Test Your Knowledge About Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a common condition affecting women of reproductive age. They can significantly impact their quality of life if symptoms become severe. Treatment options range from medication to surgery, depending on the size and location of the fibroids, as well as how much they affect daily life. Take this quiz to test your knowledge about uterine fibroids and learn more about the condition.

1. Which of the following is the most common reason for surgically removing uterine fibroids?

• A) Heavy menstrual bleeding and pain
• B) Becoming cancerous
• C) Preventing pregnancy
• D) Esthetic reasons

2. Which of these fibroid types causes the heaviest bleeding?

• A) Intramural
• B) Subserosal
• C) Submucosal
• D) A combination of different types

3.  What is common between endometriosis and uterine fibroids?

• A) They are both caused by bacterial infections.
• B) They both involve abnormal tissue growth in or around the uterus.
• C) Both are always cancerous.
• D) Both primarily affect older women.

4. Which hormone influences the growth of both endometriosis lesions and uterine fibroids?

• A) Testosterone
• B) Thyroid Hormones
• C) Estrogen
• D) Insulin

5. What is a shared symptom between endometriosis and uterine fibroids? (Select all that apply).

• A) Infertility
• B) Difficulty breathing
• C) Heavy menstrual bleeding
• D) Weight alterations

6. Who is more likely to have both endometriosis and uterine fibroids?

• A) Women who have had multiple pregnancies
• B) Women who have never been pregnant
• C) Women who are over age 60
• D) Athletes

7. Which of the following treatment options can address both uterine fibroids and endometriosis? (Select all that apply).

• A) Hormonal therapies
• B) Antibiotics
• C) Surgical ttreatment
• D) Uterine artery embolization

ANSWERS

1. Correct Answer: A

Uterine fibroids are often surgically removed when they cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure, that significantly affect a woman’s quality of life. Fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and rarely turn into cancer, but a thorough gynecological examination and imaging are necessary to assess the risk of malignancy. While fibroids can sometimes impact fertility, they do not prevent pregnancy in all women, many women with fibroids can conceive and carry a pregnancy to term without complications.

2. Correct Answer: C

Submucosal fibroids have a greater impact on heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility compared to fibroids in other locations.

3. Correct Answer: B

Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, while fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within the uterine muscle. Both conditions involve abnormal tissue growth, but they are distinct in their nature and origin.

4. Correct Answer: C

Estrogen is the hormone that plays a key role in the growth of both endometriosis lesions and fibroids. Both conditions are often influenced by hormonal changes, especially those related to the menstrual cycle, and estrogen can stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue in endometriosis as well as fibroids in the uterus

5. Correct Answer: C

Both endometriosis and fibroids can lead to infertility and heavy menstrual bleeding. These are common symptoms shared between the two conditions due to their impact on the reproductive organs and menstrual cycle.

6. Correct Answer: B

Both endometriosis and fibroids are more likely to occur in women who have never been pregnant. Women who have early onset of menstruation (before age 11) or have shorter menstrual cycles (less than 27 days) are at higher risk for both endometriosis and fibroids. Long, heavy periods also increase the risk.

7. Correct Answer: A and C

Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and other hormone-modulating drugs, can help manage symptoms of both endometriosis and fibroids by controlling hormone levels. Surgery is a common treatment option for both conditions. For fibroids, surgical options include myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). In endometriosis, surgical removal of endometriosis lesions can reduce symptoms.

Did you receive a diagnosis of fibroids or endometriosis? Please share your experience with Seckin Endometriosis Center and comment on our post on Facebook or Instagram.