Uterine fibroid

What is a uterine fibroid?

A uterine fibroid is a typically benign tumor of the uterus. Since the uterus is a muscle, it consists of larger muscle cells that have clustered together to form a fibroid. Fibroids can increase the amount of menstrual bleeding, enlarge the uterus, and thus cause pain or bloating. They affect 25% of women of Caucasian descent and 50% of women of African descent. Fibroids can grow in size as long as menopause has not occurred because they are nourished by female hormones.