Fibroids :
The cause of fibroids isn't well understood. Risk factors include a family history of fibroids, obesity or early onset of puberty. Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods and pelvic pain. In some cases, there are no symptoms. Treatments include medication and removal of the fibroid.
Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage and can add weight. Many women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives. But you might not know you have uterine fibroids because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound
Symptoms :
Many women who have fibroids don't have any symptoms. In
those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location,
size and number of fibroids. In women who have symptoms, the
most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids
include:
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urinatio.
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains
Fibroids risk factors
There are few known risk factors for uterine fibroids, other
than being a woman of reproductive age. Factors that can have
an impact on fibroid development include:
• Race. Although all women of reproductive age could
develop fibroids, black women are more likely to have fibroids
than are women of other racial groups. In addition, black
women have fibroids at younger ages, and they're also likely
to have more or larger fibroids, along with more-severe
symptoms.
• Heredity. If your mother or sister had fibroids,
you're at increased risk of developing them.
• Other factors. Starting your period at an early age;
obesity; a vitamin D deficiency; having a diet higher in red
meat and lower in green vegetables, fruit and dairy; and
drinking alcohol, including beer, appear to increase your risk
of developing fibroids.