Health Buzz-What You Should Know About Uterine Fibroids

What they are: Benign tumors of muscle and connective tissue. Fibroids are more common in African-American women and are the most prevalent pelvic tumors in women of childbearing age. Their cause is unknown.

Why they're not necessarily serious: 99% of fibroids are benign, says Dr. Atlas. Very often, women who have fibroids aren't aware of them, and they typically don't need to be removed. They're usually diagnosed during a regular pelvic exam.

When to worry: Fibroids can make it more difficult to become pregnant. Women often find out they have fibroids when they're trying to conceive. If that's the case, you'll want to seek treatment. They're typically removed only if they cause symptoms, including pain during sex, frequent urination, heavy bleeding, painful periods and bleeding between periods.