Definition of fibroid?

Fibroid are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system. Fibroid, also known as uterine myomas, lymphomas, or fibrosis, are firm, compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus. It is estimated that between 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroid, although not all are diagnosed. Some estimates state that up to 30 to 77 percent of women will develop fibroid sometime during their childbearing years, although only about one-third of these fibroid are large enough to be detected by a health care provider during a physical examination.
In more than 99 percent of fibroid cases, the tumors are benign (non-cancerous). These tumors are not associated with cancer and do not increase a woman's risk for uterine cancer. They may range in size, from the size of a pea to the size of a softball or small grapefruit.

Signs and symptoms of fibroid

Some women who have fibroid have no symptoms, or have only mild symptoms, while other women have more severe, disruptive symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms for uterine fibroid, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms of uterine fibroid may include:
1. Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
2. Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
3. Pelvic pain (caused as the tumor presses on pelvic organs)
Frequent urination
4. Low back pain
5. Pain during intercourse
6. A firm mass, often located near the middle of the pelvis, which can be felt by the physician.
In some cases, the heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, or the abnormal bleeding between periods, can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which also requires treatment.
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