Uterine fibroids are more common than you might think. Most women will likely develop fibroids in their lifetime, but not all will show symptoms of having one. As a result, not all women with fibroids will opt for fibroid removal, especially if it doesn’t cause them any pain or discomfort.
However, others experience symptoms that can hinder daily life – this is where uterine fibroid removal comes in. But, one question remains: what can cause fibroids?
In this blog, we will discuss everything that you need to know about the cause of uterine fibroids.
What Are Fibroids?
First, let’s briefly explore what fibroids are. In essence, uterine fibroids are benign muscle tumours that can develop within your uterine wall. They can vary in size and number, and more often than not, are not cancerous.
There are different types of fibroids to be aware of, including:
- Intramural – grows within the muscular wall of the uterus
- Submucosal – grows into the uterine cavity
- Subserosal – grow on the outside of the uterus
Additionally, they can still lead to numerous side effects such as:
- Heavy, painful, and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Frequent urination
- Trouble with urinating
- Pelvic pressure
- Bloated stomach
- Constipation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in the lower back and/or stomach area
Causes
So, what can cause fibroids? The exact causes of fibroids are difficult to determine. However, there are factors that could increase your likelihood of developing them. These include:
- Hormones – increased oestrogen and progesterone can affect fibroid growth, helping fibroids expand
- Genetics – your risk increases if you have a family history of fibroids
- Diet – high intake of red meat could increase the risk of fibroids
- Weight – obesity can also influence your likelihood of developing fibroids
- Age – women in their reproductive age are more likely to develop fibroids
As you can see, a number of different things can influence the likelihood of fibroids. One thing to note is that fibroids are common!
If you are interested in uterine fibroid removal, namely our uterine fibroid embolisation services, we urge you to consult your doctor first before reaching out to us. Once you have confirmed that you would be suitable for embolisation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
