| Fibroids are the most common benign tumor found in | | | | Fibroids that bulge into the uterine cavity or are within |
| the uterus and may affect fertility. They may develop | | | | the cavity may cause miscarriage as well. Fibroids |
| within the uterine wall, or they may become attached. | | | | may thin out the lining and decrease blood flow to the |
| Symptoms of fibroids may include increased menstrual | | | | embryo if the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall |
| bleeding, pelvic pain and frequent urination. Estrogen | | | | near a fibroid. Fibroids may also cause inflammation |
| may stimulate the production of fibroids, as they may | | | | that may inhibit development. |
| begin to show up as women enter their 20s and may | | | | The good news is that fibroids may be removed. A |
| not go away until after menopause. | | | | procedure called Myomectomy may be performed if |
| Possible risk factors for developing fibroids include | | | | the fibroids are bulging into the uterine cavity or are |
| being over-weight, never giving birth and the presence | | | | within the cavity. No incisions are required and the |
| of periods beginning before the age of 10. | | | | procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. |
| African-American women tend to have fibroids more | | | | A camera attached to a telescope that is passed |
| often than other women, while heredity may also play | | | | through the cervix gives the doctor a visual of the |
| a role in the development of fibroids. | | | | fibroids. Electricity is then used to cut through the |
| Fertility may not be affected by fibroids that are within | | | | fibroids. |
| the uterine wall and do not change the shape of the | | | | Hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is also used |
| uterine cavity, or those that bulge outside of the uterine | | | | to treat fibroids. However, hysterectomy should only |
| wall. However, if fibroids change the shape of the | | | | be used if the woman has no plans to become |
| uterine cavity or are within the cavity, fertility may be | | | | pregnant in the present or in the future. |
| greatly decreased. | | | | Most women with fibroids do not have to undergo |
| Fibroids are best detected and located using MRI. | | | | treatment. Women whose fibroids are causing infertility |
| Hysterectomy and a saline-infusion sonography, a | | | | or are causing other symptoms should speak with a |
| procedure that includes an ultrasound following the | | | | fertility specialist regarding possible treatment options. |
| placement of sterile water in the uterine cavity, may | | | | Unfortunately, there are currently no known |
| also be effective. Ultrasound alone, though, may not be | | | | medications to prevent fibroids or to remove them. |
| as effective. | | | | |