A uterine fibroid is the most common benign tumor of a woman's uterus. Fibroids develop with the uterine wall or attach to it. They may grow as a single tumor or in clusters. Uterine fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.

These growths occur in about 25% of all women and are the leading cause of hysterectomy in the United States. Of every woman older than 35 years, 1 in 5 has a uterine fibroid. An estimated 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the US annually, and at least one-third are for fibroids.

In this episode, Dr. Lichten explores alternative ways of treating fibroids and as a result, many hysterectomies can be avoided.