Understanding Fibroids – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Fibroids are also called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, which are non-cancerous growths of the uterus. Although they’re generally benign, such growths can cause symptoms that are concerning based on their size and location. Fibroids are very common, occurring in as many as 70% of women throughout their reproductive years.
For some, fibroids can cause no symptoms at all. But for others, they can be responsible for heavy periods, pelvic pain or even infertility. This blog takes an inquisitive look at what fibroids are, the symptoms that come along with them, potential causes, how they can be diagnosed and the best treatments available.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths made up of muscle and fibrous tissue that form in or on the uterus. They are not associated with cancer and do not often become cancerous. Fibroids are also referred to by some as:
Depending on where they grow, fibroids can be divided into three major types:
- Subserosal fibroids develop on the outside of the uterine wall.
- Intramural fibroids occur within the muscular uterine wall.
- Submucosal fibroids develop just under the uterine lining and can bulge into the uterine cavity.
Fibroids can range from the size of a pea to the size of a melon. Some women have only one, while others have multiple fibroids. Indeed, many women with fibroids don’t know they have them, particularly when symptoms are mild or nonexistent.
Fibroids Symptoms
Fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on how many, how large, and where they are growing in the uterus. Most typical symptoms are:
- Heavy or long menstrual periods, or both, especially if irregular.
- Pelvic pain or pressure – it’s often a dull ache or feeling of fullness.
- Increased need to urinate or inability to empty the bladder completely because of the pressure the enlarged uterus puts on the bladder.
- Painful sex, based on fibroid location.
- Pain in the lower back (especially if fibroids press against nerves or muscles).
- In rare cases, infertility or pregnancy complications.
Though many women don’t experience any symptoms, for those who do, fibroids can have a major impact on daily life and well-being.
What Causes Fibroids?
While the cause behind fibroids is not well understood, the following are believed to create a higher risk:
- Hormones – Oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, also appear to affect the growth of fibroids. This is why fibroids often shrink after menopause.
- Genetics – If there is a history of fibroids in the family, you are more likely to grow them too.
- Race – Fibroids are more prevalent and may be more symptomatic in Black women.
- Obesity – Women who are overweight are at risk of having a higher oestrogen level, which would in turn support fibroid growth.
- Age – Fibroids are most commonly found in women between the ages of 30 to 50.
These factors are not guarantees that you will develop fibroids, but they emphasise the necessity of regular gynaecological check-ups.
How to Check for Fibroids at Home
You can’t diagnose fibroids at home, but there are symptoms you can keep an eye on:
- Monitor your menstrual flow – has it been heavier or longer?
- Pay attention to any pelvic bloating or pressure that doesn’t go away.
- Frequent urination or constipation without any other clear cause.
These symptoms may be a sign of fibroids, but they could also be a sign of something else. Diagnosis is necessary for verification and for proper treatment.
Diagnosing Fibroids
If you think you have fibroids, your doctor will diagnose them through the following means or methods:
- Pelvic examination – to find an enlarged or abnormally shaped uterus.
- Ultrasound scan – This is frequently the first stage in imaging to determine the size and site of fibroids.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Produces detailed images and is particularly useful for identifying large or multiple fibroids.
- Hysteroscopy – The insertion of a tiny camera into the uterus to see submucosal fibroids directly.
Correct diagnosis is the key to success in the choice of treatment.
Best Treatment for Fibroids
Treatment will depend, in part, on how bothersome the symptoms are to you, the size and location of the fibroids, and whether you plan to become pregnant in the future.
Non-Surgical Options
Medications:
- The Pill – Helps to regulate bleeding and reduce period pain.
- GnRH agonists – Reduce the size of fibroids temporarily by lowering the amount of oestrogen in the body (may be used to shrink fibroids before surgery).
- Tranexamic acid – For heavy periods.
Lifestyle Changes:
- A diet plentiful in iron can combat anaemia due to heavy bleeding.
- Regular exercise could reduce oestrogen levels and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Options
- Myomectomy – Removal of fibroids without removing the uterus; for women who want to retain fertility.
- Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) – Where the blood flow to the fibroids is cut off, which makes them shrink and die.
- Hysterectomy – A radical option, removing the entire uterus, and an irreversible one, usually only done in very severe cases.
More Recent, Minimally Invasive Innovations
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery – High-frequency sound waves are used to destroy fibroid tissue without an incision.
- Endometrial ablation – Destroys the lining of the womb; helpful for small fibroids that cause heavy periods.
Both options have their upsides and downsides, so it’s really a matter of what’s best for you.
Conclusion
Fibroids are a common gynaecological condition, and while they are non-cancerous, they can seriously impact a woman’s quality of life. So, to help you gain some insights into the symptoms, causes and treatment options to address the problem you’re having and aid you in planning your next step when it comes to treating your health issues.
Don’t be a martyr. If you have symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pelvic pain, don’t wait. Talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment options.
