Uterine fibroids: When should you visit a gynaecologist?

New Delhi, July 12 Uterine fibroids are noncancerous or benign tumours that grow in or on the uterus of women of childbearing age, primarily between 30 to 50 years. Medically, they are known as leiomyomas or myomas. Although many women have fibroids with no symptoms, others can experience painful menstruation or heavy bleeding during periods or both, says an expert.

Pushpa Soni, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune, says: "Studies have found that 37.65 per cent women in rural India and 24 per cent women in urban India have uterine fibroid. Therefore, women must pay attention to the signs and symptoms that may point at the presence of a uterine fibroid, and the warning signs that require medical attention."

She adds: "Uterine fibroids may vary in size and shape, and may impact the symptoms. They can be as small as the seed of an apple or as big as a grape. A grape-sized fibroid may cause pelvic pressure, making the woman look pregnant due to abdominal growth. Very large fibroids are unusual, but cannot be ruled out completely. They can cause medical conditions such as infertility and anaemia, and may affect an ongoing pregnancy."

Soni points out: "Large fibroids may prevent the foetus from getting the correct foetal position, and increase the mother's risk of a breech birth

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