| Fibroids are the most common benign tumor found in | | | | Fibroids that bulge into the uterine cavity or are |
| the uterus and may affect fertility. They may | | | | within the cavity may cause miscarriage as well. |
| develop within the uterine wall, or they may become | | | | Fibroids may thin out the lining and decrease blood |
| attached. Symptoms of fibroids may include increased | | | | flow to the embryo if the fertilized egg implants in |
| menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and frequent urination. | | | | the uterine wall near a fibroid. Fibroids may also cause |
| Estrogen may stimulate the production of fibroids, as | | | | inflammation that may inhibit development. |
| they may begin to show up as women enter their | | | | The good news is that fibroids may be removed. A |
| 20s and may not go away until after menopause. | | | | procedure called Myomectomy may be performed if |
| Possible risk factors for developing fibroids include | | | | the fibroids are bulging into the uterine cavity or are |
| being over-weight, never giving birth and the | | | | within the cavity. No incisions are required and the |
| presence of periods beginning before the age of 10. | | | | procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. |
| African-American women tend to have fibroids more | | | | A camera attached to a telescope that is passed |
| often than other women, while heredity may also | | | | through the cervix gives the doctor a visual of the |
| play a role in the development of fibroids. | | | | fibroids. Electricity is then used to cut through the |
| Fertility may not be affected by fibroids that are | | | | fibroids. |
| within the uterine wall and do not change the shape | | | | Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is also |
| of the uterine cavity, or those that bulge outside of | | | | used to treat fibroids. However, hysterectomy should |
| the uterine wall. However, if fibroids change the | | | | only be used if the woman has no plans to become |
| shape of the uterine cavity or are within the cavity, | | | | pregnant in the present or in the future. |
| fertility may be greatly decreased. | | | | Most women with fibroids do not have to undergo |
| Fibroids are best detected and located using MRI. | | | | treatment. Women whose fibroids are causing |
| Hysterectomy and a saline-infusion sonography, a | | | | infertility or are causing other symptoms should |
| procedure that includes an ultrasound following the | | | | speak with a fertility specialist regarding possible |
| placement of sterile water in the uterine cavity, may | | | | treatment options. Unfortunately, there are currently |
| also be effective. Ultrasound alone, though, may not | | | | no known medications to prevent fibroids or to |
| be as effective. | | | | remove them. |