Contact Information for
Women's Health at UCSF
For information or to make an
appointment, please call:
Primary Care
or
Gynecology
at Mount Zion, Parnassus or Serramonte
(415) 885-7788
Obstetrics
at Mount Zion, Parnassus or Serramonte
(415) 353-2566
About Fibroids
- What are the female reproductive organs?
- What are fibroids?
- What are the different types of fibroids?
- What causes fibroids?
- Who is affected by fibroids?
- What happens to fibroids over time?
- When is fibroid treatment necessary?
- What happens next?
What
are the female reproductive organs?
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The female reproductive system consists of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina.The structures are located in the pelvis.The uterus (womb) is a pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and the rectum. The uterine walls are composed of muscle which allows it to expand enormously during pregnancy. Within the uterus is a central cavity in which the fetus (baby) develops. No hormones are produced by the uterus.The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterine cavity. A menstrual period results from the sloughing off of the endometrium. Fibroids located beneath this lining can cause very heavy bleeding.The ovaries are tethered to the upper aspect of the uterus, in close proximity to the ends of the fallopian tubes. The female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are made by the ovaries. The fallopian tubes are located at each side of the uterus. Fertilization of the egg (ovum) occurs within the fallopian tube.
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The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus. It has a narrow canal through which menstrual blood passes. The main function of the cervix is to hold the uterus closed during pregnancy. In a sub-total, partial or supracervical hysterectomy, the cervix is left in place.The vagina is the tubular structure between the external genitalia and the cervix.
What
are fibroids?
Fibroids are round muscle growths that develop
within the uterus (womb). Fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous).
Fibroids range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a melon.
They are also called leiomyomas or myomas.
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What are the different types of fibroids?
Fibroids can grow in different parts of the
uterus. Pedunculated fibroids are attached to the uterine wall by stalks.
Subserosal fibroids extend outward from the uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids
expand from the uterine wall into the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids
develop within the uterine wall. Different types of fibroids are associated
with different symptoms. For example, submucosal fibroids typically cause
heavy periods. In contrast, subserosal fibroids are more likely to push
against the bladder causing frequent urination.
What
causes fibroids?
Physicians and medical researchers do not
know what causes fibroids to develop. There is evidence that the female
hormones, estrogen and progesterone, can make them grow. During pregnancy,
when the hormone levels are high, fibroids tend to increase in size. After
menopause, when the hormone levels are low, fibroids stop growing and
may become smaller.
Who
is affected by fibroids?
Fibroids are very common. It is estimated
that 20-50% of all women have these benign uterine growths. Fibroids are
most likely to affect women in their 30's and 40's. For reasons we don't
understand, fibroids occur more frequently in African-American women.
Many women with fibroids have other family members with fibroids too.
What
happens to fibroids over time?
Some fibroids grow steadily during the reproductive
years and some stay the same size for many years. All fibroids should
stop growing after menopause. Women with fibroids that enlarge after menopause,
should seek evaluation from their doctor.
When
is fibroid treatment necessary?
Most fibroids, even large ones, do not produce
symptoms. Unless a woman is experiencing symptoms, she usually doesn't
need to undergo a fibroid treatment. However, when fibroids cause symptoms,
a woman should seek medical attention.
What happens next?
No two women with fibroids are alike. The
type of treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the
fibroid size, number and location. Your preference and desire for future
childbearing also enters into the treatment discussion. There are many
effective ways to treat fibroids. Not all treatments are recommended for
all women. For example, some fibroid treatments may not be proven safe
for women desiring future childbearing.
UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health
2356 Sutter Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143-1694
Administrative Office - 415.353.7481
Copyright 2010 The Regents of the University of California
Last updated:
February 6, 2012
Web Master: coe@obgyn.ucsf.edu