What Is The Treatment For Uterine Fibroids?

• 31/01/2024
• 0

What Is The Treatment For Uterine Fibroids? Uterine Fibroids, also known as Leiomyomas, (lie-o-my-O-muhs) smooth muscle tumors, Because smooth muscle is an extrinsic muscle, most leiomyomatas are found in the viscera. Most commonly, they are found in the uterine lining, in the muscular and submucosal layers of the digestive system, gallbladder, or in the smooth muscles of the skin. Fibroids are a very common type of muscle or tissue growth that develops inside or on the walls of the uterus. Most uterine fibroids are not cancerous. It often appears during the pregnancy period or when you’re usually able to get pregnant and give birth. Fibroids affect roughly 40% and 80% of women aged 30 to 50. Women who have not gotten their first period do not usually develop fibroids. Fibroids are also less common in women who have gone through menopause. 

What do Fibroids look like?

Typically, fibroids are small, round, smooth bumps. Some fibroids may have a thin stem attached to them, giving them the appearance of a mushroom. Fibroids can grow individually or in clusters. For comparison, Fibroids can range in size from as little as a seed to as much as a large watermelon. They can grow inside the uterine wall, in the main uterine cavity, or even on the outside of the uterus.

Causes

The cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but healthcare providers think it may be related to the hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone. The majority of fibroids occur in women of reproductive age. Research has shown that fibroids increase when estrogen is present (e.g., during pregnancy) and decrease when estrogen levels are low (e.g. during menopause).

Types of Fibroids

• Intramural: This is the most common type of fibroid found on the muscular wall of the uterus. 
• Submucosal: Submucosal grows under the inner lining of the uterus.
• Subserosal:  These fibroids develop under the outer layer of the uterus and can grow to a large size and extend into the pelvis.
• Pedunculated: These fibroids are the least common and are attached to the uterus by a stalk or a stem. They are often referred to as “mushrooms” due to the presence of a stalk and a wider upper surface.

Symptoms Of Fibroids  

If your fibroids are small, you may not feel anything at all and may not even be aware of them. However, if they are large, you may experience pain and discomfort. Uterine fibroids typically resolve or disappear after menopause due to a decrease in hormone levels in the body. Fibroids do not always lead to symptoms, but if they do, they can include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Back pain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation or feeling pressure on your rectum.
• Inability to pee or empty your bladder.
• Increased abdominal distention (enlargement), causes your abdomen to look pregnant.
• Pain during sexual intercourse. 

How Are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?

Fibroids are often diagnosed during a pelvic examination. In many cases, severe bleeding and other symptoms may prompt your doctor to include fibroids in the diagnosis. Several tests can be used to confirm the presence of a fibroid and determine the size and location of a fibroid. These tests can include:

• Ultrasonography
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Hysteroscopy
• Hysterosalpingography
• Sonohysterography
• Laparoscopy

Treatment For Uterine Fibroids

While small fibroids usually do not require treatment, bigger fibroids may require treatment with drugs or surgery and depend upon –

• How many fibroids do you have?
• size of fibroids.
• Where fibroids are located.
• What symptoms you’re experiencing?

Medicines 

Uterine fibroid drugs target hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. These drugs treat symptoms like heavy periods and pelvic pressure. While they do not remove fibroids, they may reduce the size of them. Uterine fibroid medicines include:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.
• Tranexamic acid (Lysteda, Cyklokapron)
• NSAIDs ibuprofen and naproxen sodium

Surgical Treatments 

• Hysterectomy– this is a procedures that remove the uterus and, in most cases, the fallopian tube and ovaries. Depending on the purpose of the operation, the procedure may also involve the removal of surrounding organs and tissues.

• Abdominal myomectomy – The surgeon will make an incision in the abdominal wall to reach the uterus and remove the fibroids. Most surgeons will make a low horizontal incision or a Vertical incision if necessary.

• Endometrial ablation – the doctor removes the endometrium (or uterine) lining. to reduce the amount of bleeding during the periods.

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy –  A hysterectomy is when a surgeon inserts a hysteroscope (a rigid tube filled with light) into the uterus via the vagina and the cervix. The hysteroscope has an operative part that removes fibroid tissue.

• Radiofrequency ablation – is used to reduce the size of tumours, nodules, or other tumours in the body. 

• Uterine artery embolization – The procedure involves cutting off the fibroid’s blood supply. This usually results in the fibroid shrinking.

• Laparoscopy– During this procedure, your doctor will make a small incision in your lower belly. A flexible, thin tube with a camera attached to it will be inserted to examine your internal organs.

Conclusion 

If you are looking for Uterine Fibroids or any other medical Assistance Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja is an expert gynaecologist. Book an appointment for proper diagnosis and treatment.