common

Uterine fibroids

fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, fibromyoma or fibroids, are smooth muscle of the , part of the female reproductive system. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms, while others may have painful or heavy bleeding. If large enough, they may push on the , causing a frequent need to urinate. They may also cause pain during penetrative sex or lower back pain. Someone can have one uterine fibroid or many. It is uncommon but possible that fibroids may make it difficult to become pregnant.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

·Painful or heavy periods

Causes — why it happens

·Unknown

How it's found

· examination, medical

Treatment

·Medications, , embolization

Complications

Outlook

·Improve after menopause

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.