Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors that grow on or within the muscle tissue of the uterus. Approximately 20-40% of women 35 years and older have fibroids. Fibroids are more common among women of African-American descent. Some statistics indicate that up to 80% of African-American women will develop fibroids. While some women do not experience any symptoms, the location and size of fibroids can cause symptoms that can affect a woman’s quality of life.
Many women who suffer from symptomatic fibroids underestimate the severity of their symptoms as they have become accustomed to excessive bleeding, pain, and the pressure fibroids can cause. However, if the fibroid symptoms are so severe that they affect your ability to maintain your day to day activities, it is a good time to discuss with your physician all of the alernatives available to help you manage these symptoms. Common symptoms of fibroids are excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and urinary incontinence.
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