Fibroids are firm, round tumours which develop in the wall of the womb. They can vary in size and are extremely common,
between 50 per cent and 80 per cent of women can be found to have them. Typically, a woman will have several fibroids in her
womb, which are all different sizes.
Fibroid tumours are benign. They usually don't cause symptoms, and many women have them without realising, however they
can cause problems as they get bigger, or because of exactly where they grow in the uterus, or during pregnancy. However most
people conceive and carry pregnancies without any trouble.
Problems caused by fibroids
Research has shown that most fibroids don't actually increase in size as was once believed, and those that do tend to return
to their pre-pregnancy size afterwards.
Even so, there are several ways in which fibroids may affect pregnancy.
Pain: fibroids can cause uncomfortable feelings of pressure or heaviness and may cause sharp pain in the lower back
and legs if nerves are compressed.
Infertility, miscarriage and premature birth: fibroids are thought to account for about two to three per cent of all
cases of infertility. If fibroids develop just under the surface lining of the womb this can interfere with the way in which
a fertilised egg implants or attaches to the womb. This may lead to recurrent early miscarriage and infertility. More rarely
a fibroid may block the cervix or the opening of the fallopian tubes into the womb. Later on in pregnancy, fibroids can also
disrupt the normal development and expansion of the womb, leading to premature birth. The most common problem with fibroids
in pregnancy is delivering two to three weeks early, which is of little threat to the baby.
Obstruction of delivery: very occasionally fibroids grow in the lower part of the womb and cause partial blockage of
the birth canal. This may lead to a caesarean operation in order to deliver the baby.
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