What Are Fibroids?
Fibroid tumors are benign (non-cancerous) growths that appear on the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common tumors of the female genital tract. You may hear them called other names like leiomyoma, leiomyomata, or myoma. They range in size from microscopic to masses that fill the entire abdominal cavity. In some cases, fibroids can be as large as a 5-month pregnancy. Uterine fibroids can affect women of all ages, but are most common in women ages 40 to 50. In most cases, there is more than one fibroid in the uterus
Types of Fibroids?
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Intramural Uterine Fibroids
Are located in the wall of the uterus and are the most common type of fibroids. They cause the uterus to become enlarged, and can cause pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic or back pain, and pressure.
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Submucosal Uterine Fibrods
Are located inside the lining of the uterus and protrude inward. These cause heavy bleeding and heavy, prolonged periods.
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Subserosal Uterine Fibroids
Are located outside of the lining of the uterus and protrude outward. They have less of an affect on your period, but may cause back pain or pressure. The subserosal fibroid can also grow on a stalk attached to the uterus, in which case it is called ‘pendunculated.’ The stalk may become twisted and can cause severe pelvic pain.