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3.5 Minute

05-08-2024 Team Medicover gynecology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Banam Sravanthi, Gynecologist

Fibroids (Uterine Fibroids)

Fibroids are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus (womb). They are also known as leiomyomas, myomas, uterine myomas, or fibromas.

Fibroids can vary in size, ranging from tiny seedlings that are barely detectable to large masses that can enlarge and deform the uterus. They may occur as a single growth or in clusters. In some cases, multiple fibroids can cause the uterus to expand up to the rib cage, sometimes leading to weight gain.

While fibroids often cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic or stomach pain, and pressure symptoms, many women experience no symptoms at all.

The exact cause of fibroids is still unknown, but they are generally harmless and do not always affect all women in the same way.

Types of Fibroids (Uterine Fibroids)

Treatment suggestions are influenced by the type of fibroids as well as their size and number.

Intramural Fibroids

The fibroids develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. It can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, and pressure.

Subserosal Fibroids

Fibroids of this type are the most frequent. They can push through the uterus and into the pelvis. Subserosal fibroids can become large and have a stalk that attaches to the uterus at times (pedunculated fibroid).

Submucosal Fibroids

Fibroids are very uncommon. They grow in the open space inside the uterus and may also include a stalk.

Pedunculated Fibroids

Grow on small stalks inside or outside the uterus. It can cause sharp pain if the stalk twists.

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What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is still unknown.
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a big role in their growth.
Fibroids often grow during pregnancy when estrogen levels are high.
They may shrink when estrogen levels drop, such as before, during, or after menopause.
Certain medications, like GnRH agonists or antagonists, can also affect fibroid size.
Genetics matter – having a close relative with fibroids increases your risk.
Lifestyle factors such as eating red meat, drinking alcohol, or consuming too much caffeine may raise the risk.

What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

Many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all. The location, size, and number of fibroids can affect symptoms in persons who have them. The following are the most prevalent indications and symptoms of uterine fibroids in women who have them:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Menstrual periods that last more than a week
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation
Backache or leg pains

Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis

The diagnostic tests listed below can assist a clinician in detecting fibroids and ruling out other conditions.

They may swab your throat if you have a sore throat to check for bacteria that cause strep throat. If the test results are negative, you are most likely infected with a virus. They can also collect a sample of your blood or other bodily fluid to look for indicators that indicate a viral infection, such as your white blood cell count.

To identify the virus, the doctor may ask a person to go through blood, sputum and urine. The sample collected helps the doctor diagnose various diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and typhoid.

Ultrasound Scans

By scanning the abdomen or putting a small ultrasound probe into the vagina, a doctor can create ultrasound images. Both methods may be required to detect fibroids.

MRI Scans

It will determine the size and number of fibroids

Hysteroscopy

A doctor will use a small gadget with a camera attached to the end of it to inspect the inside of the uterus during a hysteroscopy. The gadget will be inserted through the vaginal canal and into the uterus through the cervix. They may also extract a tissue sample, known as a biopsy, to check for cancer cells if necessary.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy may also be performed by a doctor. They will use a short, illuminated tube to inspect the outside of the uterus and its surrounding structures through a small incision in the abdomen. They may also do a biopsy if necessary.

Uterine Fibroids Treatments

If the woman has no symptoms and the fibroids are not interfering with her daily life, she may not need treatment. Because high estrogen levels cause fibroids to develop faster, gynaecologists may prescribe drugs to reduce estrogen production without affecting fertility. The patient may need surgery depending on the symptoms and size of the fibroids. The following are the surgical techniques for treating fibroids:

Hysterectomy

The uterus is removed during a hysterectomy operation. It is mostly recommended for women who have big fibroids. Ovaries and the uterus are sometimes removed together.

Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgical technique that removes uterine fibroids. This technique is highly recommended for women who want to conceive.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is recommended for women who have fibroids that are tiny in size and few in number. This operation is typically used to remove one or two fibroids that have grown outside the uterus.

Who is at risk for uterine fibroids?

You may be at a higher risk for uterine fibroids if you have certain factors, including:

Age: Most common in women between 30–50 years.
Family history: Having a mother or sister with fibroids increases your risk.
Hormones: Higher levels of estrogen and progesterone can encourage fibroid growth.
Ethnicity: More common and often more severe in African-American women.
Obesity: Being overweight raises the risk.
Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and high alcohol intake may contribute.

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What are the Complications of Fibroids?

Fibroids can cause heavy periods, anemia, lower abdominal swelling, discomfort, constipation, and urinary tract infections. They may also lead to difficulty conceiving and pose risks during pregnancy. It is unclear whether fibroids decrease the chances of becoming pregnant, regardless of fertility therapy.

The most frequent tumour in the reproductive tract is uterine fibroids.
Fibroids are most common in women who are approaching menopause.
Fibroids are most frequently discovered during a normal pelvic examination.
Serious symptoms might include Heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fibroids are rather common, with 20-70 percent of women experiencing them during their reproductive years. They're virtually always (ninety-nine percent of the time) non-cancerous. However, they can cause issues like excessive bleeding and reproductive problems.

Larger fibroids can cause a woman's abdomen to appear larger, resembling normal belly fat. As fibroids grow heavier, they can contribute to weight gain and discomfort. Some fibroids can weigh up to 40 pounds.

Some women find that reducing consumption of red meat, caffeine, and processed foods can help manage fibroid symptoms.

Sometimes fibroids can shrink on their own, especially after menopause when hormone levels decrease.

Fibroids may result in preterm labor or miscarriage during pregnancy, depending on their size and location.

Tumors on the cervix can cause bleeding, pain, abnormal discharge, and may affect fertility. In advanced cases, they can spread to nearby tissues.

Cervical swelling may result from infections, inflammation, polyps, or, rarely, cervical cancer. A doctor’s evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.

Common symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge, and pain during intercourse.

Exercise cannot remove fibroids but may help manage symptoms by maintaining a healthy weight and reducing estrogen levels.

Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus, whereas pregnancy involves a growing fetus. Fibroids do not produce pregnancy hormones.

Yes, many women live with fibroids, especially if they’re small and symptomless. Treatment is only required if symptoms are severe.