Uterine fibroids (myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromyomas) are the most frequent tumors of the female genital tract: 20 to 40% of women of childbearing age have a fibroid. Fibroids range in size from very tiny to the size of an orange or larger. In some cases, they can cause the uterus to grow to the size of a five-month pregnancy or more. Fibroid may be located in various parts of the uterus.
Fibroids affect at least 20% of all women at sometime during their life. Women aged between 30 and 50 are the most likely to develop fibroids. Overweight and obese women are at significantly higher risk of developing fibroids, compared to women of normal weight.
Types of uterine Fibroids
• Intramural fibroids are located within the wall of the uterus and are the most common type; unless large, they may be asymptomatic. It may cause heavy bleeding with clots. With time, intramural fibroids may expand inwards, causing distortion and elongation of the uterine cavity.
• Subserosal fibroids are located on surface of the uterus and can become very large. They can cause pressure over bladder and rectum producing urgent urination and constipation with back pain.
• Submucosal fibroids are located in the muscle beneath the endometrium of the uterus and distort the uterine cavity; even small lesion in this location may lead to bleeding and infertility.
• Cervical fibroids are located in the wall of the cervix (neck of the uterus.

Symptoms of fibroids depending on location, they may cause:
1. Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods and unusual bleeding, sometime with clots. This might lead to anemia.
2. Lower abdomen, back or leg pain
3. Lower abdomen pressure or heaviness
4. Bladder pressure leading to a constant urge to urinate
5. Pressure on bowel, leading to constipation and bloating
6. Abnormally enlarged abdomen

For more in-depth information contact: Dr. Pradeep Muley M.D.
Senior Consultant Interventional Radiologist, New Delhi, INDIA
Mobile / whatapp 91-98104 92778 or E-mail - muleypradeep@hotmail.com
www.uterusfibroidtreatment.com/