Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around a woman’s uterus. They are a common health issue, especially for women aged 15 to 45. This is when estrogen levels are highest.
Fibroids are usually harmless and often go unnoticed. However, they can sometimes cause serious symptoms. These symptoms include heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on other organs. Understanding fibroids, how they develop, and how they can be treated is essential for women’s reproductive health.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroids are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary greatly in size. Some are as small as a seed, while others can grow large enough to enlarge and distort the shape of the uterus. A woman may have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids at the same time.
They are classified based on their location:
- Intramural fibroids: Found within the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids: Project outward from the uterus into the pelvic cavity.
- Submucosal fibroids: Grow into the inner cavity of the uterus and are more likely to cause heavy bleeding.
- Pedunculated fibroids: Attached to the uterus by a stalk-like structure.
Though benign, fibroids can still cause considerable discomfort depending on their size and placement.
What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids is not completely understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
1. Hormonal Influence
Estrogen and progesterone—two hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle—promote the growth of fibroids. Fibroids are most common during the reproductive years. They often shrink after menopause when hormone levels go down.
2. Genetic Factors
Women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them themselves. Certain genetic mutations have also been associated with fibroid growth.
3. Lifestyle and Health
Obesity, high red meat consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables, early onset of menstruation, and vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of fibroid formation.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms and may not even realize they have them until they are discovered during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. However, in symptomatic cases, the following signs are often reported:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
- Pelvic pain or cramping
- Pressure in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder
- Constipation or bloating due to pressure on the rectum
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Infertility or pregnancy complications (in rare cases)
Heavy bleeding can sometimes lead to anemia, causing fatigue, dizziness, and weakness.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Diagnosing fibroids is usually straightforward. A doctor may feel irregularities in the shape of the uterus during a pelvic exam, prompting further investigation.
Common Diagnostic Tools:
- Ultrasound: The most common and simple way to visualize fibroids. It uses sound waves to create images of the uterus.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: Offers a clearer, closer look by inserting the probe into the vagina.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used in more complex cases to map the size and location of fibroids.
- Hysterosonography: A saline-infusion ultrasound that gives detailed views of the uterine cavity.
- Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted tube inserted into the uterus through the cervix to look for fibroids or polyps.
Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
The approach to fibroid treatment depends on several factors including the woman’s age, symptoms, size and location of fibroids, and future pregnancy plans.
1. Watchful Waiting
If the fibroids are small and not causing any symptoms, doctors may recommend monitoring them regularly without immediate intervention.
2. Medications
- Hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills, GnRH agonists, or progestins, can help manage heavy bleeding. They may also temporarily reduce the size of fibroids.
- NSAIDs: Such as ibuprofen for pain relief.
- Tranexamic acid: Reduces menstrual blood loss without affecting hormones.
However, medications don’t eliminate fibroids—they only manage symptoms and may have side effects.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. Ideal for women who wish to retain fertility. It can be done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) or through the cervix (hysteroscopic myomectomy).
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): A procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS): Uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue without incisions.
4. Hysterectomy
This involves removing the uterus and is the only permanent solution for fibroids. It is typically reserved for severe cases, particularly when childbearing is not a concern. It can be done via the abdomen, vagina, or laparoscopically.
Can Fibroids Affect Fertility?
Yes, in some cases. Submucosal fibroids that distort the shape of the uterine cavity can interfere with implantation and increase the risk of miscarriage. However, many women with fibroids conceive and carry pregnancies successfully. If fertility is a concern, a personalized treatment plan can be created to remove or shrink the fibroids while preserving reproductive potential.
Recovery and Outlook
Thanks to modern medical advances, fibroids can now be treated effectively with faster recovery times. Minimally invasive surgeries help women get back to normal life in days or weeks. This is much faster than the months needed for traditional surgeries.
Most importantly, early diagnosis and proper medical follow-up are crucial. Regular gynecological check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and open conversations with your doctor can lead to timely and effective management of fibroids.
At Supeme Hospital, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for uterine fibroids, including minimally invasive procedures tailored to each patient’s needs. Our expert gynecology team is committed to providing compassionate, effective care to support women’s reproductive health and overall well-being.
