Understanding Myomas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Myomas, also known as uterine leiomyomas or fibroids, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are the most common type of tumor to develop in the uterus and are found in about 20-40% of women of childbearing age.

Myomas can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Heavy menstrual bleeding
* Prolonged menstrual periods
* Painful periods
* Abdominal bloating
* Pelvic pressure or discomfort
* Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant

In some cases, myomas may not cause any symptoms at all and may be discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam or imaging test.

Myomas are thought to be caused by hormonal factors, genetic factors, and other factors such as obesity and hypertension. They tend to run in families and are more common in women who have never been pregnant or who have had few or no full-term pregnancies.

While myomas are not cancerous, they can cause complications such as anemia, infertility, and miscarriage. In rare cases, they can also cause more serious complications such as bleeding, infection, or kidney damage. Treatment options for myomas include medication, surgery, and uterine artery embolization.