Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. These growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Fibroids can vary in size from tiny, undetectable growths to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus.
There are several types of fibroids, categorized based on their location within or around the uterus:
Submucosal fibroids: These grow just beneath the uterine lining and may protrude into the uterine cavity.
Intramural fibroids: These are the most common and grow within the wall of the uterus.
Subserosal fibroids: These grow on the outer surface of the uterus and can sometimes grow large enough to press against other organs in the pelvis.
Pedunculated fibroids: These are attached to the uterus by a stalk, either inside or outside the uterus.
Many women with fibroids may not experience symptoms, but when they do occur, symptoms can vary depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids. Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms,
but others may experience.
Common symptoms of Uterine Fibroids include:
Heavy menstrual bleeding - Prolonged periods sometimes leading to anemia.
Pelvic pain or pressure - Larger fibroids can press on surrounding organs, causing discomfort.
Frequent urination - Fibroids pressing on the bladder can lead to increased urination or difficulty fully emptying the bladder.
Pain during intercourse - Depending on the size and position of the fibroids, some women may experience pain during sex.
Back or leg pain - Fibroids that press on nerves or muscles in the lower back and legs may cause pain.
Abdominal Swelling or Enlargement Larger fibroids can cause the abdomen to appear bloated or swollen, resembling pregnancy.
Constipation Fibroids pressing on the rectum can cause difficulty with bowel movements and lead to constipation.
Reproductive Issues Fibroids can sometimes interfere with conception, though many women with fibroids have successful pregnancies. They can also increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor.
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but several factors may contribute to their development. Although many of these factors can increase the likelihood of developing fibroids, the presence of one or more does not guarantee that fibroids will form. Similarly, fibroids can occur in women with no known risk factors.
Hormones : High levels of estrogen and progesterone, such as those found during pregnancy or with hormone replacement therapy, may contribute to fibroid growth.
Age : Fibroids are more common in women of reproductive age, especially between 30 and 40 years old. Their prevalence decreases after menopause, likely due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone
levels.
Other factors : Obesity, high blood pressure, and diet may also increase the risk.
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but several factors may contribute to their development. Although many of these factors can increase the likelihood of developing fibroids, the presence of one or more does not guarantee that fibroids will form. Similarly, fibroids can occur in women with no known risk factors.
Hormones : High levels of estrogen and progesterone, such as those found during pregnancy or with hormone replacement therapy, may contribute to fibroid growth.
Age : Fibroids are more common in women of reproductive age, especially between 30 and 40 years old. Their prevalence decreases after menopause, likely due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone
levels.
Other factors : Obesity, high blood pressure, and diet may also increase the risk.
Fibroids can be detected through pelvic exams, ultrasound, or other imaging techniques like MRI.
Fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or on the uterus. To diagnose fibroids, healthcare providers typically use the following methods:
Pelvic Exam: A doctor may feel for abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries during a pelvic exam.However, a pelvic exam alone is not definitive for fibroids.
Ultrasound: The most common imaging technique to detect fibroids is a pelvic ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus, helping doctors visualize the size, location, and number
of fibroids.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI can provide a more detailed image of the uterus and is particularly helpful for evaluating large or multiple fibroids. It's also used to assess the relationship
between fibroids and other structures. It’s not done routinely.
Hysterosonography (Sonohysterogram): This test involves injecting sterile fluid into the uterus and using ultrasound to capture detailed images of the uterine cavity. It helps evaluate submucosal fibroids (those inside the uterine cavity). This is incidental detection many times.
Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to view fibroids directly. It’s usually used when fibroids cause symptoms like heavy bleeding.
Treatment options for uterine fibroids depend on factors such as the size, location, and symptoms of the fibroids, as well as the patient's overall health and reproductive goals.
Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms of the fibroids, as well as the woman's health and reproductive plans.
If treatment is necessary, options include:
Medications: Hormonal treatments, pain relievers, or other drugs to shrink fibroids.
Surgical options: Myomectomy (Treatment options for uterine fibroids depend on factors such as the size, location, and symptoms of the fibroids, as well as the patient's overall health and reproductive goals.) or hysterectomy (Treatment options for uterine fibroids depend on factors such as the size, location, and symptoms of the fibroids, as well as the patient's overall health and reproductive goals.
Non-surgical procedures: Uterine artery embolization (blocking blood flow to fibroids), MRI-guided focused ultrasound, or radiofrequency ablation. These are not done routinely and are done only in superspeciality institutes
