What are uterine fibroids | Birla fertility & IVF

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids do not reflect any symptoms, they are found fortuitously during a routine pelvic examination. During the examination, your doctor may find some irregularities in the shape of the uterus, further concluding the existence of fibroids.

What causes uterine fibroids

The main cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but research and clinical experiments have pointed out a few possible factors:

Change in genes
Estrogen and progesterone may promote the growth
Increased ECM (Extracellular matrix) in fibroids
Insulin-like growth factors may affect the fibroid growth

Uterine fibroid symptoms

Fibroids symptoms are not usually seen and do not require any treatment other than observations by the doctor. There are 2 sizes of fibroids, small ones usually don’t show any symptoms, but the larger ones may show the following symptoms:

Discomfort due to excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle
Abnormal bleeding between periods
Urinating frequently as fibroids put excessive pressure on the bladder
Feeling full in your lower abdomen
Pain during sexual intercourse
Feeling constipated all the time
Low back discomfort
Persistent vaginal discharge
Difficulty in urinating and emptying the bladder
Increased abdominal distention (enlargement)

Around the time of menopause, the hormone levels start to decline, and the symptoms of uterine fibroids also start to stabilise or eventually go away.

Uterine fibroids treatment

Treatment for fibroids depends on the size of the fibroids. Small fibroids do not require any treatment and can be left alone. Treatment for other fibroids is based on the following factors:

Number of fibroids
Size of fibroids
Location of fibroids
Chances of pregnancy
Any desire for uterine preservation

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications

Medicines are given to manage the discomfort and pain caused due to fibroids.

Iron supplements

If excessive bleeding leads to anaemia, the doctors may prescribe iron supplements.

Birth control

Healthcare providers can give birth control pills to control heavy menstrual bleeding between periods.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists:

These are given through injections or nasal spray, and they work by shrinking your fibroids before the surgery to provide ease while removing the fibroids. There are chances that fibroids may return once you stop using them.