Fibroids and Reproduction: A Bird's-Eye View

A fibroid (or leiomyoma) is a benign, monoclonal, smooth muscle tumor of the uterus, which usually presents as multiple lesions (Figure 1.1) but can occur as a single lesion (Figure 1.2). Fibroids are diagnosed in 20%–40% of women, generally after age 30 years, with a stable increase in incidence with increasing age [1]. This age-related increase in incidence of fibroids should be considered when looking into the relationship between fibroids and reproductive dysfunction (subfertility or miscarriage), as both are intimately age related.