These things can raise your chances of developing uterine fibroids, such as:

Age
Race
Getting your period at a young age
Birth control use
Vitamin D deficiency
Eating too much red meat and not enough green vegetables, fruit, or dairy
Alcohol
Family history

In women who have symptoms, the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Menstrual periods lasting more than a week.
Pelvic pressure or pain.
Frequent urination.
Difficulty emptying the bladder.
Constipation.
Backache or leg pains.

It is estimated that 70 to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime — however, not everyone will develop symptoms or require treatment.

Fibroids are tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus.