OUterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomata, are benign growths that develop in, or on, the uterus if left untreated may cause infertility.

The severity of symptoms will depend on the number, size and location of the fibroids. Symptoms include severe cramps, abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, difficulty urinating or moving the bowels and hemorrhoids. A woman may feel pelvic pressure and fullness if the fibroids grow as large as a three-month pregnancy. Fibroids may cause bladder or rectal pressure depending on which side of the uterus they are on.

Fibroids can interfere with pregnancy in many ways. Those growing on the inside wall of the uterus can cause changes in the endometrial tissue, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall.

Fibroids that develop outside the uterus can compress or block the fallopian tubes, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

The cause of fibroids is unknown, but doctors know they require estrogen to grow. Certain studies indicate that birth control pills play a role in stimulating fibroid growth, and that they regress in size when the pills are stopped. Fibroids usually shrink as estrogen levels decrease following menopause.

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