Chances are you know someone who has uterine fibroids, even if she doesn’t know she does. These tumors of fibrous tissue and smooth muscle are the most common benign tumors seen in gynecology. They range in size from less than 1 inch to more than 8 inches. Estimates suggest that 30 to 50 percent of women in the United States have them, but studies indicate that many more women have them and don’t have any symptoms. Although the cause is unknown, African-American women (1 in 2) are more likely than Caucasian women (1 in 4) to have uterine fibroids.

Possible Symptoms

Fibroid tumors can cause a variety of symptoms including pelvic pain and pressure on the bladder, which may cause increased urinary frequency. Abnormal uterine bleeding (including heavy menstrual periods and bleeding between periods) is also a common symptom. Sometimes fibroids cause pain during intercourse. Uterine fibroids may also be associated with infertility and miscarriages.