Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. They range in number and size from a single growth to multiple growths, and from very small to large. As many as 70% to 80% of all women will have fibroids by age 50. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or myoma.
Fibroids may cause very mild symptoms or none at all. In women who do feel symptoms, these uterine growths can cause:
• Pressure on the bladder or rectum
• Frequent urination
• Constipation and/or rectal pain
• Lower back and/or abdominal pain
If fibroids become very large, they can distend the stomach, making a woman look pregnant.
