What Are Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids are benign or not cancerous growths in the uterus. They occur in about 20-25 percent of women. Fibroids are most common in women between 30-40 years age but can occur at any age. Many women who have fibroids are unaware of them because the growths can remain small and not cause a problem.
Fibroids however can cause problems due to their size, number and location.
Types of Fibroids Uterine fibroids are growths that develop from the cells that make up the muscle of the uterus. The size, shape and location of the fibroids can vary. They may occur inside the uterus, on its outer surface or within the walls. Fibroids can range in size from pea-sized growths to large melon sized growths. As fibroids grow they can distort the inside as well as the outside of the uterus and can completely fill the pelvis and abdomen.