All About Fibroids
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids (myomas) are generally benign (non-cancerous) tumors, which begin as a single muscle cell in the uterus (womb) and may grow and multiply rapidly. A woman may develop one or more fibroids, which can grow in clusters and may vary in size from as small as a pea to larger than a grapefruit. Fibroids are hormonally sensitive, so symptoms are likely to be cyclical, and are common in women of childbearing age – especially between 30 and 40. As many as 3 out of 4 women have fibroids, which may go undetected.
Types of Fibroids
- Sub mucosal fibroids grow underneath the uterine lining into the uterine cavity.
- Subserosal fibroids grow from the uterine lining to the outside of the uterus.
- Intramural fibroids grow within the muscle of the uterus.
Fibroid’s Most Common Symptoms
Fibroids are found on the uterine lining or throughout the uterus and may distort the shape of the wall or lining (endometrium). Depending upon their size, number and location, fibroids can cause the following symptoms:
- Pelvic, lower back or leg pain
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Anemia
- Infertility
- Miscarriages
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
Fibroids and Urinary Incontinence and Constipation
Fibroids can cause frequent urination or constipation, when their growth develops from the uterine lining to the outside of the uterus, placing pressure on the bladder, bowel or intestine.
Fibroids and Infertility
Fibroids, if undetected, can slowly destruct the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs to the uterus, and can disfigure the uterus and cause infertility. Early detection, intervention and treatment can help prevent this damage from becoming irreversible.
Treatment Options for Fibroids
Fibroids are one of the most commonly diagnosed and treatable gynecological diseases. Many women are unaware that they have fibroids, unless they are experiencing symptoms or discomfort. Fibroid treatment of choice depends on severity of symptoms, fibroid size, growth, condition and location, along with a woman’s age, plans for pregnancy and expectations. As long as fibroids do not cause symptoms, no treatment is necessary. A physician can check for fibroid growth during routine gynecological visits and can prescribe, if necessary, relief for mild or temporary symptoms.
There are, however, a growing number of procedures for treating fibroids. A woman and her physician may choose to monitor or remove the fibroid(s) or remove the uterus. Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is the comprehensive cure for fibroids, but other treatment options exist. Early detection and intervention allows the physician to perform minimally invasive techniques to provide symptom relief from fibroids.
- Hormone therapy shrinks fibroids by blocking estrogen production. Treatment usually lasts three-to-six months (short-term) and fibroids generally return six months after treatment is discontinued. Side effects include those associated with induced menopause. This therapy is only recommended when a woman is perimenopausal - close to or already in menopause.
- Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is the only definitive treatment for fibroids. This invasive procedure is recommended for women with large or numerous fibroids and difficult symptoms. The uterus and cervix may be removed either through an abdominal incision or through the vagina. This surgery requires anesthesia, three-to-six days in the hospital and up to six weeks of recovery time. Side effects include an end to childbearing.
- Myomectomy is a surgical procedure which removes fibroids through an abdominal incision, while leaving the uterus intact. It is considered a surgical option for women who wish to maintain their fertility. Side effects involve a high rate of adhesions (scar tissue causing internal organs to bind together) and pain.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy surgery is performed through the vagina and cervix and without an incision. This procedure requires special surgical skills and is recommended if fibroids are small. Side effects include potential infection, damage to vital organs and, in rare cases, perforation of the uterus.
- Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive technique which involves a thin lit telescope being threaded through tiny incisions in the belly button and abdomen to view the uterus, ovaries (where eggs are stored) and fallopian tubes. The fibroid material is then cut and removed. This procedure leaves no visible surgery scars and allows patients to recover faster, suffer less pain and return home the same day.
- Uterine artery embolization blocks blood flow to the fibroid via tiny particles of plastic inserted into the uterine artery. Clots form around the particles, blocking blood flow to the fibroid causing it to shrink and disappear.
- Endometrial ablation procedure involves using lasers, electrical current, freezing or microwave technology to destroy fibroids and uterine lining in women suffering from heavy bleeding. Fibroids may continue to grow in some cases.
All treatment options for fibroids must be discussed with a physician. However, it is important for a woman to understand that this common disease does not have to control one’s quality of life forever. |
