Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop fibroids with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing fibroids. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Age

Uterine fibroids usually develop in women approximately 13-50 years of age (childbearing age). However, they can also be found in older women (usually without symptoms).

Ethnic Background

Black women tend to have more and larger fibroids at an earlier age. Asian women have a lower incidence of symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Obesity

Women who are overweight or obese for their height (based on body mass index or BMI) are also at slightly higher risk for fibroids than women who are average weight for their height.

Pregnancy

Women who have given birth appear to be at lower risk for uterine fibroids.

References:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm .

The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . 17th ed. Merck and Co.; 1999.

Fibroids. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/fibroids/sub1.htm#who .

The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nuff.org/health_riskfactors.htm .

Last reviewed June 2008 by ]]>Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.