Fibroids are some of the most common benign tumors (non-cancerous)that can be found in the female reproductive system. They can also be called uterine myomas and are made of  muscle cells and connective tissue that develops in the uterus.About 60% of women have fibroids in their lifetime, even though some will not show any symptoms hence they won’t get diagnosed . Fibroids should not be associated with uterine cancer and will not increase a woman’s risk for uterine cancer. Fibroid sizes may range in size, from the size of a bean to the size of a grapefruit.

There are various treatment methods for fibroids, treatment is usually chosen by the doctor depending on each individual case. Medications are usually used to treat mild cases of fibroids that can also be asymptomatic. Surgical options are available for patients with more advanced and symptomatic cases. The following are some of the surgical options available:

Myomectomy: This is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fibroids without damaging the healthy tissue which is ideal for women that want to have children in the future.

Hysterectomy: A Hysterectomy procedure is the removal of the uterus in order to cure fibroids. Since fibroids can regrow, a hysterectomy is the sure way to treat fibroids. The majority of women that opt for a hysterectomy are women that have large fibroids or experience heavy bleeding and don’t wish to have children in the future.

Endometrial Ablation: This procedure is used to control heavy bleeding by removing the lining of the uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Embolization is a minimally invasive proceure that is usually used on small fibroids by blocking the supply of blood to the fibroid using plastic therefore shrinking it.

The cause of fibroids is not yet known but certain factors can increase the risk of developing fibroids. Some risk factors a family history of developing fibroids, genetics, race because African Americans tend to disproportionately develop fibroids, obesity  and vitamin D deficiency.

Most women are able to get pregnant and also carry a pregnancy without any complications. In some women, Fibroids might cause infertility or complications because of the location or size of the tumors which might affect the shape of the uterus.

The overall risk of fibroids being cancerous are very low. Most of the fibroid tumors are benign and it is beliebed that having fibroids does not increase the risk of developing cancer.