Introduction
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tissue growths in the uterus. They often occur during the age when a woman usually conceives and gives birth.
Fibroids are one of the most common gynecologic problems that affects women of reproductive age.
There are a lot of questions and misconceptions floating around about this topic.
In this article, let’s discuss in detail about fibroids, including their types, symptoms, causes, prevention methods, and treatments.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, popularly known as leiomyomas, are a non-cancerous tissue growth that is formed in the uterus.
Uterine fibroids are made of fibrous tissues and muscles, and can vary in size. They can also be formed both inside and outside of the uterus.
Types of uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are of four main types, such as:
- Subserosal Fibroids: Subserosal fibroids are ones that grow outside of the uterus, which isn’t very dangerous. But subserosal fibroids can sometimes cause discomfort in the other parts surrounding the uterus.
- Submucosal Fibroids: Submucosal fibroids are ones that grow under the surface of the endometrium. Although it is a very uncommon type of fibroids, it tends to cause a lot of complications, like excessive bleeding, blood clots while urinating, etc.
- Intramural Fibroids: Intramural fibroids are the ones that are grown inside the uterus muscles. It is often said to be genetic, but the exact cause hasn’t been found yet.
- Pedunculated Fibroids: Pedunculated fibroids are the ones that are attached to the wall of the uterus with a stalk-like thing called a peduncle.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
Although not everyone with fibroids show symptoms, some women might have certain symptoms, like:
- Heavy periods
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Painful intercourse
- Pain while passing stool or urinating.
Causes of uterine fibroids
Although the exact cause of uterine fibroids hasn’t been found yet, there are other factors that can possibly contribute to their intensity, such as:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Genetics
- Obesity
- PCOS
- Consumption of alcohol
- Deficiency if vitamin D
- Stress
Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids
When a gynecologist suspect fibroids in a patient, they carry out certain screening tests such as:
- Pelvic examination: Pelvic examination is one of the baseline tests to diagnose fibroids. During a pelvic examination, the healthcare provider checks the pelvis region and uses a speculum (medical tool) to check the vulva and the inside of the reproductive system.
- Ultrasound (Transvaginal or abdominal): After a pelvic examination, the doctors prescribes an ultrasound to locate the fibroids.
- Hysteroscopy: In some cases when the fibroids are not visible through an ultrasound, the doctors perform a hysteroscopy where a telescope is inserted to the uterus by the vagina.
- Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is an invasive procedure where a small incision is made in the abdomen area and a small telescope with a light source is inserted. Laproscopy helps detect a lot of gynaecological problems including fibroids and endometriosis.
How to prevent uterine fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t completely known yet, but by taking general preventive measures, the likelihood of getting fibroids can be reduced.
- Healthy lifestyle
- Weight management
- Stress management
- Routine gynecological checkups.
Treatments for uterine fibroids
After consultation and diagnosis, the gynecologist recommends a few treatments for uterine fibroids. The best fibroids treatment includes:
- Hormonal therapy to control the hormones
- Take required medicines and supplements
- Surgery, if needed, to remove the fibroids
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): the fibroids are shrunk by cutting down the blood supply to them).
- Regular gynecology checkups.
It is important to not take any over the counter medicine by yourself without consulting with a gynecologist.
Conclusion
Although fibroids aren’t a fatal condition by themselves, they require necessary care and adequate treatment to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Fibroids left untreated can cause other issues in the body including pelvic pain and anemia.
Since most women do not have any symptoms of fibroids, it is important to have a routine gynecology checkup at least twice a year and get proper uterine fibroid treatments.
If you are searching for the best gynecologist for fibroids near me, and for general gynecology consultation, contact Jammi scans.
To book your appointments with one of the best gynecologists in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi – Call us at +91 7338771733 or +91 7904513421.
Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi scans
FAQ:
1. What can cause fibroids?
Although the exact cause of fibroid is not known yet, it can be due to a lot of factors, like:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Gentical factors
- Poor lifestyle choices
2. Are fibroids a serious problem?
Although fibroids are noncancerous and are not fatal, the severity of the symptoms can lead to other issues in the body like anemia, pelvic pain, menstrual issues, etc.
Hence, it is important to take proper treatment and medications as suggested by the healthcare expert.
3. Can you live normally with fibroids?
Yes, with proper treatment and medication, most women with fibroids can have a normal life.
4. How do you fix fibroids?
There are quite a few treatment options available to fix fibroids depending on the requirement. Such as:
- Surgeries to remove the fibroids
- Hormone therapy to control the hormones
- Supplements and medication, etc.
5. Can I get pregnant with fibroids?
Although fibroids make it a little difficult for women trying to conceive, they are not a big threat to fertility issues. And yes, most women with fibroids can get pregnant under the guidance of a gynecologist.
6. What size of fibroids need surgery?
Although the decision to perform surgery to remove the fibroids entirely depends on the patient’s issues and requirements, the best treatment for large fibroids is fibroids over 3 cm in size that need to be removed.
7. Can you feel fibroids with your finger?
No. It is not possible for you to feel the fibroids with your finger. However, your healthcare professional can sometimes feel it during a pelvic examination if the fibroid is in the accessible region.
