Uterine fibroids are tumours which grow from cells forming the muscle of the uterus (womb). Uterine fibroids, which are also called leiomyoma or myoma of the uterus, can grow on the uterine wall and push out into the bladder, bowel or intestine. They can also grow Uterine Fibroids within the uterine wall, or even project from the wall of the uterus on a narrow stalk into the uterine cavity. Fibroids can be as small as a pea or as large as a football and are almost always benign, no matter how large they get. Having uterine fibroids does not increase your risk of cancer.

If a fibroid or cluster of fibroids is particularly large or is growing on the outside of the uterine wall, it can sometimes push the uterus aside or force it to grow abnormally. A uterine growth may also put pressure on the bladder or intestines. On rare occasions, a large fibroid may block the opening of the uterus. In that case, a pregnant woman may need to have a caesarean delivery.