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Uterine Fibroids
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are common, noncancerous tumors that grow in or around the wall of the uterus and may affect fertility or cause symptoms in some women.

Overview

Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous (benign) tumors in women of childbearing age. You may have uterine fibroids and not even know it since they often don't cause any symptoms. Fibroids are made of muscle cells and other tissues that grow in and around the wall of the uterus, or womb. They can vary in number and size and grow as one tumor or in clusters.

Many women with fibroids can get pregnant with no problems. However, some uterine fibroids could cause infertility (not being able to get pregnant), pregnancy loss, or problems with fetal development or delivery.

Causes & Risk Factors

No one knows exactly what causes uterine fibroids. A few things that might play a part include genetics and growth hormones. Also, other hormones like estrogen and progesterone seem to help fibroids grow, as these hormones cause the tissue lining inside the uterus to thicken during each menstrual cycle to prepare for pregnancy.

Who is at risk?

If you are a female of childbearing age, you could develop fibroids. Factors that may increase your risk include:

  • Age: Women who are older have a higher risk.
  • Race/ethnicity: Black/African American women often have fibroids at a younger age and are more likely to have larger fibroids with worse symptoms.
  • Family history: If your mother or sister had uterine fibroids.
  • Other factors: Starting your period before age 10 or never having been pregnant.
  • Medical conditions: Obesity or vitamin D deficiency.

Your risk of getting uterine fibroids lowers with each pregnancy and with long-term use of birth control pills or shots.

Symptoms

Many women with fibroids have no symptoms. If you do, the type of symptoms may be due to the location, size, and number of fibroids. Symptoms may include:

  • Heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods
  • Feeling "full" in the lower abdomen (belly)
  • Urinating (peeing) often
  • Pain during sex
  • Lower back pain
  • Problems getting pregnant, multiple miscarriages, or early labor while pregnant

Diagnosis

You may not know that you have uterine fibroids unless you have symptoms. Your health care provider may find the fibroids during a pelvic exam or with imaging tests. Uterine fibroids might be very small, or in extreme cases, they may grow large enough to make it appear like a pregnancy.

Treatment & Management

If you have no symptoms, you may not even need treatment. If you have symptoms, the treatment for uterine fibroids depends on many factors, including your symptoms, your age, the location and size of the fibroids, and whether you are pregnant or want to get pregnant in the future.

  • Medication: Medicines can be used to slow or stop fibroid growth.
  • Surgery: Procedures such as a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be considered if you are near or past menopause, or if your fibroids are very large or cause heavy bleeding.
  • Infertility support: If you are having trouble getting pregnant, your provider may discuss infertility treatments or recommend an emotional support group for those dealing with chronic symptoms or pregnancy difficulties.

Note that fibroids sometimes shrink during and after menopause due to a drop in hormone levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

While no diet guarantees fibroid reduction, studies suggest that maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting red meat and high‑sugar foods may slow growth. Vitamin D sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL) has been linked to smaller fibroids, so a supplement may be beneficial if you’re deficient. Regular aerobic exercise can improve hormonal balance and reduce pelvic pressure.
Heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) is a common fibroid symptom, especially when the growth is submucosal (just beneath the uterine lining). An ultrasound or MRI can map the size and location of fibroids; if they distort the cavity, they are likely contributing to the bleeding. Your doctor may also perform a hysteroscopic exam for direct visualization.
For women desiring pregnancy, myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) is the preferred option, especially for submucosal or intramural lesions that distort the cavity. Less invasive approaches like hysteroscopic resection (for protruding fibroids) or ultrasound‑guided focused ultrasound can also preserve the uterus. Hormonal therapies (e.g., GnRH antagonists) may shrink fibroids temporarily but are not recommended long‑term when pregnancy is planned.
Surgery is generally advised when fibroids cause severe bleeding, pain, rapid growth, or reproductive problems that do not improve with medication. Medical management—such as tranexamic acid, hormonal IUDs, or oral GnRH antagonists—can be effective for moderate symptoms and for women who are not surgical candidates. Your provider will weigh fibroid size, location, symptom severity, and personal goals to recommend the best approach.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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