Upcoming Conference(s):

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Annual Meeting on May 15, 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting on May 15, 2026 in Washington, DC.

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Annual Meeting on May 15, 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting on May 15, 2026 in Washington, DC.

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Annual Meeting on May 15, 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting on May 15, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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Epidemiology

>70%1,2

of women may develop uterine fibroids by the onset of menopause

25%1,3

experience debilitating symptoms requiring treatment

Impact on the Healthcare System4-6

The annual direct costs for uterine fibroids in the United States are estimated at $4.1-$9.4 billion.

Uterine fibroids have a high burden of disease:

  • 30-50% of all hysterectomies performed are due to uterine fibroids5,6
  • 29% of gynecologic hospitalizations among women aged 15-54 years are due to uterine fibroids7

Uterine fibroids may be asymptomatic or cause chronic, severe symptoms. Symptoms are often insidious, and many cases remain undiagnosed.1

1. Stewart EA, et al. BJOG. 2017;124:1501-1512. 2. Baird DD, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;188:100-107. 3. Islam MS, et al. Fertil Steril. 2013;100:178-193. 4. Cardozo ER, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;206:211.e1-e9. 5. Merrill RM. Med Sci Monit. 2008;14:CR24-CR31. 6. Wright JD, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122:233-241 7. Whiteman MK, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;202:541.e1-541.e6.

Pathophysiology

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign pelvic tumors that develop in smooth muscle tissue at various locations in the wall of the uterus.1-4

Key Features of Uterine Fibroid Development5-7

The complete pathophysiology is not fully understood.

  • Uterine fibroids arise from uterine smooth muscle tissue
  • Genetic mutations appear to trigger uterine fibroids formation
  • Uterine fibroids are dependent on estrogen and progesterone for development and growth

Reproductive hormones drive the formation and growth of uterine fibroids.7

ECM, extracellular matrix.

1. Vilas GA, et al. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015;37:157-178. 2. Stewart EA, et al. BJOG. 2017;124:1501-1512. 3. Baird DD, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;188:100-107. 4. Lippman SA, et al. Fertil Steril. 2003;80:1488-1494. 5. Katz TA, et al. Fertil Steril. 2016;106:967-977. 6. Makinen N, et al. Oncotarget. 2011;2:966-969. 7. Reis FM, et al. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2016;34:13-24.

Diagnosis

Fibroids are frequently discovered incidentally during a routine bimanual pelvic exam when physicians detect irregularities in uterine size and shape.1-3

A textbook illustration showing uterine fibroids in a female reproductive system

FIGO Leiomyoma Subclassification System4-7

Fibroid classification is based on anatomical location: submucosal, intramural, subserosal, and other. Determining the location of uterine fibroids is important, as it may affect the type of symptoms experienced.

Submucosal

associated with anemia, most likely to cause bleeding

Subserosal

may cause pressure and pelvic discomfort

Other symptoms associated with uterine fibroids8:

  • Size of fibroid impacts pain during menstruation, and size >10cm can lead to bulk symptoms
  • Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Pain
  • Bulk symptoms
  • Anemia/fatigue
  • Infertility

Imaging and Laboratory Testing

  • Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is the primary imaging modality to confirm uterine fibroids2,3
  • MRI is reserved for surgical mapping when detailed anatomic information is needed2
  • In the presence of abnormal menstrual bleeding, blood tests may be conducted to assess anemia and rule out bleeding disorders or thyroid problems1,3

FIGO, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; TVUS, transvaginal ultrasound.

1. Mayo Clinic. Uterine Fibroids. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354294. Accessed April 28, 2026. 2. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 228. Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137:e100-e115. 3. Mas A, et al. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:607-617. 4. Munro MG, et al. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2011;113:3-13. 5. Puri K, et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014;210:e1-7. 6. Bulun SE. N Engl J Med. 2013;369:1344-55. 7. Al-Hendy A, et al. Semin Reprod Med. 2017;35:473-480. 8. Fuldeore MJ, et al. Intl J Womens Health. 2017;9:403-411.

Resources

Uterine Fibroids Resources

Uterine Health Guide

External education resource focused on uterine fibroids and patient support.

View Resource

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