# Fibroids --- **Fibroids** are benign tumors of the [[uterus]] that arise from the muscle tissue, which can be found in any of the uterine layers. They tend to develop slowly, and can be solitary or multiple. ## Risk Factors Fibroids are relatively common, affecting 20-40% of uterus-havers in their reproductive years. There may be a genetic disposition to developing them. ## Signs & Symptoms Fibroids may cause menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) or metrorrhagia (irregular bleeding), or they may be asymptomatic. Most of their signs and symptoms are caused by the pressure put on surrounding organs: - pain - backache - pressure - bloating - constipation - urinary problems ## Treatment Treatment for fibroids depends on the size and location of the fibroid, as well as the symptoms, the individual's age and their reproductive desire. Some treatments may simply be a "wait and see" if the symptoms are mild enough. - Surgical treatments - **Myomectomy** is a procedure that just removes the fibroids - the uterus remains intact and pregnancy is possible afterwards - [[hysterectomy]] - other treatments (for excessive bleeding) - lasers to shrink them - ultrasonic energy to destroy them - **uterine artery embolization** or **UAE** - particles are injected into the arteries feeding the fibroids, causing a blockage and starving the fibroid. ___