Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Medically Reviewed on 3/11/2019

Doctor's Notes on Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors of smooth muscle that originate in a woman’s uterus (womb). The medical terms for a fibroid is leiomyoma. The cause of fibroids is not well understood, but they are very common in women of childbearing age.

Fibroids range dramatically in size. They may be microscopic or may be eight or more inches across. Typically they are between the size of a marble and a baseball. Fibroids may occur in clusters. In most cases, fibroids do not have any associated symptoms. However, depending on their size, location within the uterus, and proximity to other pelvic organs, they may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or heavy menstrual periods, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, frequent urination, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.

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Vaginal Bleeding (Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods)

In women, abnormal vaginal bleeding when is when they are not on their period (menstruation). Symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of your period include red blood on the underwear or pajamas, pelvic or abdominal pain, and excessive pain from menstruating, or if you are pregnant. Causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding include unbalanced hormones, during pregnancy, after trauma, uterine fibroids, menopause, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding.

REFERENCE:

Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.

Symptoms and Signs of Uterine Fibroids

Doctor's Notes on Uterine Fibroids

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Vaginal Bleeding (Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods)