Uterine Fibroids

UTERINE FIBROIDS

Fibroids are benign growths of muscle that occur in the uterus. They are very common and often appear during the reproductive years. Fibroids are described on the basis of their location inside the uterus

INTRAMURAL

They grow within the muscular wall of uterus and they are the most common type of fibroids .

SUBMUCOSAL

They bulge into the uterine cavity beneath the inner lining of uterus . These fibroids may sometimes be associated with cases of infertility SUBSEROSAL: These fibroids grow beneath the serosa and project to the outside of the uterus .

CERVICAL FIBROID

They develop in the wall of cervix. Fibroids are benign in nature and are not associated with increased risk of uterine cancer

CAUSES OF FIBROIDS

Exact cause is still unknown . Certain things increase the risk of developing fibroids .

• Genetic changes
• Hormones – Estrogen and progesterone promote the growth of fibroids
• Family history and Race – Black women and Africans are more prone to developed fibroids .
• Obesity
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Vitamin D Deficiency
• Eating red meat

SYMPTOMS OF UTERINE FIBROIDS

Many women develop uterine fibroids sometime in there life but may not be aware as it usually causes no symptom. Those who develop symptoms , include – heavy menstrual bleeding , frequent urination , pelvic pain including pain during sex , backache , leg pains , difficulty in emptying the bladder , constipation.

DIAGNOSIS OF FIBROID

They are usually diagnosed on routine pelvic examination or ultrasound getting done for some other cause . MRI may be done for location and size of fibroids

TREATMENT OF FIBROIDS

Medication may not remove the fibroid but may help in reducing the size of the fibroid Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs to relieve pain Progestin releasing intrauterine device to reduce bleeding Tranexamic acid during periods to control bleeding Low dose of oral contraceptive pills.

Surgical procedure may include:

• Hysterectomy – removal of uterus by open surgery or laparoscopy . It is the only permanent solution to uterine fibroid
• Myomectomy – removal of only fibroid MRI guided focused ultrasound surgery ( FUS)
• Uterine Artery Embolization – small particles are injected into the arteries supplying the uterus, cutting off blood supply to the fibroid , causing them to shrink.

Endometrial ablation :

A specialized instrument is inserted into the uterus to destroy the lining of uterus . It reduces menstrual blood flow and thus stops excessive bleeding Discuss your treatment options with your doctor as all treatments have risks and benefits