Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are also called myomas or leiomyomas.
These fibroids can vary in size from tiny seedlings to large masses. A woman may have one or multiple fibroids; in some cases, they can grow so large that they expand the uterus up to the rib cage.
Many women develop fibroids at some point in their lives but may not be aware of them since they often cause no symptoms. They are usually detected during a routine pelvic exam or a prenatal ultrasound.
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While it’s not clear why women develop fibroids, some patterns that have been observed over the years are:
The symptoms of fibroids vary based on their type and number. For example, submucosal fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and may make it difficult to conceive.
If the fibroids are very small or if a woman is going through menopause, she might not notice any symptoms. However, during menopause, fibroids often shrink due to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that promote their growth.
Uterine fibroids are usually categorized by their location. Intramural fibroids develop inside the muscular uterine wall. Subserosal fibroids develop just outside the uterus, while submucosal fibroids bulge within the uterine cavity.
Uterine fibroids are usually not harmful, but they can cause complications and discomfort. One common issue is anemia, which occurs due to heavy blood loss and can lead to fatigue. In rare cases, if the blood loss is severe, a blood transfusion may be needed to restore normal blood levels.
There can be risks to any treatment. Medications can have side effects, and some may not be a good fit for you. Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications you may be taking for other medical conditions and your complete medical history before starting a new medication. If you experience side effects after starting a new medication, call your provider to discuss your options.
There are also risks involved in the surgical treatment of fibroids. Any surgery places you at risk of infection and bleeding and includes risks associated with anesthesia. An additional risk of fibroid removal surgery is future pregnancies. Some surgical options can prevent future pregnancies. Myomectomy is a procedure that only removes the fibroids, allowing for future pregnancies. However, people who’ve had a myomectomy may need to deliver future babies via C-section.
Fibroids generally do not affect pregnancy or fertility. However, submucosal fibroids can sometimes cause infertility or pregnancy loss.
In some cases, fibroids may also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, or preterm delivery.
If you experience the common symptoms of uterine fibroids, a doctor may perform the following tests for diagnosis:
DGO, MBBS, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Infertility Specialist
DNB, DGO, MBBS, Gynecologist, Obstetrician
MBBS, MD, DNB - Obstetrics & Gynecology, Infertility Specialist
Medications are used for regulating hormone levels and shrinking fibroids:
Other options to control bleeding and pain are:
The advanced non-invasive surgical technique for treating fibroids is focused ultrasound surgery (FUS). In this method, high-frequency, high-energy sound waves are directed at the fibroids to break them down without requiring any incisions.
Another treatment option is endometrial ablation, where a special tool is inserted into the uterus to destroy fibroids using electric current, heat, or hot water.
Uterine artery embolization is also used to treat fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. Tiny particles are injected into the arteries supplying the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
The fibroids can also be removed from the uterus by traditional surgical procedures, such as:
SCI Hospital is a leading healthcare center in Delhi, specializing in the treatment of various women’s health conditions, including uterine fibroids. Our team of medical specialists, including gynecologists, radiologists, and fertility experts, collaborates to offer a range of effective fibroid treatments.
With extensive research on uterine fibroids, including their genetics and epidemiology, our specialists have successfully diagnosed and treated over 2,000 women.
We utilize advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment to manage different types of uterine fibroids. Our hospital employs the latest MRI scans for precise diagnosis of fibroids and rare cancers. Additionally, our expert doctors provide cutting-edge treatment options such as radiofrequency ablation, uterine artery embolization, and MRI-guided ultrasound surgery.
Our specialists have the experience and expertise to diagnose the condition and also offer the best/latest treatment for uterine fibroids. With the help of our cutting-edge clinical study and research about uterine fibroids, our specialists are also working on some new approaches to offer the best treatment choices to women with uterine fibroids. Hence, we rank among the top medical institutes in India for curing women-related diseases or disorders.
The main cause of fibroids is hormones, estrogen, and progesterone that stimulate the development of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy.
Common signs a woman is suffering from fibroids are heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic discomfort, pelvic pain, bladder problems, low back pain, and discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
Women usually face fibroids between the ages of 30 and 40.
Major stressful conditions such as the loss of a child or spouse, divorce, or the birth of the first child can lead to fibroids. Stress can lead to changes in hormone level that leads to the development of fibroids.
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