids cause symptoms

Many women don't have symptoms from fibroids. In many cases, women only discover they have fibroids during an annual gynecological exam.

4. Symptoms can be painful and severe

About 25% to 50% of women have symptoms; common symptoms include:

Heavy and prolonged periods
Pelvic pain
Lower back pain
Frequent urination
Constipation

Sometimes, a large fibroid can result in a lump or bulging in your abdomen. Fibroids can also lead to painful sex and fertility issues.

5. Factors that increase your risk of fibroids

While there is no clear answer for what causes fibroids, there are factors such as family history and race, with Black women having a higher risk than White women, that can increase your risk of developing them. Other risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, and a diet high in red meat.

6. Effective treatments for fibroid symptoms

If fibroids are causing pain or interfering with your efforts to have a baby, the doctors at Mira Women’s Health & Midwifery can create a treatment plan that may include hormonal treatments to help shrink tumors or prevent them from growing or surgery.

Surgery may be the right option for large, problematic fibroids. Minimally invasive procedures can remove these large fibroids while keeping your uterine intact.

Depending on your family planning goals, symptoms, and age, we may recommend a total hysterectomy.

7. Your OB/GYN can diagnose fibroids during a check-up

Whether you have symptoms or not, your doctor can diagnose them through a simple pelvic exam. While pushing on your uterus, they can detect a mass or lump. For further information, your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI for more details, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms.

8. Fibroid tumors do not increase your risk of developing cancer

Fibroids don’t cause cancer, lead to cancer, or increase your risk of developing uterine cancer.

If you think you have fibroids or are experiencing common fibroid symptoms, call Mira Women’s Health & Midwifery to make an appointment or request one online through our website. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.