Intro

Uterine fibroids (UF) are noncancerous growths of the uterus that most often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. They are also called fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas. About 20 percent to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. African-American women, however, are three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids than Caucasian women. Most often, they occur in women ages 40 and older, but may also occur in women under age 35 and those in their early 20s.

For women who experience severe symptoms, treatment options range from medication to surgery. Before deciding on any treatment option, first do your research. Here are some tips for talking to your doctor about UF.