Dr. Lavi Sindhu Explaining Uterine Fibroids Blog Link:
Video Transcript
Q) What are Uterine Fibroids? 0:13
A) Uterine fibroids are also known as myomas or leiomyomas. Fibroids are tumour like growths in the uterus. They are non-cancerous and very rarely develop into cancer. Fibroids are very common in women during the childbearing years and it may grow along the wall of the uterus as well as into the cavity. So depending on there growth, they're classified broadly into three categories subserosal, intramural and submucosal.
They can range in size from as small as a seedling to bulky masses that can deform and enlarge the uterus. There can be a single fibroid or multiple ones. In very rare cases, there can be multiple fibroids which expands the uterus so much that it might reach the rib cage.
Q) What are the symptoms of Uterine Fibroids? 1:03
A) These can be asymptomatic and symptomatic. Many women might have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives, but they don't know they have uterine fibroids as they cause no symptoms. A doctor might discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. But in women who are symptomatic the most common symptoms will be
1. Very heavy bleeding during menstrual cycle
2. Longer than usual menstrual period that is for 7 days or more
3. There might be a bloated feeling in the lower abdominal area
4. There would be a feeling of pressure or even pain in the pelvic region
5. There might be increased urge to urinate frequently
6. A woman having fibroids may be Constipated
7. Difficulty in conceiving that is Infertility
I would like to say that having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you may have fibroids. These are general symptoms and could be due to other reasons as well. So, it is recommended that if you have any of these symptoms, consult a doctor and he may do necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Q) What are the causes of Uterine Fibroids? 2:23
A) The actual cause of fibroid is unknown. But some of the reasons may be due to
1. Hormones: The two hormones Oestrogen and progesterone that stimulate the development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle, can promote the growth of fibroids.
2. Genetic changes: Some researchers believe that fibroids could be hereditary as many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in normal uterine muscle cells. However, there is no conclusive evidence.
3. Growth Factors: There are some substances that help the body to maintain tissues, such as Insulin like growth factor which might affect the growth of fibroids.
Q) What is the connection between pregnancy and fibroids? 3:18
A) Fibroids usually don't interfere with getting pregnant. However, it's possible that fibroids especially submucosal fibroids can be a reason for infertility or pregnancy loss and some large intramural fibroids which is more than 4 cm.
Fibroids may also raise the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, foetal growth restriction and preterm delivery.
Q) What is the treatment for Uterine Fibroids? 3:51
A) Treatment is recommended only if it is causing symptoms. Generally uterine fibroids reduce or disappear as a woman enters menopause. If you have symptoms, then it is best to talk to your doctor and he will suggest the best treatment plan according to your size and position of the fibroid.
1. Some doctors recommend this wait and watch technique to ascertain if treatment is required or not.
2. Some suggest medications to regulate your menstrual cycle or treating symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure. Medications will help shrink the fibroids.
· Medications called Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists treat fibroids by blocking the production of oestrogen and progesterone, putting you into a temporary postmenopausal state. As a result, menstruation stops, fibroids shrink, and anaemia often improves.
· A progestin-releasing IUD can relieve heavy bleeding caused by fibroids.
3. A doctor may recommend Myomectomy: A procedure to remove the fibroids. This procedure can be done either through hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.
4. Or a Hysterectomy: that is removal of the uterus and a permanent solution to prevent fibroids.
5. There is also a Non-invasive procedure performed using an ultrasound transducer to destroy the fibroids.
6. Another minimally invasive procedure is Uterine artery embolization to destroy the fibroids.
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