Myoma (Fibroid): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medically Reviewed By Stacy A. Henigsman, DO

A myoma, or fibroid, is a benign tumor that grows in or around the uterus. When a tumor is benign, it means that it is not cancerous. A person may have one larger fibroid or multiple smaller ones. Fibroids are the most common Trusted Source National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Governmental authority Go to source type of noncancerous tumor in females of childbearing age. These tumors may grow quickly, but some people find that they grow over a number of years.

This article explains what fibroids are and what symptoms they can cause. It also describes causes, prevention methods, and risk factors. Finally, it discusses the treatment options and potential complications of fibroids.

What is a myoma?

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A myoma, commonly known as a fibroid, is a noncancerous tumor that develops in or around the uterus. Fibroids are medically known as leiomyomas, and they are tumors of the smooth muscle, which is the tissue that normally makes up that wall of the uterus.

Around 20–80% Trusted Source Office on Women's Health Governmental authority Go to source of females develop fibroids by the time they reach 50 years of age. It is most common for people to get fibroids in their 30s and 40s.

The fibroids may appear as one large fibroid or as many small fibroids. Their cause is not known, but they appear to have links with the presence of estrogen. There may also be a family link to the risk of fibroids, suggesting possible genetic causes.

The symptoms of fibroids may occur frequently or only occasionally. The course of the condition varies among individuals. Some people Trusted Source National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Governmental authority Go to source have no symptoms at all, while others have abdominal painabnormal vaginal bleeding, difficulty urinating, or pain during sexual intercourse. Also, a fibroid can grow large enough to put pressure on the bladder, making it difficult to expel urine and eventually causing infection.

Medications, hormones, and surgical procedures are effective in reducing symptoms or in removing the fibroid completely.

When to seek emergency medical care

Seek immediate medical care by calling 911 for serious symptoms, such as:

Seek prompt medical care if you are receiving treatment for uterine fibroids but mild symptoms recur or are persistent.

What are the symptoms of a myoma?

Fibroids may not Trusted Source National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Governmental authority Go to source produce symptoms. In other cases, they may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discomfort. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.

Common symptoms

You may experience fibroid symptoms daily or only occasionally. Symptoms can vary in severity and may include:

  • abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe, episodic, or constant
  • abdominal pressure
  • abdominal swelling, distension, or bloating
  • heavy bleeding during the menstrual period, or menorrhagia
  • menstrual periods that are longer than usual
  • pain during sexual intercourse
  • an urgent need to urinate
  • vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods

What causes a myoma?

The cause of fibroids is not known, but their development seems to be associated with the hormone estrogen. Fibroids may appear when a person’s estrogen levels are high. For example, they can grow rapidly Trusted Source Office on Women's Health Governmental authority Go to source during pregnancy and may reduce if a person takes antihormone medications.

People may be more likely to develop fibroids between the ages of 30 and 40 years. African American people may develop them at an earlier age, and they may grow faster in this group.

Some experts believe that genetics plays a role in the development of fibroids. For example, changes in the following genes may cause Trusted Source National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Governmental authority Go to source fibroids:

  • MED12
  • HMGA2
  • COL4A5/COL4A6
  • FH

Other factors, such as stress and vitamin D deficiencies, may also trigger the appearance and growth of fibroids.

Is it possible to prevent myomas?

Since experts are not sure exactly what causes fibroids to appear and grow, there is no definitive way of preventing them.

However, the following factors may reduce Trusted Source National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Governmental authority Go to source a person’s risk of developing fibroids:

What are the risk factors for a myoma?

A number of factors can increase the risk of developing a fibroid. However, not all people with risk factors Trusted Source National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Governmental authority Go to source will develop a fibroid.

Risk factors include:

  • African American ethnicity
  • early onset of menstruation
  • high weight or obesity
  • no history of giving birth
  • a family history of fibroids
  • high blood pressure

How do doctors treat a myoma?

Treatment for fibroids begins with seeking medical care from your healthcare team. To determine whether or not you have fibroids, your doctor will ask you to undergo diagnostic testing.

Some people with fibroids never have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, however, you may need to undergo a pelvic examination Trusted Source Office on Women's Health Governmental authority Go to source and an abdominal ultrasound to determine the size and location of the fibroid.

If your doctor deems it medically necessary, such as when the fibroid continues to grow and you experience pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding, they will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on your age, your symptoms, and the characteristics of the fibroids.

Medications

Some people Trusted Source National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Governmental authority Go to source do not require any treatment for fibroids, but it is still important for them to monitor their symptoms and the growth of the fibroids.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe low doses of contraceptives. This can help stop the growth of fibroids and prevent heavy bleeding. If you are bleeding very heavily, doctors may also recommend taking iron pills.

Another type of medication that can help treat fibroids is gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. A common example Trusted Source Office on Women's Health Governmental authority Go to source of this type of drug is Lupron. These medications can shrink fibroids. They may work as a standalone treatment, or doctors may recommend them before surgery to make the fibroids smaller and easier to remove.

Doctors may also recommend a hormone-containing intrauterine device (IUD). This will not treat the fibroids, but it may help protect against heavy bleeding as a symptom. IUDs are only a treatment option if the fibroids have not changed the shape of the uterus.

Surgery

Surgery is especially suitable Trusted Source Office on Women's Health Governmental authority Go to source for people who have moderate-to-severe symptoms due to fibroids. Surgical options for fibroids include:

  • Myomectomy: This involves removing the fibroids without removing any healthy tissue inside the uterus. It can, therefore, keep the uterus intact, which is good for people who wish to become pregnant in the future.
  • Hysterectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove the entire uterus. This is a definitive cure for fibroids, and surgeons most commonly perform this procedure for fibroids.
  • Endometrial ablation: Surgeons remove the lining of the uterus during this procedure. This can help control heavy bleeding. Healthcare professionals consider this a minor surgery and can use a variety of methods to carry it out, including:
    • laser
    • wire loops
    • boiling water
    • electric current
    • microwaves
    • freezing
  • Myolosis: With this procedure, a surgeon inserts a needle into the fibroids themselves and sends an electric current to destroy them. Alternatively, they may freeze them to destroy them.
  • Uterine fibroid embolization, or uterine artery embolization: This procedure involves a surgeon inserting a thin tube into the blood vessels that provide the fibroids with blood. They then inject plastic or gel particles into these vessels. With no blood supply, the fibroids shrink.

What are the potential complications of myomas?

Potential complications of uterine fibroids include:

  • adverse effects of fibroid treatment
  • anemia, or a low red blood cell count
  • infertility
  • miscarriage

Serious complications of fibroids, such as cancer, are rare. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan that you and your healthcare professional design specifically for you.

Summary

Fibroids are also known as myomas. They are growths that can appear in and around the uterus, though they are not cancerous. They can grow quickly or may develop over a number of years.

Fibroids can cause abdominal pain, excessive vaginal bleeding, and pain during sexual intercourse.

Fibroids are most common in people over the age of 30 years. Researchers do not yet know exactly what causes them, though they have identified several factors — including gene changes and stress — that can play a role in the appearance of fibroids.

There are many treatment options available for fibroids. You can discuss the many medications and surgical options available with your doctor.

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Medical Reviewer: Stacy A. Henigsman, DO
Last Review Date: 2022 Jan 31
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