What are uterine fibroids?

Bottom lineUterine fibroids are common non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus that often cause no symptoms but can lead to heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, and sometimes fertility issues; they're most common in the 30s and 40s, more frequent in Black women, and shrink after menopause. Symptom-free fibroids need no treatment, while symptomatic ones are managed with medication or procedures.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle and tissue in or on the uterus. They're very common - many people have them at some point - and often cause no symptoms.

Symptoms (when present)

• Heavy or prolonged periods, sometimes with clots
• Pelvic pressure, pain, or fullness
• Frequent urination (if pressing on the bladder)
• Constipation (if pressing on the bowel)
• Lower back pain
• Pain during sex
• Occasionally fertility or pregnancy issues, depending on size and location

Many fibroids are found incidentally and never need treatment.

Who gets them

They're most common in the 30s and 40s, are more frequent and can be larger in Black women, and tend to shrink after menopause as estrogen falls.

How they're diagnosed

• Pelvic exam (may feel an enlarged or irregular uterus)
• Ultrasound, sometimes MRI to map them

Treatment (only if they cause problems)

• Watchful waiting for symptom-free fibroids
• Medications - hormonal options to control bleeding, tranexamic acid, or treatments to shrink them
• Procedures - uterine artery embolization, myomectomy (removing fibroids), or hysterectomy in severe cases

When to see a doctor

Heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or urinary/bowel symptoms that affect your life.

See what is a heavy period.

Femora helps you track heavy bleeding and pelvic symptoms to share with your clinician.