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 healthcare provider 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.
Last reviewed March 2007 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
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.
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