Fibroids are benign tumors that occur in the uterus, small ones of about the size of seed and large ones that can fill up the uterus. These are muscular and fibrous in nature and can arise within the body of the uterus, project into the uterine cavity or spread on the surface of the uterus. Are you wondering about uterine fibroids, their signs, how they start, how they are diagnosed, and how they can be treated? Keep reading to know more.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
The extent of symptoms related to uterine fibroid can differ significantly from one woman to another and therefore depend on the size, number and position of the fibroids. Common symptoms include:
- Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: Abnormally prolonged and heavy menstrual flow that may compromise on enough blood in the body hence anemia.
- Pelvic Pain and Pressure: Pressure for example in the pelvic area and abdominal area where one feels pain especially when having to either urinate or defecate.
- Frequent Urination: Pressure of the tumor on the bladder and thus more urge to urinate.
- Pain during Intercourse: Fibroid irritation or pain during sexual intercourse if the tumors are situated in certain areas.
- Low Back Pain: The pain emitting from the lower part of the spine in a three dimensional manner.
- Infertility or Pregnancy Complications: Fibroids can affect the chances of conception or occur during pregnancy based on their location and size. In these states you should keep in close contact with your best gynecologist in lahore to monitor your health.
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unclear, but several factors may influence their development:
- Hormones: Progestogens similar to estrogen which prepare the lining of the uterus for the possibility of a pregnancy every month may cause fibroids.
- Genetic Predisposition: It is also worthy of note that history of fibroids in a family increases the chance of the disease in a woman.
- Other Factors: There are also various risk factors such as obesity, vitamin d deficiency and early onset of menstruation that could also cause development of fibroids.
Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids
Diagnosing uterine fibroids often involves:
- Pelvic Exam: Palpation to ascertain for any abnormalities in the size of the uterus.
- Imaging Tests: Cysts or echograms to determine their size, quantity, and position, MR or CT to study the amount of damage to the organs.
- Other Tests: Hysteroscopy which involves the use of a thin, lighted instrument to examine the inside of the uterus or endometrial biopsy where samples of the uterine lining are collected may be advised to discount other causes.
Management of Uterine Fibroids
It is recommended that the management of uterine fibroids be based on the following factors: the severity of the complaints, the size and position of the fibroids, and whether the woman wants to have children again. Options include:
- Watchful Waiting: Observation of fibroids whether it is in size or symptom without definite intervention, mostly in cases of small fibroids showing no symptoms.
- Medications: Combined oral contraceptive pills, progestogen or gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn-Rh) analogues or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for controlling the cramps and heavy menstrual flow.
- Non-invasive Procedures: A technique of uterine artery embolization which entails the shutting of blood supply to fibroids, MRI – guided focused ultrasound surgery which uses ultrasonic energy to destroy fibroids or endometrial ablation which entails burning of the lining of the uterus to reduce the size of the fibroid.
- Surgical Procedures: Myomectomy if the fibroids are not so big and are not bothered by the patient but needs to maintain fertility and hysterectomy for severe cases or when a patient doesn’t want to have children in future.
Conclusion
Fibroids are prevalent benign tumors in the body that develop in the uterus and may impact various aspects of women’s lifestyles. The majority of fibroids are asymptomatic and do not necessitate intervention to resolve the disorder; nonetheless, there are available management strategies depending on the case’s severity. A woman should get regular check-ups to assess the degree of the condition and consult with a best gynecologist in Karachi regarding the choice of the right strategy for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
