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Ever feel lost in the sea of reproductive health terms? Yep, we get it. You've probably heard of “uterine fibroids” and “cysts” and maybe even wondered, “What are those, exactly?” And more importantly, ”How are they different?”
So, we're breaking it down in a way that's easy to understand — because being informed is the first step to feeling confident about your health. Let's get started.
First up, uterine fibroids
Sometimes fibroids are called leiomyomas or myomas, but essentially, they're non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissue of your uterus. And get this: they come in all sorts of sizes, from tiny, like a pea, to much larger, like a grapefruit.
Around 70% of women will be diagnosed with fibroids by the time they reach menopause. Yep, they’re that common. And because fibroid symptoms aren't always obvious, many women live with them without even knowing.
Uterine fibroids are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue, and they can grow in different parts of your uterus, like inside the uterine wall or into the uterine cavity, or they can even grow on the outside of your uterus.
Where these fibroids grow, how big they get, and the amount you have can significantly impact your symptoms.
Okay, so what are cysts?
Unlike solid fibroids, cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can pop up in or around the uterus or ovaries. About 20% of women will develop at least one cyst in their lifetime, with ovarian cysts being the most common. Most ovarian cysts are pretty harmless and usually go away on their own without needing any treatment.
When we hear “cyst,” it's easy to lump them all together. But the truth is, there are several different types. So, let's break it down and look at three kinds you might have heard of:
- Functional cysts: These are the most common, and they pop up during your regular menstrual cycle. Think of them as part of your body's natural process.
- Endometriomas: These are a bit different. They're related to endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it.
- Dermoid cysts: These are a little unusual. They can contain different types of tissue, like hair, skin, or even teeth. It sounds strange, but it's true!
Now that we've covered the basics, let's get into what sets them apart.
How are uterine fibroids and cysts different?
Knowing the real differences helps you understand what's happening in your body and make choices that feel right for you. Let’s get into specifics:
What they're made of
Fibroids are solid, like little clumps of muscle and fibrous tissue. Cysts, on the other hand, are like tiny water balloons — they're filled with fluid or sometimes a semi-solid material, not solid tissue.
Where they grow
Fibroids tend to stick to the uterus. Cysts can show up in a couple of places, either in the uterus or, more often, on the ovaries.
How they behave
Fibroids are generally slow growers. They might even shrink after menopause. Cysts, especially the functional kind, tend to be more temporary. They often come and go with your menstrual cycle.
How they're handled
Because they're so different, the way we deal with fibroids and cysts can vary a lot. It depends on their size, where they are, and what symptoms they're causing.
How to tell them apart
It's tricky because both fibroids and cysts can sometimes fly under the radar without causing any symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they can be quite different, which helps us tell them apart.
Fibroid symptoms
One of the most common things women notice with fibroids is a change in their periods. You might deal with much heavier bleeding than usual and need to change pads or tampons way more often.
Or, your periods might last longer than you're used to, sometimes stretching out for more than a week. It's not just inconvenient — it can be pretty disruptive. Other common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pains
- Pain during sex
Cyst symptoms
Remember, ovarian cysts, the most common type of uterine cyst, often don't cause symptoms. But when they do, you might experience:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Bloating or swelling in the lower abdomen
- Pain during sex
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain (if a cyst ruptures)
Keep in mind that while these symptoms can give you a sense of what might be happening, only your healthcare provider can provide a definite diagnosis. So, if you notice any of these changes, it's always a good idea to schedule that appointment.
Finding answers and relief
To figure out what’s going on, your provider will likely start with a pelvic exam and then use some imaging, like an ultrasound, to get a clearer picture. If they need a more detailed view, they sometimes suggest an MRI. These tests help them see the size, location, and type of growth.
Now, when it comes to treatment, keep in mind that everyone's different. What works best really depends on the size and location of the fibroids or cysts and how much they're affecting your daily life. Your provider will work with you to find the right approach.
Treatment for fibroids
This also depends (on how you’re feeling). If they're small and not bothering you, your provider might just suggest sticking to regular check-ups. If management is needed, medications can help alleviate the symptoms, like heavy bleeding or pain, and sometimes, they can even shrink the fibroids a bit.
There are also minimally invasive procedures, like uterine artery embolization. And if things are more serious, surgical options like a myomectomy, which removes the fibroids, or a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, might be needed.
Treatment for cysts
Cysts, especially ovarian cysts, often start with just watching and waiting. If they're small and you're not having any issues, regular check-ups are typically the way to go. But birth control can help stop new ones from popping up. If they get big, don't go away, or are really making you uncomfortable, surgery might be the best option.
Uterine fibroids and cysts are both common and manageable, and learning the differences helps you take control of your reproductive health. Whether you're dealing with fibroids, cysts, or something else — keep asking questions, and don't hesitate to talk to your provider if something isn’t right.
Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. You can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends when she's not writing. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.