What is Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Uterine Fibroid Tumors,also called myomas, fibromyomas and leiomyomas, is a woman¡¯s fibroisis condition usually associated with estrogen dominance.

Uterine fibroid tumors are found most often in the uterus of women in their 30's and 40's.  Between 20-50% of women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids.  They are usually benign (non-cancerous) tumors.

Many women with fibroids experience little to no symptoms or complications that require treatment.  Women who do experience uterine fibroid symptoms may suffer from pelvic pain, abnormal menstruation, and a variety of other conditions. Pregnancy may be complicated, resulting in miscarriage, premature birth, and other difficulties.

Potential drawbacks to hysterectomy include:

• A 2 percent risk of post-operative bleeding, a 15 percent to 38 percent risk of postoperative fever and a 0.5 percent risk of injury to a nearby pelvic organ.
  
• General anesthesia is required, which has its own risks.
  
• The incidence of cardiovascular disease increases three-fold in premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy.
  

From 15 percent to 30 percent of women report decreased sexual function after hysterectomy, and there is an increase in the reported incidence of depression following the surgery.

The surgery also adds to the high cost of treating uterine fibroid tumors, which accounts for billions of health care dollars each year.