Fibroids are noncancerous growths or tumours on the muscular part of the uterus (womb); sometimes they are also called myomas. Fibroids may be very small (about 5mm) or can grow to be quite large (up to 20cm +).

 

Many women with fibroids do not notice any symptoms and will not need treatment, whereas others may experience problems such as painful and heavy periods or pressure on their bowels or bladder. Treatment includes medication to shrink the fibroids and, in some women, surgical removal with hysterectomy or rarely, removal of the fibroid from the womb (usually when fertility is still required and fibroids are few in number).