Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a common condition among women in their reproductive age. They occur in 20%-40% of women during their childbearing age and 11%-19% women in their perimenopausal stage, according to an article in the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology. The good news is that these are non-cancerous and have zero chances of leading to uterine cancer.

Here’s all you need to understand about fibroids in the uterus.

Usually, there are no symptoms of uterine fibroids. However, if you do notice the following signs, you should visit a gynecologist. Also, remember that they will vary, depending on the number of tumors, their location and size.

• Painful sexual intercourse
• Pressure in the lower back and the pelvis region
• Prolonged menstruation and clot formation
• Heavy bleeding, accompanied by cramps
• Frequent and painful urination
• A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
• Swollen and enlarged abdomen

If you are going through menopause, the fibroids might shrink. This is because the levels of progesterone and estrogen, which stimulate the growth of these tumors, decline. Fibroids will cause acute pain only when they run out of blood supply and begin to perish.

Clinical reports say that there are multiple factors that can lead to the development of fibroids.

If you mother or grandmother has had a history of fibroids, you might be at risk too.

Progesterone and estrogen are known to prepare the uterine lining every month for the menstrual cycle. High levels of these hormones can lead to the formation of fibroids in the uterus. They contain more receptors than normal uterine cells.

This substance holds the cells together. When the level of ECM is increased in the fibroids, it makes them even more fibrous, leading to adverse biological changes in the body.
 
Fibroids can go from being completely unnoticeable to large masses. Therefore, it is important to start the treatment, as soon as the symptoms start showing.

Treatment approaches depend on your existing condition and the size of the fibroids.

Gonadotropin releasing hormones can lower progesterone and estrogen levels, causing the fibroids to die out. Non-hormonal medication is also available, which can help ease heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Additionally, doctors suggest progestin releasing devices, which relieve the symptoms.

Hysteroscopy is one of the most effective surgeries to correct conditions like fibroids in the uterus. A small hysteroscope is inserted inside the cavity to diagnose the fibroids beforehand. Myomectomy is another procedure, where a big incision is made in the abdomen to remove the fibroid.

Uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation and forced ultrasound surgery are a few of the procedures that can help destroy uterine fibroids. The choice of method depends on the number and size of the growths.

Before going for an appointment, make a list of the medicines you are consuming. Also, let the doctor know about any pre-existing medical conditions. Such information is crucial to help the doctor remove the fibroid successfully.