Leiomyoma of uterus
A leiomyoma, commonly called a uterine fibroid, is a non-cancerous growth made of muscle tissue that forms in the wall of the uterus.
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Find General PhysiciansClinical Overview
Your uterus is the muscular organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. Sometimes, the muscle cells in the uterine wall start to grow abnormally, forming a solid, firm lump known as a leiomyoma or fibroid. These growths are almost always benign, which means they are not cancer and will not spread to other parts of your body.
Doctors do not know exactly why these growths start, but we know they grow in response to the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which your body produces naturally. Because they are fueled by these hormones, they are most common during your reproductive years and often shrink after menopause when hormone levels naturally drop.
Common Symptoms
- Very heavy or long-lasting menstrual periods.
- Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the lower belly or pelvic area.
- Frequent need to urinate because the growth pushes against the bladder.
- Constipation or difficulty having a bowel movement if the growth presses on the rectum.
- Pain in the back or down the legs.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.