Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are common benign growths of muscle and other tissue in or around the wall of the uterus. They mainly affect women of childbearing age, before the menopause, and many women never notice them. The cause is unknown; genetics and growth hormones, including female sex hormones, seem to contribute, and risk is higher with obesity, a family history or never having been pregnant. When symptoms occur they include heavy or painful periods, lower back or abdominal pain, urinary frequency, bowel problems, pain during sex and difficulty conceiving; heavy bleeding can cause iron deficiency anaemia. Diagnosis follows a pelvic examination and imaging, usually ultrasound, and fibroids are sometimes found incidentally. Treatment is unnecessary without symptoms; otherwise options include painkillers, tranexamic acid or hormonal medicines for heavy bleeding, and surgery or uterine artery embolisation when medicines fail.

Seek urgent care for fever with flank pain, inability to pass urine, or blood in the urine. See a doctor for burning on urination that lasts more than two days, urinary symptoms that keep returning, or any change in urinary flow in men over 50. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.