What Are Fibroids

Fibroids are the most common growth in a women’s reproductive system. They are a mixture of muscle tissues and threadlike fiber tissues, which grow in the walls of the uterus. For a layman, they are like tumors that grow on the uterus, but are not cancerous. Fibroids usually appear during the middle age of a woman, which is somewhere, around 30 to 50. However, they may also be seen during the 20’s. They may be as small as a pinpoint or as big as a ball. Fibroids are usually round or oval in shape and have a firm texture.

 

Fibroids are scientifically called leiomyoma, myoma, and fibromyoma. Though their exact cause is not known, it is believed that fibroids are caused due to their dependence on oestrogen. In the middle years, the oestrogen levels are high in women and so fibroids usually occur. After menopause the oestrogen levels drop and so, they also stop growing. It is possible for a woman to have one fibroid or even hundred fibroids. In some cases, there are no symptoms, while in others, symptoms range from heavy bleeding and pain to incontinence and infertility.

 

Fibroids are classified according to the place where they are found in the uterus. The classification is as follows: 

Since the exact cause of fibroids is not known, their prevention is also a little dicey. However, there are some basic guidelines which would help reduce the risk of fibroids. They are: