Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Understanding Causes, Symptoms And Effective Repairs
What are the types of pelvic organ prolapse, what are the causes, the symptoms and the effective treatments for these medical conditions.
Understanding Fibroids: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Understanding Fibroids: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Did you know that up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50—many without even knowing it?
That’s right! Uterine fibroids are one of the most common health conditions affecting women, and yet they’re often misunderstood, overlooked, or only talked about once symptoms become disruptive. If you've just heard the word "fibroids" from your doctor, a friend, or while Googling mysterious pelvic symptoms—you’re not alone. You might hear them called leiomyomas or myomas, but in simple terms, they are common, non-cancerous growths that can develop in or on the wall of the uterus. While the words "tumor" or "growth" can sound alarming, it’s important to remember that fibroids are almost never cancerous and a portion of women who have them experience no symptoms at all. Understanding what fibroids are and how they are classified is the first step toward informed and confident pelvic health.
So… What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They can vary dramatically in size, from as small as a seed to as large as a grapefruit or even bigger. A woman can have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids of different sizes and locations. The exact cause of fibroids remains unknown, but research suggests they are influenced by hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, and may have a genetic component.
Types of Fibroids
The type of fibroid often affects the kind of symptoms you may experience. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Intramural fibroids: Grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus. These are the most common and may cause pressure, pain, or a heavier period.
- Subserosal fibroids: Grow on the outer surface of the uterus. They may press on the bladder or bowel.
- Submucosal fibroids: Grow just under the uterine lining. These are most likely to cause heavy menstrual bleeding and fertility problems.
- Pedunculated fibroids: Attached to the uterus by a stalk, either inside or outside. They can twist, causing sharp pain.
Some Common Symptoms
The impact of uterine fibroids on women's health can be profound, ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications that disrupt daily life. While some women don’t notice anything at all, those who do have symptoms can experience heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, which may lead to anemia due to significant blood loss. Pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, constipation, backache, and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) are also frequent complaints. Larger fibroids can cause abdominal swelling, mimicking pregnancy, and contribute to fatigue from chronic blood loss.
Beyond physical symptoms, fibroids pose risks to reproductive health. They can interfere with fertility by blocking fallopian tubes or distorting the uterine cavity, increasing the chances of miscarriage or infertility. During pregnancy, fibroids may grow rapidly due to elevated hormones, raising the risk of complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, or preterm delivery. Overall, the burden of uterine fibroids extends to emotional and social spheres, with symptoms limiting work, exercise, and intimate relationships, underscoring the need for early detection through pelvic exams or ultrasounds.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering what’s causing your heavy periods, bloating, or pelvic discomfort—or if you’ve just had your first ultrasound showing fibroids—this isn’t something to panic about. The impact of fibroids can range from unnoticeable to completely life-disrupting. The good news? There are many treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical—and sometimes no treatment is needed at all. While many fibroids shrink after menopause due to declining hormone levels, options like medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery are available for symptom management. Regular check-ups and lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, can help mitigate risks. Fibroids are common, and understanding them is the first step to making confident decisions about your health.
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