Uterine Fibroids are benign growth of uterine muscle tissues. Fibroids are very common growth seen in uterus in reproductive age group specifically in nulliparaus women ie-who haven’t conceived yet.Uterine Fibroids are also known as Leiomyoma.
Uterine Fibroids Size and Number
Fibroids can be small in size which doesn’t produce any sign or symptoms and very very large to produce a lot of discomfort, pain and even complications. Some Fibroids grows so much that it makes the belly look like a pregnant mother.
Fibroids can be a few in numbers or multiple in numbers. They also are varying in their occurrence
What are the different names of Fibroids?
A fibroid is usually a growth microscopically made up of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. And when it is seen in uterus it is Uterine Fibroid. They are usually found in the wall of the uterus.
- Uterine fibroids
- Fibrona
- Myoma
- Leiomyoma
- Uterine myomas
What are the Fibroids Locations?
Fibroids varies with their locations. They can be sub mucousal, sub serosal, intramural, cervical according to their position and location of development.
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of Fibroids and appear within the muscular wall of the uterus
Serosa is the outside of the Uterus. Subserosal fibroids are formed on the outside of the uterus
When fibroids develop with a stem, a tiny base that supports the tumor like growth, they are known as Pedunculated Fibroids
Cervical fibroids develop on the cervix. It is seen in the Anterior , Posterior and Lateral part of the Cervix
What are the effects of Fibroids?
Clinically in most cases, it is seen that all fibroids doesn’t cause signs or symptoms. But when they do produce symptoms, they might include
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Severe Abdominal Pain and Cramps
- Menstrual clots or period lasting more than a week
- Menstruation lasting longer than usual
- Thick continuous vaginal discharge
- Back Pain
- Frequent Urination
- Produces Pain During Sex
- Constipation
- Also they can create problem in implantation leading to Infertility
What is the Cause of Fibroids?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t clear.The actual cause of fibroid growth is unknown. The fibroids usually develop in women during their reproductive years. But many factors may play roles for growth of the Fibroids in uterus. Like-
- Genetic Makeup and Abnormal stem cell growth
- Hormones like estrogen and progesterone
- Insulin-like growth factors
- Family History of Fibroids
- More body weight
- More age for conceiving the 1st baby
- Nulliparity
When to look for a doctor for Fibroids
When you have experienced the following you should consult with a good Doctor
- Excessive bleeding
- Persistently extended periods
- Sudden and sharp pelvic pain
- Severe pain in the abdomen or pelvic region
- Heavy bleeding
What are the Diagnosis methods for Fibroids
- Abdominal USG
- Trans Vaginal Sonography
- MRI Pelvis
- Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy
What are the Treatment of Fibroids?
Small and Asymptomatic fibroids usually don’t need treatment, but larger fibroids producing symptoms can be treated with proper medications and surgeries.
Lifestyle Modification
A healthy and balanced diet with a habit of regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced weight can reduce your risk of developing fibroids
Medical
Surgical
