Uterine fibroids are tumors that are benign or non- cancerous, attaching themselves to the female reproductive organs called the uterus. They are the most common of pelvic tumors. The cause of these is still unknown but it has been proven that pregnancy or the use of birth control pills can lower a woman’s risks of developing these fibroid cysts.

Roughly 15 to 20% of women in their reproductive years will show to have fibroid cysts. This is generally right after menstruation starts and before menopause begins. Fibroids have been shown to affect 30 to 40% of women over the age of 30 and African American women are 2 to 3 times more likely to have fibroids then Caucasian women.

Fibroid growth seems to depend on the hormone estrogen so as long as a woman is menstruating; the fibroids will continue to slowly grow. Women younger then 20 years old or are pre-menopausal are rarely affected with fibroid cysts. A fibroid cyst begins as a small seedling that will spread throughout the uterine muscular walls. They can be so small that they can only be seen with the aide of a microscope but they have also been known to weigh several pounds. Even though it is possible to have just one, fibroids are usually found in clusters.

Another form of fibroid is called pedunculated fibroid. This type may hang from a stalk that attached to the outside of the uterus. These types can become twisted which will cut of the blood supply that has been feeding it. This type will most likely require surgery to remove it.

Some of the symptoms that you may experience if you suffer from fibroid cysts would be: Pelvic pain or cramping with periods, an increase in the frequency of urination, gas or abdominal fullness and heavy menstrual bleeding possibly with blood clots. Be caution though, as often times there are no symptoms at all.

If you feel that you are suffering from fibroid cysts, you should consult your physician. You can find out the severity and what option of treatment is the right one for you. What may be good for one woman’s condition may not be right for you. Chances are you can do one of the less invasive treatments with much success so the need for surgery may not be necessary. Never try to self diagnose or seek treatment alone. Your doctor will get you on the right tract to recovery.