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Uterine fibroids are one of the most common reasons women seek gynecologic evaluation and help. They are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often develop during childbearing years. Although benign, the risk is that cancerous growths can be mistaken for fibroids, which is why medical evaluation is necessary.

While there is no known cause for uterine fibroids, some risk factors may predispose a woman for developing them including race, family history, certain hormonal changes, and consumption of alcohol or red meat. 

In general, women should consider treatment when uterine fibroids are associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, persistent pelvic pain or pressure, or recurrent miscarriage. But many women experience no signs, or only mildly annoying ones that they can tolerate. In that case, nothing is recommended and physicians will typically adopt a ‘watchful waiting’ approach to make sure the symptoms don’t get worse.

The most conservative treatment option involves medications that target the hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, treating symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure. Oral contraceptives can also be used to help control menstrual bleeding, but they don't reduce fibroid size. In some cases, certain radiation therapy or surgical procedures may be employed, depending on the severity of the symptoms and whether a woman is of childbearing age or not.

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