Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids
Synonyms	uterine leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma, fibroleiomyoma
Uterine fibroids as seen during laparoscopic surgery
Classification and external resources
Specialty	Gynecology
ICD-10	D25
ICD-9-CM	218
OMIM	150699
DiseasesDB	4806
MedlinePlus	000914
eMedicine	radio/777
Patient UK	Uterine fibroid
MeSH	D007889
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Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Most women have no symptoms while others may have painful or heavy periods. If large enough, they may push on the bladder causing a frequent need to urinate. They may also cause pain during sex or lower back pain. A woman can have one uterine fibroid or many of them. Occasionally, fibroids may make it difficult to get pregnant, although this is uncommon.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unclear. However, fibroids run in families and appear to be partly determined by hormone levels. Risk factors include obesity and eating red meat. Diagnosis can be performed by pelvic examination or medical imaging.

Treatment is typically not needed if there are no symptoms. In those with mild symptoms, ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen) may help. Iron supplements may be needed in those with heavy periods. Medications of the gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist class may decrease the size of the fibroids but are expensive and associated with side effects. If greater symptoms are present, surgery to remove the fibroid or uterus may help. Uterine artery embolization may also help. Cancerous versions of fibroids are very rare and are known as leiomyosarcomas. They do not appear to develop from benign fibroids.

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Wikipedia