Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous lumps in the uterus that many women, especially those aged 30-50, have. Today, safer treatments like small surgeries and scans help women heal faster and keep their ability to have children. Knowing about fibroids early helps women avoid bigger health problems later.
In this blog, you’ll learn that over 226 million women worldwide have fibroids, which are usually small and harmless. If they grow or cause symptoms, doctors can treat them with medicines or minor surgery. After menopause, fibroids often shrink. Regular checkups help catch fibroids early and keep women healthy. You can now find the finest uterine fibroid treatment in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where expert care and modern options are available.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are common growths that develop in the uterus, which is the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. They are made of muscle and tissue and most women with fibroids don’t feel any symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they can include heavy periods, pain in the lower belly, feeling full or pressure and needing to urinate often. Sometimes, fibroids can make it harder to get pregnant or cause problems during pregnancy, but many women have no issues at all.
Most fibroids are not dangerous and don’t need treatment, especially if they are small and don’t cause any problems. Doctors usually find fibroids during regular check-ups or scans. If the fibroids get bigger or cause symptoms like pain or heavy bleeding, there are treatments available, such as medicines or surgery. After menopause, fibroids often become smaller and are less likely to cause issues. It’s important to see your doctor regularly so they can check for fibroids and make sure everything is okay.
Uterine Fibroids Symptoms
Uterine fibroids can cause different symptoms, but some women don’t feel anything at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Heavy or long periods
- Painful cramps or pain during sex
- Frequent urination or trouble urinating
- Constipation
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Back pain
- Spotting between periods
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness
If you notice these symptoms, talk to a gynecologist.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomas or Myomas):
Noncancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus. The exact cause is not fully known, but some factors may help them develop:
Hormones:
Estrogen and progesterone (hormones that control periods) can make fibroids grow. They usually grow during reproductive years and shrink after menopause.
Genetics:
Changes in genes or family history can increase the chance of getting fibroids.
Growth Factors:
Substances like IGFs can help fibroids grow by making cells multiply.
Age and Pregnancy:
More common in women aged 30-40. Having multiple pregnancies may lower the risk. Fibroids often shrink after menopause.
Obesity: Extra body weight can raise estrogen levels, increasing the risk.
Race: African-American women are more likely to get fibroids and may have larger ones.
Diet: Eating a lot of red meat and few green vegetables might increase the risk.
Environment: Exposure to certain chemicals that act like hormones may play a role.
While these factors are linked to fibroids, scientists are still studying exactly how they develop. If you think you might have fibroids or are worried about risk factors, see a healthcare provider for advice and treatment options.
- Pain and Discomfort: Especially common in the second and third trimesters due to fibroid degeneration or growth.
- Miscarriage: Increased risk in the first trimester, particularly with large or submucosal fibroids.
- Preterm Labor and Birth: Uterine irritation or reduced space may lead to early contractions or delivery.
- Malpresentation: Fibroids can prevent the baby from moving into the correct head-down position, leading to breech or transverse lie.
- Placental Abruption: Fibroids can interfere with proper placental attachment, causing it to detach prematurely.
- Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR): Large fibroids can reduce uterine space or impair blood flow to the placenta, slowing fetal growth.
- Labor Obstruction: Fibroids near the cervix or lower uterine segment can block the birth canal, often requiring a C-section.
- Postpartum Hemorrhage: Interference with uterine contractions can prevent the uterus from shrinking effectively after birth, leading to excessive bleeding.
Management Considerations:
- Ultrasound Monitoring: To track fibroid growth and location.
- Pain Management: Pain management is usually with acetaminophen (paracetamol); NSAIDs should be used carefully. (NSAIDs are medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin that reduce pain and swelling.
- Delivery Planning: Vaginal birth is often possible, but a C-section may be needed if fibroids obstruct the birth canal.
Surgical Removal (Myomectomy): It is not recommended during pregnancy due to bleeding risk; it is considered after delivery if necessary.
Where do fibroids grow?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can grow in different places:
Intramural fibroids:
Grow within the wall of the uterus.
This is the most prevalent type of fibroids.
Subserosal fibroids:
- Grow on the outside of the uterus, just under the outer layer.
- They can press on nearby organs like the bladder or intestines, causing pressure or discomfort.
Submucosal fibroids:
Grow just beneath the inner lining of the uterus, inside the uterine cavity.
They can cause heavy bleeding and may affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant.
Pedunculated fibroids:
Grow on a small stalk, either inside the uterus or on the outside.
Sometimes, these stalks can twist, causing pain.
Additional notes:
- The size and location of fibroids influence symptoms and treatment options.
- Fibroids are common, especially as women age into their 30s and 40s.
- They are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can sometimes cause significant symptoms depending on their size and position.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment
Not all fibroids need treatment. Treatment is considered if:
They cause pain or heavy bleeding.
They affect your health.
They interfere with fertility or daily life.
Factors That Affect Treatment Choice:
- Severity of your symptoms
- Size, number, and location of fibroids
- Your age
Whether you want to have children in the future
Treatment Options:
Medicines:
- Pills (like hormonal birth control) to manage symptoms
- Devices (like IUDs) to reduce bleeding
- Medications to shrink fibroids temporarily
Non-Surgical Procedures:
- Ultrasound therapy: Uses sound waves to destroy fibroids.
- Uterine artery embolization: Blocks blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Surgery:
Myomectomy: Removes fibroids but keeps the uterus.
Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus (only if you don’t want more children).
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
- Pelvic Exam
- The doctor feels for irregularities in the shape or size of the uterus.
- Can detect large fibroids
Ultrasound (Sonography)
- Most common test
- Uses sound waves to create images of the uterus
- Can confirm size, number, and location of fibroids.
Other Imaging Tests (if needed)
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
Gives detailed images, especially useful for large or multiple fibroids.
Hysterosonography (Saline Infusion Sonogram):
Saline is injected into the uterus before an ultrasound to see inside the uterine lining.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
- X-ray using dye to check the uterus and fallopian tubes
- Often used in infertility evaluation
Hysteroscopy:
A thin scope is inserted through the cervix to look inside the uterus.
What Happens If Uterine Fibroids Are Not Treated in the Early Stage?
If uterine fibroids are not treated in the early stages, they can sometimes cause various problems over time. Here’s what might happen:
Growth of Fibroids: Fibroids can increase in size, which may lead to more noticeable symptoms.
Heavy Bleeding: Larger fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, leading to anemia (low blood count).
Pain and Discomfort: As fibroids grow, they might cause pelvic pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness.
Pressure on Nearby Organs: Larger fibroids can press on the bladder, bowel, or other organs, causing urinary problems or constipation.
Fertility Issues: Fibroids, especially if they grow large or are located inside the uterus, can interfere with conception or pregnancy.
Complications During Pregnancy: Untreated fibroids can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, or complications during delivery.
Potential for Rapid Growth: Some fibroids grow quickly, leading to a sudden worsening of symptoms and more complex treatment needs later on.
Not treating fibroids early may lead to increased symptoms, complications, and more difficult treatment options later. It’s important to monitor fibroids with your healthcare provider and discuss the best approach based on your situation.
Post-Operative Care After Fibroid Surgery
To help you heal well after surgery, follow these tips:
Rest: Take it easy and avoid heavy lifting or tiring activities for a few weeks.
Pain: Take pain medicines as your doctor tells you. Usually, acetaminophen (paracetamol) is okay.
Wound Care: Keep the incision clean and dry. Follow your doctor’s instructions for dressings.
Watch for Infection: If you get a fever, a bad smell, or the wound becomes red or swollen, tell your doctor right away.
Bowel and Bladder: Drink plenty of water, eat fibre-rich foods, and go to the bathroom regularly to avoid constipation or urinary problems.
Activities: Don’t do heavy exercise or have sex until your doctor says it’s okay, usually after 4-6 weeks.
Follow-Up: Go to all your checkup appointments so your doctor can see how you’re healing.
Healthy Habits: Eat healthy, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking or alcohol to help your body recover.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are common and usually not serious. Regular checkups and staying informed are important. Today, safe and effective treatments are available, including at Balaji Horizon in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Whether managing symptoms, planning for pregnancy, or recovering after surgery, early diagnosis and proper care can help you stay healthy, active, and in control of your reproductive health.
