Conditions
Uterine Fibroids
Definition
What to Know About Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids can range in size, from as small as a seed that is undetectable by the human eye to as large as a melon. A large fibroid can enlarge and distort the uterus or grow into the uterine cavity or outward from the uterus on stalks.
You might not know you have uterine fibroids because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. Only about one-third of these fibroids are large enough to be detected by a health care provider during a physical exam, so they are often undiagnosed.
Who is at risk for uterine fibroids?
Black women are more likely to develop fibroids than other women, they are diagnosed at younger ages and they more often require treatment. It is not clearly understood why fibroids disproportionately affect Black women. Other risk factors may include:
Obesity and a higher body weight
Family history of fibroids
Diet high in red meat
Early onset of menstruation
High blood pressure
Additional Resources
