by Elaina Wicks

Created on: October 12, 2010   Last Updated: January 11, 2011

One of the most common reproductive ailments that a woman will experience over the course of her life, is the onset of fibroids Studies show that 20-40% of women in their reproductive years have fibroids. Although 99.9% of fibroids are non-cancerous and produce no symptoms, certain fibroids can cause a wide array of complications that can range from excessive bleeding to extreme pain. One type of fibroid in particular, a

Pedunculated Fibroid, is a type of fibroid in which I have had personal experience.

A Pedunculated Fibroid is less common than other uterine fibroids, in that it hangs from a stalk, or peduncle. The fibroid itself is not attached to the uterine wall like more common fibroids and can prolapse or sag outside of the cervix. In rare occasions, the peduncle can become twisted and cause excruciating pain. Although some fibroids are only detectable via the use of a vaginal ultrasound, others can grow much larger and cause abdominal swelling similar to that of early pregnancy.

•Symptoms of Pedunculated Fibroids

Heavy menstrual and intermittent bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of a pedunculated fibroid. In my particular case, bleeding was so heavy that tampons could no longer be used and pads would become soaked about every 30 minutes. In addition to the heavy bleeding, large clots (palm sized) and flesh colored tissue can be passed. Menstrual cycles become increasingly irregular and in some cases, discontinue to cease. One of my last periods lasted over 30 days without stop and other women have reported periods that have lasted several months.

In addition to heavy bleeding and clots, some women may experience a constant watery discharge that is especially noticeable after menstruation stops. The discharge is odorless and not consistent with vaginal infection. The discharge is clear to light yellow in color and often times, comes out at the consistency of urination. The flow can be so constant, that the use of panty liner or pad may be necessary in between periods.

Although rare, a pedunculated fibroid can prolapse far enough into the vaginal cavity that it can be seen at the entrance of the vagina. If the fibroid sags far enough, it can actually "crown" at the entrance of the vagina and resemble the head of an infant. In many cases, it can then be mistaken as labor or miscarriage.

•Causes of Pedunculated Fibroids

There have been no confirmed medical explanations as to the causes of fibroids. However, hormonal imbalance

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