Fibroids are abnormal growths or tumours, which develop in woman’s uterus or womb and these can develop gradually and later become quite big, lead to severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. The cause of fibroids is unknown, and the growth is benign, which means is noncancerous.
What causes fibroids?
The cause of fibroid is unknown, but it is believed that each tumour develops from the muscle cell in the uterus, which multiplies rapidly as a result of estrogen.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Some women have no symptoms, or have mild symptoms while others have more severe symptoms. Also the symptoms will depend on the location of the fibroids, how big the fibroids are and if you are going through menopause. Here are some common symptoms of fibroids:
Heavy period and abnormal bleeding during periods: These can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia if not properly treated.
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Lower back pain
- Painful intercourse
- Constipation
- Increased menstrual cramp
- Swelling of abdomen
How are fibroid diagnosed?
Fibroids can be detected through a routine pelvic examination, and abdominal examination. In addition, diagnostic procedures may include the following:
- Transvaginal ultrasound also known as ultrasonography
- Pelvic Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Hysteroscopy: visual examination of the cervix and the uterus.
- Endometrial biopsy: A procedure of a sample of tissue obtained through a tube inserted into the uterus
Types of Fibroids
There are four types of fibroids. The fibroid classification depends on the location in the uterus
Intramural fibroids: These are the most common type of fibroid, which appear within the muscular wall of the uterus or womb. Intramural fibroids may grow gradually and become bigger and stretch your womb.
Subserosal fibroids: Subserosal fibroids develop in the outer part of the wall of the uterus into the pelvis and become very big.
Submucosal fibroids: These types of growth appear in the middle of the muscle layer of the uterus called myometrium, these types of fibroid are not as common as the other types, but when develop can lead to heavy period and problem getting pregnant. In some cases, the subserosal or submucosal fibroids are attached to the womb with a narrow track of tissue called pedunculated fibroids.
Cervical Fibroids: These types of fibroid are located in the neck of the womb or cervix.
Who is at Risk for Fibroids?
The following people are risk of developing fibroids:
- Women with family history of fibroids
- Women from African descent
- Women who are obese
- Women over the age of 30
- Pregnant women
Treatment of Fibroids
Treatment may not require any treatment if the fibroid is not giving any problems or if there is minor symptoms that are not affecting day-to-day activities. Fibroid often shrink by itself at a point after menopause and the symptoms may disappear or ease in some cases. Discuss with your doctor if you experience major issue(s) who will advice better on different options available for treatments. However, below are some treatments the doctor can recommend either to ease pain or to shrink the fibroids:
Medications
- Medications can be prescribed to regulate your hormone levels or shrink the fibroids:
- Gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHas)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen
- The contraceptive pill
- Oral progestogen
- Injected progestogen
Surgery Procedures
Another option can be a surgery if symptoms are severe and medication is not effective. Several procedures can be used to treat fibroids. Your doctor will discuss possible options with you and possibly refer you to specialist who will discuss the options with you, including the advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common surgical procedures:
Hysterectomy: Surgical remover of the uterus, this can be suggested if no other treatments work, this means that you will not be able to conceive in future.
Myomectomy: (In the case of fibroid) is a surgery to remove a fibroid from the wall of your womb, it may be considered, as an alternative to a hysterectomy if you still like to have children. Your gynaecologist can tell you whether the procedure is suitable for you based on certain factors such as the size, number and position of your fibroids.
Non-surgical procedures
There are also non-surgical treatments, which your doctor can recommend depending on your situation, which are listed below:
Endometrial ablation: This is a minor procedure that just involves removing the lining of the uterus via freezing, electricity, microwaves, radio frequency (radio waves) or hot water. Ablation is performed on an outpatient basis or in a doctor's office with mild anaesthetic and has a very quick recovery; it is mainly used to reduce heavy bleeding in women without fibroid.
Advice
Always check with your health care professional before taking any medication, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements for managing health conditions or for general health and wellness.
Ask questions from health care professional before making any decisions on fibroids treatments.
Ask for medical options, as question before carrying out any procedure plans.
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