Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscular layer of the uterus. They are the most common pelvic tumour in women of reproductive age and occur in more than 70% of women by the onset of menopause, though this is likely an underestimation. Studies have estimated annual direct and indirect costs related to uterine fibroids to be as high as US $34.4 billion in the United States.

Uterine fibroids may be asymptomatic, particularly if they are small, or may present with symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, bloating and pressure in the abdomen, pain with sex, urinary frequency and constipation. Fibroids may also be associated with infertility, miscarriage, preterm labour, breech or caesarean birth and postpartum haemorrhage. Fibroids may be diagnosed by a variety of methods, including ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Treatment may involve monitoring, medication – including simple pain relief and intrauterine devices – , MRI-guided ultrasound therapy, uterine artery embolization or surgical procedures to remove fibroids.