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Fibroids

Fibroids

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Average rating: 4 out of 5 star rating

goodtoknow says: Fibroids are extremely common harmless growths that around 1 in 5 women develop in their womb. They're not cancerous. They often don't cause any symptoms or problems and need no treatment. Female hormones make fibroids grow. They can get worse during pregnancy but shrink after the menopause. If symptoms do develop, you usually get heavier, more painful periods and swelling. A hormonal medication can shrink the fibroids and ease the pain. If they are very large, your doctor may advise removing them. New surgical techniques are constantly developing. Hysterectomy is now a last resort.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of fibroids from patient.co.uk, read on.

Fibroids are common. They usually cause no symptoms. Treatment with medication or surgery are options if symptoms occur.

What are fibroids?

A fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of the uterus (womb). They are also called uterine myomas, fibromyomas or leiomyomas. They can vary from pea-sized to the size of a melon. They can occur anywhere in the uterus and are named differently depending upon where they grow:

  • Intramural fibroids grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus. These are the most common place for fibroids to form.
  • Subserous fibroids grow from the outside wall of the uterus into the pelvis.
  • Submucous fibroids grow from the inner wall into the middle of the uterus.
  • Pedunculated fibroids grow from the outside wall of the uterus and are attached to the uterus by a narrow stalk.

Average rating:

4 out of 5 star rating

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Emma Bonsu, about 1 year

I have tried everything from shrinking to surgery but no solution. Those it mean that the size of the fibriods are too large to rmove or shrink? I have been bleeding for far too long. Is there any way to help without removing my womb?

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wendy greene, about 1 year

i suffer with really bad pain when have my periods am laid up first few days my stomach is swollen all the time even though have lost weight my stomach is getting bigger it makes me look pregnant my friend thinks i have fibroids

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jan walters, over 2 years

I am 54 have a myrina coil and have taken hrt for 11 years. Today I have found out I have a fibroid, does this mean I will have to stop my hrt? After 5 children I am surprised by the fibroid as i associated them with younger women of child bearing age. What are the chances of it turning cancerous?

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michelle, over 2 years

After 3 C/Sections, 6 misscarriages, 1 Ovarian cyst that ruptured and needed emergency surgery, A Sterilization, and a microwave of the womb lining, I have found i am in acute pain which originally started when i overlated and lasted for 3-4 days, but for the last year comes anytime anywhere, i am in so much pain i car't lead a semi-normal life. GP say's i have fibriods and more cyst on ovaries and lots of scar tissue which is causing the pain. They won't preform a full hystorectomy because im too young ( and I have MS) and keep giving me stronger painkillers (which make me like a zombie) although i really want to end this nightmere. Is there anything I can do to help.

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Maxine Okosun, over 2 years

I am confused, I have 8 children and recently I've just been diagnosed with fibroids. I thought this affected women who didn't have children. How can I treat this problem

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julie, over 2 years

I have just had a scan as I have been having intermediate bleeding. I have regular periods but have been on hrt for 5 years, I had not stopped my periods no had any signs of them stopping when I started hrt. I was told that as my womb is not needed I should have an hysterectomy, I like my womb and my periods and want to keep it even though I am in my fifties. 3fibroids are 11/2 inches and I have 4 smaller ones. please advise...

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kirsty, over 2 years

i was diagnosed with a fibroid about 3 years ago and have just had a scan to find out why i had pain in my stomach and having bleeding all over the place i was told at the scan that it was my fibroid causing it, i want to find out if having a fibroid can make you infertile as this is my biggest worry as i am only 24 and would like at least one more child in the future. please could you help?

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andrea allison, over 2 years

Iv just had a scan and have a fibroid the size of my ovary. Im worried about going back to the hospital as i dont want a hysterectomy. Im on hrt p and e as well has having a marina coil fitted. Iv got periods all over the place what do you advise.

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tereza, over 2 years

Is great to understand about it all.iwas just there depending on doctors telling me that the only cure is operation,ihad had amajor operation removing them,and now they are back .please will you help me and tell me what to do by Gods help on your side,i dont think i will be able to be operated again.thanks.

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