adam magos

Fibroids are tumours (almost always benign) arising from womb muscle resulting in enlargement and distortion of the womb. They are usually multiple, and are extremely common; one recent study from the USA found that by the age of 50, over 80% of black women and almost 70% of white women have fibroids diagnosed by pelvic ultrasound scan.

Although fibroids can be asymptomatic, the typical symptoms associated with fibroids are heavy, prolonged and painful periods; irregular bleeding is less common. If the fibroids become large, pressure symptoms (e.g. frequency of micturition) and abdominal swelling are often noted. Fibroids can also have a negative effect on fertility, sometimes making it difficult to conceive or at other times increasing the chances of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or premature delivery.

You can read more about uterine fibroids and treatment options at www.fibroids.org.uk.