What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (myomas, leiomyomas) are benign growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are very common in women of reproductive age, and many are never noticed at all. A large proportion cause no symptoms and need no treatment; treatment decisions are based on symptoms and personal circumstances, not the mere presence of a fibroid.
A fibroid diagnosis worries most women — yet the picture is usually calmer than it first appears. This page is written to help you understand the condition without exaggeration and without dismissal.
Why do fibroids develop?
The exact cause is unknown; hormonal influences (oestrogen and progesterone), genetic predisposition and growth factors are thought to act together. Fibroids are hormone-sensitive: they may grow during reproductive years and usually shrink after menopause. There is no single lifestyle "cause" — developing a fibroid is not the result of something you did wrong.
How common are they?
Fibroids are the most common benign growths of the uterus, and their frequency increases with age. Many are discovered incidentally, during an examination or scan performed for another reason.
International guidelines recommend symptom-based management: fibroids that cause no symptoms are usually simply monitored.
Source: 2021 · Obstetrics & Gynecology — klinik guideline
Do they cause symptoms?
Some do: heavier periods, pain and pressure are the most frequent complaints. Symptoms relate closely to the fibroid’s location and size — our symptoms page covers this in detail.
Types and sizes
Fibroids are classified by their position in the uterine wall (submucosal, intramural, subserosal), and that position shapes both symptoms and treatment options. Size, on its own, is not the deciding factor — we cover both topics on dedicated pages.