Fibroids are also called myoma. These are most common benign tumors of the uterus. The myoma is mainly composed of muscle tissue and variable amount of fibrous tissue. About 20% of women above 30 have fibroids. Nulliparous and infertile women are more prone to fibroid.

Cause is unknown. The fibroids shrink with menopause.

The fibroid can be single of multiple. The fibroid can occur at the fundus, body or cervix of the uterus.

• Fibroids on the surface of the uterus are called sub serous fibroids.
• Fibroids which protrude into the endometrial cavity to be lined by the endometrium are called sub mucus fibroids.
• Fibroids that arise from the middle of the uterine muscle are called interstitial fibroids.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Menstrual disturbances: the most common disturbance is menorrhagia or prolonged excessive periods.
• Intermenstrual bleeding or metrorrhagia.
• Congestive dysmenorrheal or cramp like colicky pain in lower abdomen during menstruation.
• Abdominal swelling if the uterus containing the fibroid is larger.
• Pressure symptoms like retention of urine, backache etc.
• Sterility