What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas) are made up of muscle and connective tissue from the uterine wall. These growths are not generally cancerous (benign). Fibroids varied in size from tiny seedlings that are unnoticed to the visual inspection to bulky masses that can deform and expand the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or several. Multiple fibroids can cause the uterus to enlarge so much that it reaches the rib cage and adds weight in severe cases.

Your uterus is a pear-shaped organ in your pelvis that is turned upside down. Your uterus is around the size of a lemon. It is also known as the womb, and it is the location where a baby grows and develops throughout pregnancy.

What causes fibroids?

It is unknown what causes fibroids. According to research, each tumor begins as an abnormal muscle cell in the uterus and rapidly multiplies when exposed to the estrogen hormone, which promotes tumor growth.

Are fibroids cancer?

It is exceedingly unusual for a fibroid to undergo modifications that cause it to become a cancerous or malignant tumor. In fact, one in every 350 women with fibroids will get cancer. There is no test that is 100% accurate in detecting uncommon fibroid-related malignancies. People who have fast growth of uterine fibroids or fibroids that form during menopause, on the other hand, should be checked immediately

Where do fibroids grow?

The locations of your fibroids in and on the uterus are known by several names. These names reflect not only the location of the fibroid, but also how it is connected. Uterine fibroids can occur in the following locations:

• Submucosal fibroids, the fibroids are growing inside the uterine cavity where a baby grows during pregnancy.
• Intramural fibroids grow in between the muscles of the uterus.
• Subserosa fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus.
• Pedunculated fibroids: these fibroids are also located on the outside of the uterus. However, pedunculated fibroids are connected to the uterus with a thin stem. They’re often described as mushroom-like because they have a stalk and then a much wider top.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

It is normal for women with fibroids to have no visible symptoms. Other women with fibroids have significant symptoms that disrupt their daily lives. Typical fibroid symptoms include:

• Inability to urinate or completely empty your bladder.
• Increased abdominal distention (enlargement), causing your abdomen to look pregnant.
• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Abdominal discomfort and/or fullness
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Reproductive problems, such as infertility, multiple miscarriages, and early onset of labor during pregnancy
• Obstetrical problems, such as increased likelihood of cesarean section

Who is at risk for uterine fibroids?

Fibroids typically increase in women of childbearing age, but evidence suggests that following menopause, they may diminish. They are, however, more likely to diminish in postmenopausal white women than in postmenopausal black women, according to study. Fibroids develop at a younger age in African American women, grow larger, and produce more severe symptoms.

• Age (older women are at higher risk than younger women)
• African American race
• No history of pregnancy
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Food additive consumption
• Obesity
• Family history of uterine fibroids
• High blood pressure
• Use of soybean milk

What do fibroids look like?

Fibroids are spherical growths that resemble smooth muscle nodules in appearance. They can be linked to a slender stem in some situations, giving them a mushroom-like look.

How are uterine fibroids treated?

Treatment for uterine fibroids varies depending on their size, number, and location, as well as the symptoms they cause. If your fibroids aren’t causing you any symptoms, you may not need treatment. Small fibroids can usually be ignored. Some women don’t have any symptoms or concerns related to fibroids at all. Your fibroids will be continuously monitored throughout time, but there is no need to take action right away. Depending on the size and symptoms of your fibroid, your healthcare professional may recommend periodic pelvic exams and ultrasounds. Treatment is normally required if you are having symptoms from your fibroids, such as anemia from excessive bleeding, moderate to severe pain, infertility issues, or urinary tract and bowel problems.

Your optimum treatment option will also be determined by your long-term fertility goals. Some treatment choices may not be suitable if you wish to have children in the future. When considering treatment choices, tell your healthcare professional about your ideas on fertility and your long-term aspirations. Uterine fibroids can be treated in a variety of ways, including:

• Medications. Fibroid medications treat your symptoms. Fibroids will not go away, but they may shrink with some treatments. They can also help with symptoms such as discomfort and bleeding.

surgery

If you have moderate or severe symptoms, you may need surgery for relief. Options include:

• Myomectomy. This surgery takes out fibroids while trying to leave healthy tissue alone. This might be your best option if you hope to become pregnant in the future. There are multiple ways to do a myomectomy, from major abdominal surgery to laparoscopy.
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). In this procedure, a doctor blocks the flow of blood to your fibroids by inserting gel or plastic particles into the nearby blood vessels. This makes the fibroids shrink.
• Hysterectomy. This surgery removes your uterus completely. This is the only way to cure fibroids entirely. It’s a major surgery, but your doctor has options for how to do it, including cutting through the abdomen or even laparoscopy. 
• Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound, also a newer technique, focuses sound waves on fibroids that are at the front of the uterus. The potential effects on fertility are not yet understood.
• Radiofrequency ablation of fibroids is another newer technique, during which — under laparoscopic and ultrasound guidance — heat is applied into the fibroids to make them smaller and softer. The potential effects on fertility are not currently well understood.

Fibroids and Pregnancy

Uterine fibroids can have a number of effects on fertility. If fibroids develop and restrict the uterus or fallopian tubes, it may be more difficult to conceive. They may also have the following harmful consequences on pregnancy:

• Increased likelihood of delivery by cesarean section
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• fetal growth restriction
• Increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labor
• Abnormal attachment of the placenta

Can fibroids be prevented?

Despite the fact that researchers are still investigating the causes of fibroid tumors, there is no scientific data on how to prevent them. It may not be possible to prevent uterine fibroids, however only a small percentage of these tumors require treatment.

However, you may be able to reduce your fibroid risk by making healthy lifestyle choices such like maintaining a healthy weight and consuming fruits and vegetables.

In addition, several studies suggest that using hormonal contraceptives is linked to a lower risk of fibroids.