Is Heavy Bleeding Related to Fibroids? -

Heavy menstrual bleeding can be a distressing and debilitating condition for many women. One common cause of this issue is fibroids. Understanding the link between heavy bleeding and fibroids is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Understanding Fibroids

Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop within the muscle tissue of the uterus. They vary in size and number, ranging from as small as a pea to as large as a melon. While fibroids are benign, they can lead to a variety of symptoms, particularly heavy menstrual bleeding.

How Fibroids Cause Heavy Bleeding

The connection between fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding lies in their location and size. Fibroids that grow within the uterine lining (submucosal fibroids) or the muscle wall (intramural fibroids) can distort the uterine cavity. This distortion affects the normal contraction of the uterus during menstruation, leading to prolonged and heavy bleeding. Additionally, fibroids can increase the surface area of the uterine lining, causing more blood loss during periods.

Women with fibroids often experience other symptoms alongside heavy bleeding, such as pelvic pain, pressure, frequent urination, and reproductive issues. These symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life, making it essential to seek medical advice.

The Impact of Heavy Bleeding on Daily Life

Living with heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids can be challenging. It often requires frequent changes of sanitary products, limits daily activities, and can lead to anemia- a condition where the blood lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells, causing fatigue and weakness. This constant struggle can affect a woman’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Seeking timely intervention from gynecology and obstetrics specialists is crucial to mitigate these impacts.

Video Transcript

Hi, I am Dr. Shery, consultant gynecologist at Supreme Specialty Hospital.

We will be discussing fibroid uterus.

Fibroids are more common between the age group of 15-45 years. That’s because there are lots of estrogen in the body during that particular age.

Fibroids are of various types, namely Submucosal, Intramural, and Subserosal.21s

We need not worry if there is a fibroid uterus, but if the size is increasing or if the patient is having heavy menstrual bleeding, or there are bowel and bladder symptoms like constipation or difficulty in passing urine, then we need to be concerned and we need to meet the gynecologist.

If you have been diagnosed with fibroid uterus, you need not panic about it. Based on the size of the fibroid, we have many modalities of treatment available.

We do a simple ultrasound to find the size of the uterus, the location of the fibroid, and then go about with the treatment.

Not all fibroids need surgery, whereas some fibroids might need surgery. If the size is too big or if it is disturbing your day-to-day activities, causing heavy bleeding, we are here to help you in such situations.

The surgery for fibroid is also known as myomectomy or simple hysterectomy can be done.

In case you go through a myomectomy, the procedure is very simple. It can be done using laparoscopy or an open myomectomy.

If you need to do a hysterectomy, we have three methods available: laparoscopic hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, or abdominal hysterectomy.

Laparoscopy and vaginal hysterectomy are very simple. They are scarless procedures, and you can get discharged within 1 or a maximum of 2 days.

In the era of modern medicine, diagnosis and management of fibroid have been very simplified with early diagnosis, early treatment, and early recovery, resuming work in less than 2 weeks’ time.

If you have any symptoms like irregularity in your cycle, heavy menstrual bleeding, or bowel and bladder symptoms, then please do visit your gynecologist for early treatment.

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Seeking Help from Experts

If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and suspect fibroids, consulting a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics is crucial. Gynecologists have the expertise to diagnose fibroids accurately and recommend appropriate treatments. They may perform pelvic examinations, ultrasounds, or MRI scans to determine fibroids’ size, number, and location.

Treatment Options

Treatment for fibroids depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the size and location of fibroids, and the patient’s reproductive plans. Some common treatment options include:

1. Medication:

Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), can help manage heavy bleeding. Non-hormonal medications, like tranexamic acid, can also reduce blood loss during periods.

1. Minimally Invasive Procedures:

Procedures like uterine artery embolization (UAE) or endometrial ablation can shrink fibroids or remove the uterine lining to reduce bleeding.

1. Surgery:

For larger fibroids or severe symptoms, surgical options like myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes

While the exact cause of fibroids remains unclear, certain lifestyle changes may help manage symptoms and improve overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can potentially reduce the risk of fibroid growth. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red meat and high-fat dairy products may also be beneficial. Additionally, stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and regular physical activity can support overall well-being.

Advances in Fibroid Treatment

Recent advancements in medical technology offer new hope for women suffering from fibroid-related heavy bleeding. Techniques such as MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) provide non-invasive options to treat fibroids without traditional surgery. These advancements, along with ongoing research in the field of gynecology, continue to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for affected women.

Understanding the link between heavy bleeding and fibroids is vital for effective management. By consulting Gynecology and Obstetrics specialists and considering lifestyle changes, women can better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Don’t hesitate to search for Gynecologists near me to find expert care and take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable life.

At Supreme Hospitals, our team of experienced gynecologists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for women suffering from fibroid-related heavy bleeding. With state-of-the-art facilities and personalized treatment plans, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being. Contact Supreme Hospitals today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward better health.