What are fibroids?

Fibroids are lumps that grow in your womb. They're not cancer and they don't usually cause any problems. We're not sure why women get fibroids, but they are common.

If you have heavy periods, painful periods or a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your

pelvis
Your pelvis is the area between your hips.

pelvis, you may want to get checked by your doctor to see if you have fibroids.

If you have fibroids and they're causing problems, there are many treatments that can help. The best treatments involve surgery. But if you're nearing

menopause
When a woman stops having periods, it is called menopause. This usually happens around the age of 50.

menopause (when your periods stop), you may choose to wait. Fibroids often get better on their own around this time.

Key points for women with fibroids

* Fibroids are very common and are usually harmless.
* As many as 3 in 4 women may have fibroids. But less than half of these women have any symptoms.
* The most common symptoms are heavy periods, painful periods or a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your

pelvis
Your pelvis is the area between your hips.

pelvis.
* Fibroids are easy to diagnose. Doctors usually diagnose them with an

ultrasound
Ultrasound is a tool doctors use to create images of the inside of your body. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which are directed at an area of your body through a device such as a probe. The waves reflect off parts of your body to create a picture. Ultrasound is often used to see a developing baby inside a woman's womb.

ultrasound scan.
* Fibroids don't usually keep you from getting pregnant or make your pregnancy difficult.