Uterine Fibroid

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in or near the womb (uterus).

The growths are formed of muscle and fibrous tissue, and their sizes vary. They are sometimes referred to as uterine myomas or leiomyomas.

Fibroids range in size from invisible seedlings to bulky masses that can deform and expand the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or several.

Fibroids are quite common, affecting between 40 and 80% of women. However, because many women do not suffer any symptoms from their fibroids, they are unaware that they have them. This can happen if you have little fibroids, which are known as asymptomatic because they don’t create any symptoms.

Types of Fibroids

The size and location of your fibroids are crucial factors in your treatment.

The locations of your fibroids in and on the uterus are known by different names. These names reflect not only the location of the fibroid, but also how it is attached.

• Intramural fibroids,these are fibroids that are lodged in the uterine wall. Fibroids are forming within this muscle wall.
• Submucosal fibroids, these are fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity (where a baby grows during pregnancy)
• Subserosal fibroids,these fibroids are located on the outside of the uterus and are closely attached to the uterine wall.
• Pedunculated fibroids, are fibroids that grow on the exterior of the uterus. They’re linked to the uterus by a slender stem. They are frequently described as mushroom-like. They are also the least prevalent form of fibroids.

Causes of Fibroids

Fibroids have no established aetiology, but they have been related to the hormone oestrogen, some other factors according to research are associated with causing fibroids are Genetic change &other growth factors that help the body maintain tissues like insulin.

The majority of fibroids occur in women of reproductive age. They are rarely seen in young women who have not yet had their first period.

Symptoms

Many women with fibroids exhibit no symptomsand do not require treatment other than frequent monitoring by a physician. These are usually little fibroids. Asymptomatic fibroid refers to a fibroid that does not cause symptoms.

Symptoms can be altered by the location, size, and quantity of fibroids in persons who have them.

The following are the most prevalent indications and symptoms of uterine fibroids.

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between your periods.
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Lower back pain
• Constipation
• Pain during Sex
• Not able to Completely empty the bladder
• Bloating

Further difficulties caused by fibroids can disrupt pregnancy or induce infertility in some situations.

Fibroid & Pregnancy

A number of pregnant women have fibroids If you are pregnant and have fibroids, they are unlikely to cause complications for you or your baby.

Throughout pregnancy, your body produces an abundance of hormones. These hormones promote your baby’s growth. They can, however, cause your fibroids to become larger.

Growth/Large Fibroids can also increase the risk of pregnancy problems like placental abruption, foetal growth restriction, and preterm labour.

Also,Fibroids normally do not prevent women from becoming pregnant. However, fibroids, particularly submucosal fibroids, have the potential to induce infertility.

Treatment: –

Fibroids do not need to be treated until they cause symptoms. Without treatment, they frequently decrease and disappear over time, especially after menopause.

If the fibroids are causing symptoms, then their treatment varies depending on their size, quantity, and location, as well as the symptoms they cause.

There are drugs that can help reduce fibroids. If these do not work, surgery like Myomectomy or other less invasive procedures may be suggested.

Takeaway: –

Uterine fibroids are a form of benign tumour that grows in and on the uterus. Fibroids do not always create symptoms, but when they do, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination, and pain during sex. Small fibroids may not require treatment, but larger fibroids may require medication or surgery.