Fibroids are non-cancerous uterine tumors. To date, scientists have not pinpointed the exact reason why they form. For that reason, some people wonder, do abortions cause fibroids? Here’s what you need to know.

Do Abortions Cause Fibroids?

The majority of women who develop fibroids see these tumors form in their 30s and 40s. However, fibroids can form earlier at an earlier age. That is particularly true for Black women, who are more likely to develop fibroids, more likely to get diagnosed at an earlier age, and more likely to experience more burdensome fibroid symptoms.

Recently, a sonographer in Nigeria wondered at the number of younger patients she met who were dealing with uterine fibroids. Surprised by their diagnoses, some of these young women wondered if having an abortion could contribute to fibroid formation. And, while there is no direct link between having one abortion and an increased fibroid risk, this study suggests that having multiple induced abortions did increase the risk for these uterine tumors. Still, the study was limited to a population of middle-aged and older women of Chinese descent, so the findings may not be applicable to women of other ages and races.

Abortions and Fibroids: Understanding the Links

While the evidence suggests that multiple induced abortions can increase your fibroid risk, it also suggests that a spontaneous abortion (otherwise known as a miscarriage) does not increase your fibroid risk. Similarly, having one induced abortion did not seem to impact your odds of developing uterine tumors.

Clearly the evidence on whether abortions cause fibroids is still murky. But what we do know is this: if you develop symptomatic fibroids, and they interfere with your quality of life, relief is available without the need for surgery. At Georgia Endovascular, we can shrink uterine fibroids via Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally-invasive procedure that cuts off the tumors blood supply. Because this treatment preserves your uterus, many women can go on to start or grow their families following UFE, making it an attractive option for younger women. To learn more and explore your candidacy, we invite you to contact our team and request a consultation .