Q: What are uterine fibroids and its symptoms?

Answered by: Dr Tricia Ruth Thomas, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) from Pantai Hospital Klang (PHK)

Fibroids or leiomyomas are benign uterine tumours that arise from the myometrium or muscular layer of the uterus.

Typically, there are 3 types, intramural, subserosa or submucosal, located within the body of the uterus.  Intramural fibroids grow within the middle and thickest layer of the uterus (called the myometrium). They are the most common fibroids.

Subserous fibroids grow out from the thin outer fibrous layer of the uterus and can hang by a thin stalk attached to the uterus, these are called pedunculate fibroids. Submucous fibroids grow from the uterine wall toward and into the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Fibroids can also present in the cervix or broad ligament.

Some fibroids may be asymptomatic, but others typically cause heavy and or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Sometimes bleeding can be so heavy that it may result in anaemia. 

As fibroids grow larger, they can cause pressure effects on the surrounding structures.Pressure on the urinary bladder may lead to urgency or frequency of urination or can even cause urinary retention. Pressure on the colon may cause bowel dysfunction and constipation. They may also cause subfertility and recurrent miscarriages.