Twenty out of 100 women develop uterine fibroids at some point in their life.
Most are unaware they have them until they go for a scan and find out they have the tumours.
Dr Henry Lusamba, a women’s health specialist, said fibroids are non-cancerous muscular tumours that grow in or outside the uterus wall, causing abdominal bulkiness or heavy abnormal periods.
The likelihood that fibroids will cause complications depends on the size and where they are located.
“Fibroids grow as a single tumour or there can be many of them in the uterus. With some as small as apple seeds and others as big as an orange,” he says.
The size ranges from 1mm to more than 20cm (eight inches) in diameter or even larger.
Based on a study by the World Health Organization, it is possible to develop fibroids and show no symptoms or signs.
People with fibroids located in the inner part of the uterus where the baby grows are at risk of infertility and miscarriages.
For those who develop them in the outer lining or muscular part of the uterus, it is possible to get pregnant, although there may be excess bleeding after birth or other foetus growth complications.
According to a May 2018 research by Healthline Affairs team, large fibroids may prevent a foetus from growing fully due to decreased room in the womb and placental abruption.
The problem may occur when the placenta breaks away from the uterine wall because it's blocked by a fibroid. This reduces oxygen and nutrients to the unborn and may lead to stillbirth or premature birth.
Fortunately, most women with fibroids are able to have a fairly normal pregnancy with vaginal delivery.
Anaemia, constipation, pain during sex, lower back pain and frequent urination, caused by the fibroid pressure on the bladder, are some of the symptoms people with fibroids may encounter.
With fibroids, some women may experience excessive bleeding, which can go two to three weeks.
"Large fibroids may cause the abdomen (stomach area) to enlarge, making a woman look pregnant," Dr Lusamba said.
He said adolescents who had an early onset of menstruation can get fibroids.
"However, most women do not begin to have symptoms until they are in their late 30s or 40s (onset of menopause)."
“Once women hit 30 years, particularly 35 and beyond, there is a diminution in fertility, but that's not absolute, and if you are still quite busy with establishing a career, or haven't found the perfect partner, you shouldn't be pushed into getting pregnant just to have a child," Dr Lusamba said.
The reason and cause of fibroids have yet to be medically known, although it is believed that factors such as genetics may contribute.
“People who have a history of fibroids may have them reoccurring.”
Hormonal imbalance, which is caused by a surge of the oestrogen hormone, may also factor in.
“In females, oestrogen helps develop and maintain both the reproductive system and female characteristics, such as breasts and pubic hair.”
In the ovaries, oestrogen helps stimulate the growth of the egg follicle.
In the vagina, it maintains the thickness of the vaginal wall and promotes lubrication.
In the uterus, it enhances and maintains the mucous membrane that lines the uterus and regulates the flow and thickness of uterine mucus secretions.
The body uses estrogen in the formation of breast tissue. This hormone also helps stop the flow of milk after weaning.
Dr Lusamba said when this hormone increases, it can lead to fibroid development and growth.
“To diagnose fibroids, ultrasound or an MRI can be performed.”
Those with serious conditions can opt for surgical treatment, which involves a uterus removal or myomectomy (fibroid removal). The latter can be risky as it can cause infections in the uterus, excess bleeding or a weaker uterus.
Surgery does not give 100 per cent surety that they will not grow back.
“It is high time we start practising healthy lifestyles, including exercising and watching our diets, which is the core regulator of our hormones,” Dr Lusamba said.
Edited by A.N
