By John Joseph
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Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size, ranging from small (like a pea) to large (like a melon).
Fibroids are common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. They can cause a range of symptoms, including:
– Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
– Pelvic pain or pressure
– Frequent urination
– Constipation
– Back pain
– Infertility or miscarriage
There are different types of fibroids, including:
– Intramural fibroids (grow inside the uterine wall)
– Submucosal fibroids (grow just beneath the uterine lining)
– Subserosal fibroids (grow outside the uterus, on the outer surface)
– Pedunculated fibroids (grow on a stalk-like structure)
Treatment options for fibroids depend on the size, location, and symptoms. They may include:
– Watchful waiting (monitoring with regular check-ups)
– Medications to reduce symptoms
– Surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy)
– Minimally invasive procedures (such as uterine artery embolization) It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have fibroids.
These benign tumors are incredibly common, especially among women of reproductive age. While many fibroids are small and asymptomatic, some can grow large and cause a variety of symptoms that significantly impact a woman’s quality of life.
Uterine Fibroids Cause Infertility
Fact: This is not true as well. While fibroids can sometimes interfere with fertility, many women with fibroids can still conceive and have successful pregnancies. I have seen this personally on countless occasions. The impact of fibroids on fertility depends on their size, number, and location. Speak to a gynaecologist if you are worried about this.
Lack of Pregnancy causes Fibroid.
Fact: This is simply not true. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
– Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, appear to promote the growth of fibroids.
– Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases the likelihood of developing them.
– Other factors: Obesity, early onset of menstruation, and certain dietary factors MAY also play a role in fibroid development.
All Fibroids are the same
Fact: Fibroids can vary widely in size, location, and type. They can grow inside the uterine wall (intramural), on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal), or under the inner lining of the uterus (submucosal). The type and location of fibroids can affect the symptoms and treatment options.
Uterine Fibroids Always Cause Symptoms
Fact: Many women with uterine fibroids experience no symptoms at all. But when symptoms do occur, they can include:
– Heavy menstrual bleeding: One of the most common symptoms, leading to anemia in some cases. But there are other causes of this that are not fibroid
– Prolonged periods: Menstrual bleeding lasting more than a week.
– Pelvic pain or pressure: Caused by the size and location of the fibroids.
– Frequent urination: Pressure on the bladder can increase the urge to urinate.
– Difficulty emptying the bladder: Larger fibroids can obstruct normal bladder function.
– Constipation: Fibroids pressing against the rectum can cause bowel issues.
– Backache or leg pains: These symptoms occur when fibroids press on nerves or muscles.
All these symptoms listed above can be caused by other things. So there is none that is specific to fibroids in itself.
Fibroids Can Be Prevented
There is no guaranteed way to prevent fibroids, as their exact cause is still not fully understood. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may help reduce the risk of developing fibroids.
Fibroids Grow Quickly
Fibroid growth varies greatly from person to person. Some fibroids grow slowly over many years, while others may grow more rapidly. Factors like hormone levels and genetics can influence their growth rate. But some fibroids can slowly grow to be larger than a new born child.
Diagnosing uterine fibroids often involves a combination of the following:
– Pelvic exam: A doctor may feel an irregularity in the shape of the uterus during a routine pelvic exam.
– Ultrasound: The most common imaging test, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and detect fibroids.
– MRI: Provides a more detailed image of fibroids, especially useful for mapping large or multiple fibroids.
– Hysteroscopy: A procedure where a small camera is inserted into the uterus to examine the lining and detect fibroids.
– Lab tests: If there is abnormal bleeding, blood tests may be done to rule out other causes and check for anemia.
Fibroids Will Always Require Surgery
Not all fibroids require surgical treatment. Treatment for fibroids depends on their size, number, location, symptoms, and the woman’s age and desire to preserve fertility. Options include:
Watchful waiting: If fibroids aren’t causing symptoms, monitoring them over time may be all that’s needed.
Medications
Drugs that regulate hormones (like birth control pills or GnRH agonists) can shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms.
Non-invasive procedures: MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) uses sound waves to destroy fibroids without surgery.
Minimally invasive procedures: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) cuts off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Surgical options:
Surgical options: – Myomectomy: The surgical removal of fibroids, preserving the uterus. – Hysterectomy: The complete removal of the uterus, which is a permanent solution for fibroids.
Menopause Will Cure Fibroids
While fibroids often shrink after menopause due to lower hormone levels, they do not always disappear entirely. In some cases, women may still experience symptoms even after menopause, especially if they are taking hormone replacement therapy.
Fibroids Turn Into Cancer
Uterine fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous). The chance of a fibroid becoming cancerous (leiomyosarcoma) is extremely rare, with estimates suggesting it occurs in less than 1 in 1,000 cases.
Fibroid does not comeback after surgery.
The prognosis for women with fibroids varies depending on the size and number of fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms. While fibroids can recur after treatment, particularly if the uterus is preserved, many women experience significant relief from symptoms following treatment.