Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms, but some women with fibroid can have:
€ heavy bleeding (which can be heavy enough to cause anemia) or painful
periods
€ feeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower stomach area)
€ enlargement of the lower abdomen
€ frequent urination
€ pain during sex
€ lower back pain
€ complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean section
€ reproductive problems, such as infertility, which is very rare
What causes fibroid?
No one knows for sure what causes fibroid. Researchers think that more than one factor could play a role. These factors could be:
_ hormonal (affected by estrogen and progesterone levels)
_ genetic (runs in families)
Because no one knows for sure what causes fibroid, i also don't know what causes them to grow or shrink. I do know that they are under hormonal control€"both estrogen and progesterone. They grow rapidly during pregnancy, when hormone levels are high. They shrink when anti-hormone medication is used. They also stop growing or shrink once a woman reaches menopause.

What if I become pregnant and have fibroid?

Women who have fibroid are more likely to have problems during pregnancy delivery. This doesn't mean there will be problems. Most women with fibroid have normal pregnancies. The most common problems seen in women are:
_ Cesareansection. The risk of needing a c-section is higher in women with fibroid.
_ Baby is breech. The baby is not positioned well for vaginal delivery.
_ Labor fails to progress.
_ Placental abruption. The placenta breaks a before delivery. When this happens, the fetus does not get enough oxygen.
_ Preterm delivery
Talk to your obstetrician if you have fibroid and become pregnant. All obstetricians have experience dealing with fibroid and pregnancy

What questions should I ask my doctor if I have fibroid?
1. How many fibroid do I have?
2. What size is my fibroid(s)?
3. Where is my fibroid(s) located (outer surface, inner surface, or in the wall of the uterus)?
4. Can I expect the fibroid(s) to grow larger?
5. How rapidly have they grown (if they were known about already)?
6. How will I know if the fibroid(s) is growing larger?
7. What problems can the fibroid(s) cause?
8. What tests or imaging studies are best for keeping track of the growth of my fibroid?
9. What are my treatment options if my fibroid(s) becomes a problem?
10. What are your views on treating fibroid with a hysterectomy versus other types of treatments?