Fibroid Degeneration: Types, Causes & Treatment

Fibroid degeneration refers to the process where uterine fibroids –abnormal and benign growths on the muscular walls of the uterus, change in size such as shrinking, calcification, or necrosis (death of body tissues). This article navigates the complexities of fibroid degeneration, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and how it can impact your fertility and lead to pregnancy complications. Let’s start with understanding what fibroid degeneration is!

What is Fibroid Degeneration?

Fibroids are made up of living tissue, so they take up oxygen and nutrients while they grow. They receive it from the blood vessels supplying blood to and within the uterus. This occurs particularly when a fibroid grows excessively large and lacks adequate nutrients to sustain its growth. As a result, the cells within this abnormal tissue start to die off, a process known as fibroid degeneration. This condition can be painful, and uncomfortable and may lead to complications if untreated.

What are the Types of Fibroid Degeneration?

The different types of fibroid degeneration are as follows:

• Hyaline Degeneration of Fibroid:

This is a common type, which involves the replacement of fibroid tissues with hyaline tissue, reducing blood supply. While usually asymptomatic, it can lead to cell death and cystic degeneration.

• Cystic Degeneration of Fibroid:

It is less common, and typically occurs post-menopause and after hyaline degeneration. Reduced blood supply and dying cells create cystic areas within the fibroids.

• Myxoid Degeneration of Fibroid:

Similar to cystic degeneration, this type includes gelatinous material within the cystic masses of the fibroid.

• Red Degeneration of Fibroid:

Often occurring during or after pregnancy, this type results from hemorrhagic infarcts (dead tissues) of uterine fibroids. Pain during pregnancy is a hallmark symptom of this type of fibroid degeneration.

What are the Symptoms of Fibroid Degeneration?

Mostly, fibroids do not show any symptoms and can be of any size from a small lemon to the size of a ball. In some cases, fibroid symptoms may include:

• Heavy or disrupted periods
• abdomen or a bloated appearance
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Constant fatigue

However, when the fibroid becomes larger and starts to degenerate, the common symptoms may include:

• Enlarged abdomen
• Sharp or stabbing pain in the pelvic are

What are the Causes of Fibroid Degeneration?

When left untreated, fibroids can grow larger and demand more nutrients than are available from the blood supply, resulting in insufficient support from the surrounding blood vessels. This leads to fibroid degeneration, where fibroid cells start to die, often causing abdominal pain, swelling, and discomfort along with other symptoms. Some other causes may include:

• Pregnancy
• Hormonal imbalance
• Rapid growth of fibroids

How is Fibroid Degeneration Diagnosed?

During diagnosis, an expert asks about your symptoms and conducts a physical examination. Based on the examination, they recommended further diagnostics such as:

• • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • Hysteroscopy (if necessary)

What are the Treatment Options for Fibroid Degeneration?

After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will determine the best-suited fibroid degeneration treatment method. Fibroid degeneration treatment options may include non-surgical and surgical techniques:

Non-surgical fibroid degeneration treatment:

• Medications:

Hormonal supplements and medication to manage symptoms such as heavy bleeding and to relieve the pain.

• Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): 

Minimally invasive procedure to shrink fibroids by blocking their blood supply. This removes the fibroid and prevents it from regrowing.

• MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS):

Non-invasive treatment using ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.

• Remedies:

Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen can help relieve the pain.

Surgical fibroid degeneration treatment:

• Myomectomy:

This procedure removes uterine fibroids and preserves the uterus for potential pregnancy.

• Hysteroscopy:

It is a minimally invasive procedure to examine and treat issues within the uterus, often used for fibroid removal. In rare cases, it aids in removing the uterus when the condition is worse and there are no plans for pregnancy in future.

Conclusion

Fibroid degeneration can lead to heavy bleeding or severe pain in the abdomen. If left untreated, this condition can affect overall fertility health and at times result in infertility. If you are diagnosed with fibroids and concerned about having a child, call us today to speak to our consultant. Or,  to book an appointment with our fertility specialist, fill in the required details in the given form and our medical coordinator will call you shortly.

FAQs:

1. How long does the pain last from shrinking fibroid degeneration?

The pain can last between a few days to a couple of weeks. It will usually subside when the degeneration pauses (when the fibroid can survive again). However, it will begin again if the fibroid again grows and starts to degenerate.

2. How long does fibroid degeneration take?

The process of fibroid degeneration usually takes a few weeks.

3. Where does a fibroid go during degeneration?

During fibroid degeneration, the fibroid cells or tissues start to die in a process known as necrosis. Parts of the fibroid may liquefy, and parts may remain as solid matter. In some cases, the tissue is slowly reabsorbed by the body. In many cases, it remains there and decomposes.

If the fibroid is attached to a stem (pedunculated fibroid), it may twist around and prevent blood from flowing to the stalk. This can lead to severe pain and may require surgery to remove the fibroid.

4. What is red degeneration of a fibroid?

Red degeneration of a fibroid is a kind of fibroid degeneration that can occur with pregnancy. It usually occurs during or after pregnancy. It can lead to severe pain and bleeding. However, the symptoms usually resolve within some days.