What you should know about fibroids
Find out more about the symptoms of fibroids

Fibroids are tumors that grow in the uterus. These tumors are usually benign and are made of muscle fibers. Fibroids can range in size—they can be as small as a pea or large as a tennis ball. A surprisingly large percentage of women have, or will have, fibroids at some time in their lives—twenty to fifty percent of the total population. Fibroids are most rare in women under the age of 20, most common in women in their 30s and 40s, and tend to shrink after the menopause.
Fibroids seem to be influenced by estrogen, although their exact cause is still unknown. This would explain why they appear during a woman's middle years (when estrogen levels are high) and stop growing after the menopause (when estrogen levels drop).
Fibroid types
Below are the major fibroid classifications according to their location in the uterus:
Intramural — these grow in the uterine wall; they are the most common type of fibroid.
Subserous—- these grow on the outer layer of the uterine wall in stalks called pedunculated fibroids. These can grow to be very large.
Submucous — these develop in the muscle underneath the inner uterine lining and grow into the uterus itself.
Cervical — these grow in the wall of the cervix and are difficult to remove without damaging the surrounding area.
Fibroid prevention
Since the cause of fibroids is still unknown, there are unfortunately no clear ways to prevent them. However, there are some things you could do that may help reduce your risk. For instance, make sure to keep your weight in check. This will minimize estrogen levels in your body. Second, always eat green vegetables and fruit, and avoid red meat. One study found that women who eat little meat but a lot of green vegetables and fruit seem to be less likely to develop fibroids than women who eat a lot of red meat and few vegetables. Also, some studies suggest the combined pill may protect against fibroids by keeping hormone levels from peaking and falling. The pill comes with its own set of side effects, however, so talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you.
Diagnosis and symptoms

About three out of every four women with fibroids do not have symptoms. Therefore, many women don't know they have fibroids. The extent and severity of your symptoms depends on how large the fibroids are in your uterus. A small fibroid in the uterine wall will probably not cause much problem, while a large fibroid growing outward from your uterus might press against other organs, such as your bladder, causing bladder problems.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common symptom of fibroids. Other symptoms include changes in bladder and bowel patterns, abdominal pain or pressure, and, in some cases, infertility.