7 Myths About Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are among the most common gynecological conditions in women of childbearing age. Although many women are affected, numerous myths and misconceptions still circulate about them. Due to misinformation, some patients panic, postpone doctor's appointments, or even undergo unnecessary treatment. In this article, we have compiled seven common myths about uterine fibroids that can be misleading.

1. Uterine fibroids always become malignant

One of the most common fears is that fibroids are a precursor to cancer. In fact, uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate from the muscular wall of the uterus. In most cases, fibroids do not develop into cancer.

Malignant uterine tumors develop independently and have a completely different nature. Therefore, women should not panic immediately after a diagnosis. Regular gynecological examinations are still necessary, as the doctor needs to monitor the size and condition of the fibroids. Modern diagnostic procedures allow for the early detection of changes and the selection of appropriate fibroids treatment. The sooner a woman sees a doctor, the easier the condition is to treat.

2. Fibroids must be surgically removed

Many women believe that surgery is unavoidable as soon as a fibroid is detected. However, this is not always the case. A doctor can monitor small fibroids that don’t cause any symptoms without urgent intervention.

The decision regarding treatment options depends on various factors:

• Size of the fibroid


• Number of fibroids


• Age of the woman


• Presence of pain and bleeding


• Desire to have children

In some cases, the doctor recommends medication or minimally invasive procedures. Surgery is generally recommended if the fibroid is growing rapidly, causing severe symptoms, or affecting the function of adjacent organs. 

3. Fibroids only occur in women over 40

Although the risk of developing fibroids increases with age, they can also occur in younger women. Sometimes fibroids are even found in patients under 30 during a routine pelvic exam. The causes of fibroids are not yet fully understood, but hormonal changes, heredity, chronic stress, and certain inflammatory diseases play a significant role. Therefore, regular checkups are important for women of all ages. Young women often ignore symptoms, believing menstrual cramps or pain are due to overexertion. However, timely diagnosis helps prevent complications and maintain reproductive health.

4. Painless fibroids don’t require treatment

Fibroids can indeed remain asymptomatic for a long time. Some women discover the condition incidentally during an ultrasound examination. However, the absence of pain doesn’t always mean that the fibroids are harmless. Even asymptomatic fibroids can gradually increase in size. Large fibroids can cause the following symptoms:

• Pressure on the bladder


• Frequent urination


• Constipation


• Heaviness in the lower abdomen


• Menstrual irregularities

Moreover, some types of fibroids can affect or complicate pregnancy. Therefore, regular gynecological examinations and follow-up appointments are essential.

5. Uterine fibroids always lead to infertility

This myth causes great anxiety for many women after diagnosis. In fact, not all fibroids affect fertility. It depends on the location and size of the fibroids. Small fibroids often don’t affect conception or a full-term pregnancy. However, large fibroids or growths in the uterine cavity can reduce the chances of pregnancy. Modern medicine offers various treatment methods that preserve fertility. Many women with fibroids become pregnant and give birth to healthy children.

6. Fibroids disappear completely after menopause

Many believe that fibroids disappear on their own after menopause and require no further treatment. In fact, fibroids often shrink after the decline in female hormone levels. However, this is not always the case. Some fibroids continue to grow even after menopause, especially in cases of hormonal imbalances or obesity. Therefore, women need to continue seeing a gynecologist even after their menstruation has ended.

7. Home remedies can completely cure fibroids

Numerous recommendations for treating fibroids with herbs, tinctures, and home remedies can be found online. Some women forgo medical treatment and resort to questionable methods instead.

It's important to know that no folk remedy can guarantee the complete elimination of fibroids. Moreover, the uncontrolled use of herbs or dietary supplements can worsen the condition and disrupt the hormonal balance.