GYNECOLOGY:
uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas, uterine fibroids are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and very rarely develop into cancer.
As many as three out of four women have uterine fibroids, but most are unaware of them because they often cause no symptoms. Women’s Health physicians at Saint John’s may discover them during a pelvic exam or ultrasound.
In general, uterine fibroids cause no problems and seldom require treatment. Medical therapy and surgical procedures can shrink or remove fibroids if there is discomfort or troublesome symptoms. Rarely, fibroids can require emergency treatment if they cause sudden, sharp pelvic pain.
Symptoms
Diagnostic Testing
Treatment Options