Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours (collections of abnormal cells) that grow in or around a women’s womb. In many cases fibroids remain quite small and do not cause any symptoms or complications but in some women, fibroids develop to such an extent that they can cause a number of symptoms.

Black women are 2-3 times more likely to develop fibroids and it has been estimated that 80% of black women develop fibroids at some point in their life. In addition, fibroids tend to be larger and more numerous in black women.

Types of Fibroids

There are six types of fibroids. They are based on where in the womb the fibroid grows.

Intramural  – this is the most common type of fibroids. They develop within the wall of the uterus

Subserosal – develop on the outer surface of the womb and continue to grow outwards into the pelvis

Submucosal  –they grow on the inner side of the womb

Pendulated  – these occur when a fibroid grows on a stalk that is attached to the womb and grow outwards

Intracavitary – these also develop on a stalk but they grow inward

Cervical  – these develop in the wall of the cervix ( the neck of the womb)

Symptoms

• Heavy or painful periods
• Prolonged periods
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent urination
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Anaemia
• Lower back pain
• Constipation
• Haemorrhoids
• Infertility

 Who Gets Fibroids?

It is known that

• Fibroids are common in women of child bearing age (between 25 to 45 years of age).
• They are 2 – 3 times more common in black  women and tend to be larger and more numerous.
• Women who are obese or over weight are at a higher risk
• Women who have not given birth appear to be at a higher risk
• A family history of fibroids can increase a woman’s risk
• Women with high blood pressure are at increased risk of developing fibroids
• A diet high in red meat is linked to an increased risk of developing fibroids
• Being inactive and consuming too much alcohol is also linked to an increased risk of developing fibroids

Diagnosis

Diagnosing fibroids may involve:

1. An ultrasound scan – this takes an image of the inside of the abdomen which allows any fibroids in the womb to be visualised
2. Hysteroscopic examination – this is a procedure to look inside the womb under local or general anaesthetic. A surgeon inserts a tiny telescope into the vagina that is attached to a camera. A picture is shown on the monitor. At the same time, the gynaecologist may look for polyps and also take a small sample of the lining of the womb for testing. This test is often used together with an ultrasound scan to confirm a diagnosis.
3. Laparoscopic examination –  this is performed under general anaesthetic, a gynaecologist makes a small cut in the abdomen near the belly button and then inserts a laparoscope (a tube with a light and camera). This allows him/her to look at the size and shape of the outside of the womb and other organs on the monitor. Pictures may also be taken. Often, it is used together with ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis.
4. MRI and CT – these techniques will only be used when the ultrasound scans have not given a clear result or when more detailed information is required. MRI & CT are not normally used as the first choice for confirmation of fibroids.

Treatment

Many women with fibroids will have no problems whatsoever and may not even know that they have them.  In about 30% of women, their fibroids cause severe symptoms which can affect their quality of life.

Treatments include medications to treat symptoms such as heavy bleeding and procedures, such as:

• Hysteroscopic resection – where a small device with camera and a light at the end of it is used to remove the fibroids
• Myomectomy –surgery that removes fibroids while keeping the womb intact
• Hysterectomy – removal of the womb
• Endometrial ablation – used to address heavy menstrual bleeding and to remove small fibroids (less than 5cm) that are growing on the lining of the womb. In this procedure the lining of the womb is removed
• Embolisation – blocks the blood vessels to the fibroids, starving them of oxygen and causing them to shrink
• MRI treatments – use MRI to shrink or destroy fibroids

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of developing fibroids by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing your red meat consumption
• Eating a diet high in green vegetables
• Not smoking
• Reducing your alcohol consumption

More Information

• You can download our fibroids booklet here
• You can read the results from our survey to understand the needs of black women with fibroids here
• You can read our fibroids blog posts here
• Fibroids stories can be found here
• Interesting fibroids news
• Highlights from our fibroids Twitter chats

Learn more and hear personal stories in this video bellow by TOHETI.

Find out more about TOHETI’s work on fibroids here

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