### What is uterine fibroid? #### Uterine fibroids are benign muscular masses that can grow inside or outside the uterus and usually occur in women of reproductive age. These masses are also called leiomyoma or myomas. Fibroids are usually always benign and are very common. Approximately 40-60% of women will have fibroids before the age of 35 and 60-80% before the age of 50. Fibroids may be solitary or clustered. The size of fibroids can be very diverse - from one millimeter to 20 cm in diameter - it should be noted that the diameter of the uterus is usually 10 cm; Very large fibroids can put pressure on the abdomen and cause discomfort. In most cases, it is still not clear why this problem occurs. Genetic predisposition and steroid hormone factors play an important role in the growth of fibroids. **Depending on the location, fibroids have different types:** The types that grow inside the uterine wall. Types that grow outside the womb. The types that grow under the uterus and may penetrate the uterine cavity and lead to heavy bleeding. They may also grow on attachments that are confined to the uterus. Types of uterine fibroids Fibroids are classified according to the area of the uterus in which they have grown, and it is possible that more than one type of fibroids can be present in the uterus at the same time. **Internal** It is the most common type of fibroid that grows in the uterine wall. The bigger they are, the more they can kill the uterus. **sub serosal** These fibroids grow outside the uterus and as they get bigger, they put pressure on the organs around the uterus. **Submucosal** These are the most common types of myomas and grow in the submucosa – the layer just below the uterine wall, which can swell into the uterus and cause heartburn and bleeding. Depending on the depth of placement of fibroids in the uterus, they are divided into type one and type two. Also, hereditary factors are not ineffective in myoma growth. Women whose mothers, grandmothers and sisters had myomas are more likely to develop myomas. **What is the growth rate of fibroids?** Factors affecting the growth of myomas are: age Myomas occur mostly in women between the ages of 30 and 40. It seems that myoma growth is more common in women under 35 years of age. **What are the symptoms of fibroid or myoma?** 1 in 3 women with fibroids experience symptoms. These symptoms include: - Anemia, the result of heavy periods - Back pain or leg pain - Constipation - Discomfort in the lower back, especially in large fibroids - Frequency of urination - Heavy and painful period Pain during intercourse Other possible symptoms include: - Birth problems - Pregnancy problems - Fertility problems - Repeated miscarriage If the fibroid is large, it causes weight gain and swelling in the lower back. Note that the appearance of each symptom depends on the location and size of the fibroid or myoma, and each person may experience one or more cases. **What are the symptoms of fibroid or myoma?** 1 in 3 women with fibroids experience symptoms. These symptoms include: - Anemia, the result of heavy periods - Back pain or leg pain - Constipation (read: cure constipation in 6 steps) - Discomfort in the lower back, especially in large fibroids - Frequency of urination - Heavy and painful period - Pain during intercourse Other possible symptoms include: - Birth problems - Pregnancy problems - Fertility problems - Repeated miscarriage #### Dr. Siddiqa Akhan Tabib **Surgeon and specialist in gynecology, childbirth and infertility** **Office:** Valiasr Street, below Vali Asr Square, Voldi Street, No. 21, 1st floor Appointment by phone: 021-88938793