Your Guide to Uterine Fibroids: From Symptoms to Solutions

Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that develop in the walls of the uterus. Many women will experience them at some point in their lives, with studies showing that up to 80% of women may develop fibroids by the time they reach 50. While these growths are typically not harmful, they can lead to symptoms or complications in some women.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are muscular growths that form in or on the uterus. They can range in size from tiny, undetectable growths to large masses that can significantly impact your reproductive health. Fibroids can develop in different parts of the uterus, including:

• Submucosal fibroids: These are located just beneath the uterine lining and may cause problems with fertility or pregnancy.
• Intramural fibroids: These are the most common type, growing within the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids: These grow on the outer surface of the uterus and may press against surrounding organs.
• Pedunculated fibroids: These grow on a stalk and can be either submucosal or subserosal.

Fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and may not always cause symptoms. However, their size, location, and number can determine whether they cause discomfort or other complications.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Not all women with uterine fibroids experience symptoms. In fact, many women don’t know they have fibroids until they undergo a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. For those who do experience symptoms, the following are common signs to watch for:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding: Women with fibroids may have unusually heavy periods, sometimes requiring frequent changes of pads or tampons.
• Pelvic pain or pressure: Larger fibroids may cause discomfort or a sensation of fullness in the pelvic region as they press on nearby organs.
• Frequent urination: Fibroids pressing on the bladder can cause a constant need to urinate, even when the bladder isn’t full.
• Pain during sex: Depending on the location of the fibroids, some women experience pain during intercourse.
• Reproductive issues: Fibroids can sometimes interfere with fertility, making it harder to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy. In rare cases, fibroids may cause miscarriages or premature labour.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor to evaluate your condition and discuss potential treatment options.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids remains unclear, but there are several factors believed to contribute to their development. These include:

1. Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, may play a role in stimulating the growth of fibroids. This is why fibroids tend to shrink after menopause when hormone levels decrease.
2. Genetics: If your mother or sister had fibroids, you may be more likely to develop them yourself.
3. Age: Fibroids are more common in women aged 30-40 and become less frequent after menopause.
4. Race: Studies show that African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids and often experience more severe symptoms compared to women of other racial backgrounds.
5. Lifestyle: Being overweight or obese can increase the likelihood of developing fibroids because excess fat can lead to higher estrogen levels.

Although these factors can increase the risk of fibroids, the exact cause is still not fully understood.

Diagnosing Uterine Fibroids

If you suspect you may have uterine fibroids or are experiencing symptoms, your doctor will perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of any fibroids:

• Pelvic Exam: Your doctor will physically examine your pelvic area to feel for any abnormalities, such as an enlarged uterus.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is the most common imaging test used to identify fibroids. It uses sound waves to create an image of your uterus, helping your doctor see if fibroids are present.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI may be used for a more detailed view of fibroids, helping doctors plan treatment options.
• Hysteroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a light into the uterus to directly view the inside and check for fibroids.

Once fibroids are diagnosed, your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on their size, location, and how they are affecting your health.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

In many cases, uterine fibroids do not require immediate treatment, especially if they aren’t causing symptoms. However, when fibroids lead to discomfort or complications, treatment may be necessary. There are several options available, depending on the severity of your symptoms:

1. Medications:
2. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce the discomfort caused by fibroids.
3. Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or hormonal injections can help regulate your menstrual cycle and control heavy bleeding. These treatments work by balancing estrogen levels, which can also shrink fibroids.
4. Surgical Treatments:
5. Myomectomy: A surgical procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. This is an option for women who wish to maintain their fertility.
6. Hysterectomy: In cases where other treatments are ineffective, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended. This is the only definitive treatment for fibroids, but it results in infertility.
7. Non-Surgical Procedures:
8. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): This procedure blocks the blood vessels that supply the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. It’s a minimally invasive procedure and may be recommended for women who do not want surgery.
9. MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound: This technique uses sound waves to target and destroy fibroids without the need for surgery.

Your doctor will discuss your treatment options and recommend the best approach based on your symptoms, your goals for fertility, and your overall health.

Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that many women experience at some point in their lives. While many women with fibroids do not experience any symptoms, others may face complications that require treatment. If you suspect you have fibroids or are experiencing symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or difficulty getting pregnant, it’s important to consult with your doctor. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can manage your fibroids and improve your quality of life.

Take control of your health today! If you think you may have uterine fibroids or have concerns about your symptoms, schedule a consultation with us at Aryan Hospitals to discuss your treatment options and get the care you deserve.