Fibroids or Myomas are benign lumps in the muscular walls of the uterus. They occur most commonly in women over the age of 30, and more notably in those without children. They can develop in the wall (intramural), project outside the uterus (subserous) or into the cavity (submucous). The subserous type rarely causes any symptoms unless it is more than 5 cm. The intramural type can cause heavy periods and the submucous may cause irregular bleeding, heavy periods and infertility. All three types are easily diagnosed by a vaginal ultrasound. Fibroids need not be treated unless they are causing symptoms and treatment is usually by surgery.
