Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumours of the uterus.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unclear. However, fibroids run in families and appear to be partly determined by hormone levels. Risk factors include obesity. Diagnosis can be performed by pelvic examination or medical imaging.

Treatment is typically not needed if there are no symptoms.

If greater symptoms are present, surgery to remove the fibroid or uterus may help. Cancerous versions of fibroids are very rare and are known as leiomyosarcomas. They do not appear to develop from benign fibroids.

About 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids by the age of 50.

In 2013, it was estimated that 171 million women were affected worldwide.

They are typically found during the middle and later reproductive years.

After menopause, they usually decrease in size.

Signs and Symptoms

Some women with uterine fibroids do not have symptoms. Abdominal pain, anaemia and increased bleeding can indicate the presence of fibroids. There may also be pain during intercourse, depending on the location of the fibroid. During pregnancy, they may also be the cause of miscarriage, bleeding, premature labour, or interference with the position of the foetus.

While fibroids are common, they are not a typical cause for infertility.

The majority of women with uterine fibroids will have normal pregnancy outcomes.

Fibroids are more common in obese women.

Fibroids are dependent on oestrogen and progesterone to grow and therefore relevant only during the reproductive years.

Fibroids are a type of uterine leiomyoma. Fibroids grossly appear as round, well circumscribed (but not encapsulated), solid nodules that are white or tan, and show whorled appearance on histological section. The size varies, from microscopic to lesions of considerable size. Typically lesions the size of a grapefruit or bigger are felt by the patient herself through the abdominal wall.

Location and Classification

• Intramural fibroids are located within the muscular wall of the uterus. Unless they are large, they may be asymptomatic. Intramural fibroids begin as small nodules in the muscular wall of the uterus. With time, intramural fibroids may expand inwards, causing distortion and elongation of the uterine cavity.
• Subserosal fibroids are located on the surface of the uterus. They can also grow outward from the surface and remain attached by a small piece of tissue and then are called pedunculated fibroids.
• Submucosal fibroids are most common type, located in the muscle beneath the endometrium of the uterus and distort the uterine cavity
• Cervical fibroids are located in the wall of the cervix (neck of the uterus).

Homoeopathic Treatment

• Effective treatment for Uterine Fibroid through Homoeopathy
• Helps reducing the size and number of fibroids
• Helps in preventing excess menstrual flow
• Helps in reducing menstrual pain
• Avoid surgery
• Safe for all age groups
• No side effects