Fibroids are typically non-cancerous (benign) growths of the uterus. This is a common condition that can be found in up to four out of five women in their lifetime. They can present in a number of ways, many women will be asymptomatic. Depending on the size and nature of the fibroid, some women can experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pain or even pressure sensations with a palpable mass in the abdomen.

We don’t exactly know why fibroids grow, there are a few different theories, we do think there are a number of underlying factors such as genetic predisposition and lifestyle that can contribute. Importantly, fibroids tend to be responsive to the female reproductive hormones (oestrogen and progesterone). This means, once a lady is menopausal, the incidence of fibroids reduces and they can even shrink.

Fibroids grow in three different locations of the uterus, inside the inner layer of the uterus (submucosal), in the muscle of the uterus (intramural) or on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal). They can be diagnosed by a simple pelvic ultrasound and on occasion a pelvic MRI may be ordered to further delineate the nature and size of the fibroid.