What are fibroids and polyps?

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Fibroids and polyps are typically non-cancerous growths, and a common women's health condition.

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What are fibroids?

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Fibroids are benign tumours that grow in and around the uterus. Around one in five women between 30 and 50 years have fibroids.

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What are the symptoms of fibroids?​

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Fibroids usually don't cause any symptoms and most women and people with a uterus are unaware they have them.

However, symptoms can include:

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• heavy or painful periods
• abdominal pain
• lower back pain
• a frequent need to urinate
• constipation
• pain during intercourse

How are fibroids treated?

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Fibroids usually go away on their own, especially after menopause as your oestrogen levels decrease. However, if you are experiencing symptoms you may be treated with medicine to help shrink the fibroid, or be offered surgery to remove them.

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What are polyps?​

Polyps are formed when the lining of the uterus, doesn’t shed as it normally would during menstruation. They are usually noncancerous, but there is a small risk that they can become cancerous. They are most common between the ages of 40-49.

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What are the symptoms of polyps?​

Some people don't experience many symptoms, while some may experience:

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• Irregular periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Unusually heavy periods
• Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
• Difficulty getting pregnant

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How are polyps treated?​

You may be offered medication to help reduce symptoms, or surgery to remove the polyp.​

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