Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas)
Medically reviewed by the SEDU Clinical Review Board. Detailed pathophysiology, symptoms, and care guidelines.
Clinical Overview
Non-cancerous (benign) tumors of the uterine muscle wall that can range in size from tiny seedlings to bulky masses, causing heavy menstrual bleeding and pressure.
Associated Symptoms
- Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding)
- Pelvic Heaviness & Fullness
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Urinary Urgency & Frequency
Treatment Pathways
- Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal Surgery)
- Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
- Lifestyle & Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Causes & Mechanisms
Monoclonal proliferation of smooth muscle cells, heavily influenced by estrogen and progesterone receptor sensitivity and extracellular matrix deposition.
Risk Factors
Diagnosis & Screening
Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound is highly sensitive; saline-infusion sonography or hysteroscopy for submucosal tumors.
Prevention & Care Guidelines
Medical management (progestin-releasing IUDs, GnRH inhibitors), uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, or hysterectomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Do fibroids cause cancer?
No. They are benign leiomyomas. The risk of transforming into a leiomyosarcoma is extremely rare (under 0.1%).
Clinical References & Journals
- 1NIH Fibroids Research Bulletin, 2022.
- 2ACOG Practice Bulletin N.228 on Leiomyomas.