Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous or benign growths that develop inside the uterus, typically during childbearing years. These fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, generally comprise muscle fibers and connective tissues in the uterus wall. These growths are not associated with increased cancer risk and usually never turn into cancerous tumors.

The size of uterine fibroids ranges from a barely visible seedling to a bulky mass that can cause the uterus to enlarge. Sometimes, they can develop into a structure resembling a stalk or stem. The number and location of these fibroids may also vary, i.e., you may have only one or multiple fibroids in your uterus, its surface, or uterine wall.

The types of uterine fibroids based on their location include:

Intramural fibroids: These are the most common type and grow inside the tissue of the womb.

Subserous fibroids: These fibroids develop on the outside wall of the uterus and grow into the pelvis.

Submucous fibroids: These fibroids develop on the inside wall of the womb and grow into the uterine cavity.

Pedunculated fibroids: These fibroids grow into the womb through a narrow stalk.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact reason for uterine fibroids is not yet known. However, experts suggest these may develop due to abnormal uterine muscle cell growth. These growths acquire more size when there is high estrogen and progesterone activity in the body.

Some doctors believe uterine fibroids develop due to stem cell activity, which triggers the division of smooth muscular tissues of the uterus. This cell division causes a single cell to undergo repeated divisions, eventually forming a rubbery mass that looks and behaves differently from the nearby tissue.

Some risk factors of uterine fibroids include:

• Race
• Genetics
• Excessive estrogen hormone production
• Some other factors like obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and alcohol consumption

What are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids usually remain asymptomatic. But the symptoms that show up do so based on their size, location, and the number of fibroids.

The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Prolonged menstrual periods (generally lasting more than a week)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pressure or discomfort in the pelvis
• Increased frequency of urination
• Constipation
• Difficulty in fully emptying the bladder.
• Pain in the leg or back
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Who Is Most Likely To Have Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are more common among women between 30 and 50, but they can develop at any age. According to statistics, fibroids are more likely to develop in American women of African descent.

How are Fibroids diagnosed?

A pelvic exam is an initial measure taken by your doctor to confirm or rule out the presence of uterine fibroids. In many cases, these fibroids are diagnosed accidentally during a gynecological exam. This is because these uterine growths do not usually cause any symptoms.

Other tests performed to diagnose this condition include the following.

Ultrasound scan

An ultrasound scan is a standard test to diagnose various gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids. This painless diagnostic procedure involves using a probe that produces sound waves to get an image of your internal body organs. The two main ultrasound scans to diagnose fibroids include:

• An abdominal ultrasound scan – a scan that involves pressing the ultrasound handpiece against the abdominal skin and moving it across a particular area
• A transvaginal ultrasound scan – a more specific scan during which a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy involves inserting a miniature camera (hysteroscope) into the womb through the vaginal cavity and cervix. This test generally takes five minutes to complete but may take some more time, depending on the number and location of fibroids.

Uterine Fibroids Treatment Options

Treatments for uterine fibroids fall into two categories: medication and surgery. Your healthcare provider will recommend the most suitable option after determining the severity of your condition.

Here is a brief overview of the options to treat uterine fibroids.

Medication

Your doctor may recommend medications if your fibroids need treatment. However, you will probably need to meet a gynecologist if you want to discuss more treatment options.

Generally, the medication options for fibroids include medicines for symptoms and shrinking fibroids. Here is what’s included in both of these options:

• Medication for symptoms: Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), Tranexamic acid, anti-inflammatory drugs, contraceptive pills, oral progestogen, and injectable progestogen
• Medication to shrink fibroids: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHas) and Ulipristal acetate.

Surgery

Your doctor may recommend the surgical option to remove uterine fibroids if medication has not been effective or your symptoms are severe. Generally, your doctor will refer you to a gynecologist who will discuss the appropriate surgical option to treat your condition.

The main surgical options to treat fibroids include the following:

• Myomectomy 
• Hysterectomy
• Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids
• Hysteroscopic morcellation of fibroids

Uterine Fibroids FAQ

Request an Appointment

Do you want to get treatment for Uterine Fibroids or discuss its treatment options in more detail? A consultation at Euromed Clinic may encompass answers to all your questions and concerns. Our gynecology department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and run by highly experienced medical staff to offer viable solutions for all your reproductive health concerns.

Want to discuss uterine fibroid treatment options or book a consultation? Please fill out the form below.

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