An Overview of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are among the gynecological conditions affecting women in Singapore. Unfortunately, most women aren’t aware they have these non-cancerous growths because they may not experience the symptoms. Please keep reading to find out the symptoms, causes, and treatment of uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are also called leiomyomas or myomas. These are tumors growing on the uterus or within the walls. Additionally, they usually appear in women aged 30-50 years but can occur at any age. Moreover, they vary depending on the size, shape, and location. The good thing is, they rarely develop into cancer.
The fibroids can be in the uterus, uterine walls, or surface. Additionally, some can be very small while others are very large. A routine pelvic exam can help your doctor suspect you have fibroids, especially if the uterus is irregularly shaped or abnormally large.
Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids
A woman may not experience the symptoms of uterine fibroids. However, when she does, she might have these common symptoms;
- Heavy bleeding during menses
- Pelvic pain
- Compressive symptoms such as constipation or frequent urination
Importantly, you should see a doctor when you have a lump in the abdomen, experience sharp and sudden pain in the pelvic or heavier than usual menses.
Causes Of Uterine Fibroids
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. However, there are higher chances that the hormones and genes have a role to play. For instance, estrogen and progesterone hormones are responsible for the thickening of the uterine lining when a woman is on her period and may also affect the growth of fibroids. However, when you reach menopause, the fibroids shrink but do not disappear. Moreover, researchers have found a genetic difference between uterine cells and fibroids.
Additionally, some factors increase the risks of uterine fibroids, including;
- Age
- Early-onset of periods
- Race
- Deficiency in vitamin D
- Alcohol
- Family history
- Excessive processed food, red meat and high fat dairy
Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
No single treatment option exists for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Rather, there are numerous options available, depending on whether you have the symptoms or not, age, location of fibroids, and if you want to get pregnant after the treatment.
Most women with fibroids do not need treatment. Regular pelvic scans are sufficient for most to monitor the growth of the fibroids.
If symptomatic, medical treatment with certain medications such as hormone pills or injections may be used. However, if the medical treatment does not work or the fibroids are too large, Invasive or non Invasive procedures may be offered , such as:
-
Fibroid embolization
: The doctor injects polyvinyl alcohol, PVA, into the arteries. This causes the shrinking of the fibroid since it blocks blood supply. However, you might experience nausea, vomiting, and pain after this procedure.
-
Myomectomy;
this surgery is done to get rid of the fibroids and is recommended to women who still desire fertility. Your doctor can decide how to do the surgery; hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, or abdominal based on the number of fibroids, their size, and location. After surgery, its is advised to wait 6 months before attempting to conceive. Moreover, the surgery works on some women while the fibroids come back in others after a few years.
-
Hysterectomy;
involves the removal of the uterus, meaning there will be no pregnancy after the operation. Notably, this is a very drastic treatment that cures fibroids completely. It is best for very large fibroids, heavy periods, or women
who have completed family or do not plan to have children. Importantly, the type of hysterectomy varies depending on the size of fibroids.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are common among women of childbearing age and come in different sizes, shapes, and locations. Notably, a woman might have fibroids without her knowing because some may not experience the symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to go for regular checkups. The treatment options vary from medications to surgeries.
