An A to Z guide on uterine fibroids

The fibroid uterus is a benign tumor that develops in the wall of the uterus. Although often asymptomatic, it can cause pain, heavy periods and fertility problems in some women. Fortunately, there are treatments available.

Different types of fibroids-

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that develop in the lining of the uterus. Their number and location can vary from woman to woman, as can their size (ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters). They can be of 3 types:

• Intramural fibroids (the most common type of fibroids) are located in the myometrium,
• Subserosal fibroids which develop outwards from the uterus,
• Submucosal or endocavitary fibroids are rarer and grow under the endometrium, which can then occupy a certain space in the uterine cavity.

Uterine fibroids Cause-

Uterine fibroid is a common condition that mostly affects women after 30 years of age. It is estimated that around 30% to 50% of women over the age of 30 suffer from this condition. This percentage increases with age. Though the cause of their appearance is unclear, different risk factors are known to promote their development. causes of uterine fibroids and risks include-

• A family history of fibroids in the 1st degree (mother, sister, etc.),
• Ethnicity: Fibroids are more common in older women. Their fibroids are often larger and numerous,
• Hormonal fluctuations: Sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone ) play a role in the growth of fibroids, which do not appear before puberty and often stop growing after menopause. Pregnancy is conducive to the appearance and/or growth of fibroids,
• Overweight and obesity,
• The Nulliparity,
• The appearance of the symptoms before 12 years, 
• Alcohol consumption.
• Fibroids that do not cause symptoms are often discovered by chance during a routine check-up with the gynecologist.

Uterine Fibroids Symptoms-

Not all fibroids give symptoms. Many are silent and asymptomatic. There is no link between the symptoms of uterine fibroids and the number of fibroids: a single fibroid can be annoying whereas several can give no sign. Fibroids can be discovered "by chance" during an examination carried out for another reason (vaginal examination, ultrasound, etc.).

Often, patients consult for vaginal bleeding during periods when it is too profuse or too prolonged, with clots and also, when the bleeding stops between periods. 

Sometimes, there are other warning signs:

• The level of pain in the uterus;
• Urinary signs such as frequent urination  ( urinary bladder compression );
• An  impression of gravity in the pelvis without real pain;
• An increase in the volume of the abdomen;
• Infertility

Uterine Fibroids Problems-

The size, location, and a number of fibroids influence the occurrence and intensity of its symptoms. Over 50% of fibroids develop without causing symptoms. Among the most common symptoms are abnormally long and heavy periods ( menorrhagia ) and/or bleeding between periods ( bleeding ). Pain (sometimes brutal), a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen are also characteristics of fibroids which leads to problems of uterine fibroids.

They can lead to fertility problems including an abnormal insertion of the placenta, a risk of miscarriage or premature birth in the event of pregnancy.

Other symptoms (frequent urge to urinate, constipation, painful intercourse, etc.) are also possible. Women with fibroids have no more risk of developing uterine cancer and fibroids never progress to cancer.

Uterine fibroids Treatment-

There is usually no need to treat an asymptomatic type of fibroids. For another type of fibroids, different treatment options exist depending on the size, location, and a number of fibroids, but it also depends on the age of the patient. Treatment of Uterine fibroids include-

• Drug treatments

Different drugs can reduce the size of fibroids and often the symptoms associated with them. These treatments are indicated in anticipation of an operation to facilitate the surgical gesture. For patients with profuse blood loss, the placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) with progesterone can reduce the amount of menstrual flow and its duration, as well as taking certain medications.

• Surgery

• Embolization of the uterine arteries

To know more about uterine fibroids and various infertility treatments, visit the best fertility centre in India, talk to the fertility experts and get yourself the right treatment.