Uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or fibromyomas, are usually benign (non-cancerous) tumors or growths that develop from the muscle layers of the uterus. They are the most common tumors in one in four women of childbearing age. Who is most likely to have uterine fibroids? Fibroids are most common in women of reproductive age, in their 30s and 40s, but can occur at any age, affecting at least 20% of all women (Christian Nordqvist May 2009). They occur more often in African-American women than in Caucasian women. There are four types of fibroids• Intramural fibroids o They are found in the wall of the uterus and are the most common type of fibroids• Subserosal fibroids o They are found on the outside of the uterine wall of the uterus and can develop into pedunculated fibroids (stalks) and become very large fibroids • Submucosal fibroids o They are found in the muscle under the lining of the wall of the uterus. • Cervical fibroids o They are found in the cervix (of the cervix) (Drugs.com)Symptoms of uterine fibroids • Heavy and painful periods • Back pain • Constipation • Discomfort in the lower abdomen • Frequent urination • Painful sex • Difficulties in pregnancy and labor • Fertility problems and repeated miscarriages The causes of fibroids The appearance of fibroids is not exactly known. A woman's reproductive years produce high levels of estrogen and progesterone. High levels of estrogen, during pregnancy, fibroids tend to swell. During menopause, when estrogen levels are low, fibroids may shrink. Heredity also plays into the factor whose mothers and sisters had fibroids. Overweight and obese women rank high... middle of paper......countid=158514Chapman, A., & Ter Haar, G. (2007). Thermal ablation of uterine fibroids using MR-guided focused ultrasound: a truly non-invasive treatment modality. European Radiology, 17(10), 2505-11. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00330-007-0644-8Davis, A. J. (2003). Are uterine fibroids the norm? Journal Watch. Women's Health, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/WH200304090000001Rebar, R.W. (2012). Large uterine fibroids linked to adverse obstetric outcomes. Journal Watch. Women's Health, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/WH201202160000004 Stewart, E. A. (2001). Uterine fibroids. The Lancet, 357(9252), 293-8. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199035461?accountid=158514Walker, C. L., & Stewart, E. A. (2005). Uterine fibroids: the elephant in the room. Science, 308(5728), 1589-92. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/213618695?accountid=158514