Young Women's Wellness
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, like endometriosis, are another common condition in women’s reproductive health. Uterine fibroids are common formations of tumors that occur in the years when you are able to become pregnant. (Most form when you are 30-50 years old). It’s also estimated that up to 80% of women develop them by age 50, and up to 30% experience significant symptoms, including heavy bleeding, pressure, and pain. They form in the uterus and are mostly made from fibers and tangled muscle cells. Although they sound bad, most of them are benign (not a threat), and in fact, a lot of people who have uterine fibroids don’t experience any symptoms.
Locations
Uterine fibroids can grow in different parts of the uterus; depending on where they grow, they can be classified differently. The three main types of fibroids are intramural, submucosal, and subserosal.
- Fibroids that grow inside the walls of the uterus are referred to as intramural fibroids; this type is most common. Intramural fibroids usually cause pelvic pain or pressure, heavy bleeding, constipation, and frequent urination. (These fibroids grow inside the muscle layer and not within the uterus.)
- Fibroids that can grow in or between the endometrium and myometrium (Inner-most layer and middle muscle-like layer, respectively) are called submucosal fibroids. This type of fibroid is the least common of the three, and usually causes heavy bleeding.
- Fibroids that grow on the outer areas of the uterus, but underneath the perimetrium, or serosa (outer-most layer of the uterus) are called subserosal fibroids. Symptoms of this kind of fibroid include pain during sex, pressure, leg/back pain, and constipation
Another kind of fibroid called an pedunculated (Something attached to a surface by a stalk or stem) fibroid, can form from a stalk or stem on either the inside or outside of the uterus. For example, a fibroid on the inside of the uterus connected to the inner layer by a stalk/stem is known as a pedunculated submucosal fibroid. The fibroids forming from the outer layer are called pedunculated subserosal fibroids.
Symptoms
Most women who develop uterine fibroids don’t experience any symptoms. But for those who do, it can include these common symptoms: heavy bleeding, pain, pain during sex, pressure, frequent urination, and back pain. Additionally, your lower abdomen and uterus area could be larger than normal even if you aren’t pregnant. In extreme cases where the fibroids are very large, they could make you look pregnant. If you think you are experiencing any of these symptoms in severity, don’t be afraid to talk to someone about them.
Causes and Factors of Development
Uterine fibroids are often linked to progesterone and estrogen, two common hormones. The cause of uterine fibroids, like many other women’s health conditions, such as endometriosis, is unknown. However your genetics, race, and eating habits can affect your likelihood of developing fibroids. For example, if your mother or grandmother has it, your chances of getting fibroids could increase 2-3 times above average. Also, things like diet and weight can affect your odds of getting uterine fibroids. For example, obese individuals are more likely to develop fibroids due to an increase in estrogen.
What should I do if I think I have uterine fibroids? What would be the next steps?
If you feel that you are experiencing severe symptoms similar to those of uterine fibroids, it could be a good idea to reach out to your OB/GYN for an examination. If your OB/GYN concludes that your fibroids are at a dangerous location or size, the next steps could be these common procedures:
Laparotomy - This procedure is a cut in your lower abdomen commonly used to remove fibroids and growth from conditions like uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Hysterectomy - This is a procedure in which the whole uterus is removed; it’s also the only way to completely “cure” uterine fibroids. But it may not be ideal for individuals who want to become pregnant.
Myolysis - A breakdown or destruction of muscle tissue and muscle growth.
Although there are more treatments, the above are pretty common ways to get rid of fibroids. The treatment type is mainly considered based on factors like size, location, severity, and plans for pregnancy. Make sure to talk to someone you trust before making a decision.
Uterine Fibroids and Awareness
Similar to endometriosis, uterine fibroids are not well known by most, but occur in a lot of women! This is sometimes because women who have them simply don’t feel any symptoms. But those who do feel symptoms and pain are often under-diagnosed, and these women are often told it was nothing despite the many impacts fibroids can bring on their daily life. The amount of underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis makes the real number of women living with fibroids even higher than what you might hear about or expect.
The lack of awareness is also affecting surgical decisions. Studies show a lot of women are offered to remove their whole uterus via Hysterectomies over small fibroids. According to some surveys, more than 70 percent of women don’t know they are at risk for uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids lack a lot of awareness and are more common than you think. If someone you know may be experiencing symptoms, listen to what they might have to say, and try to express empathy. It is hard to understand a condition you don’t have, so try to avoid saying things like “It’s fine, you’re over-reacting”. Being educated about topics like uterine fibroids can help improve awareness of women’s health!
Sources:
https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288
Sophia Wang, Emily Wang 1/4/26