What Are Uterine Fibroids?
In the realm of reproductive health, uterine fibroids emerge as common growths within the uterus, frequently manifesting during the fertile years. It is important to highlight that these fibroids are benign and rarely evolve to malignant tumors, therefore there is no increased risk of uterine cancer. Uterine fibroids are sometimes known as leiomyomas or myomas.The presentation of fibroids encompasses variations in quantity and size.
They may exist as solitary entities or in multiples, with some remaining imperceptible to the naked eye while others expand to the dimensions of a grapefruit or beyond. Large fibroids can deform both the interior and exterior features of the uterus. In severe cases, fibroids can grow large enough to dominate the pelvic or abdominal areas, causing a visible bulge similar to pregnancy.
Despite their frequency, uterine fibroids are typically asymptomatic, going undetected until they are discovered during routine pelvic exams or fetal ultrasound scans. This emphasizes the necessity of regular healthcare consultations for timely diagnosis and proper treatment, resulting in optimal reproductive health and well-being.
Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids
The symptoms of uterine fibroids vary according to their size, quantity, and location.
Some women may experience:
- heavy or prolonged periods
- pelvic pain or pressure
- severe period cramps
- frequent urination
- constipation
- lower back pain
- pain during sex
Fibroids can sometimes lead to infertility or pregnancy issues. Other symptoms could include an enlarged abdomen or uterus, fatigue and irregular bleeding between periods. If you are having any of these symptoms, you should consult a healthcare expert to establish the cause and the best therapy.
When To Visit A Doctor
Visit your doctor if you experience:
- Heavy or painful periods impede your ability to perform things.
- Spotting or bleeding in between periods.
- Pelvic pain that will not go away.
- Ongoing fatigue and weakness might be indications of anemia (low red blood cell count).
- Having difficulty emptying your bladder.
- If you experience extreme vaginal bleeding or sudden intense pelvic discomfort, get medical attention immediately.
Risk Factors Involved In Uterine Fibroids
These are the risk factors in the development of uterine fibroids:
- Poor vitamin D levels
- Consuming alcohol, including beer, appears to increase your risk of developing fibroids.
- A diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables, fruit, and dairy. Excessive eating of red meat can cause anemia mostly due to its influence on iron absorption. Red meat includes heme iron, a kind of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron found in plant meals. However, eating a lot of red meat might cause the body to produce chemicals that interfere with iron absorption. For example, phytates and tannins contained in tea, coffee, and certain grains can bind to iron, making it less absorbable.
- Family history. If your mother or sister had fibroids, you have an increased risk of developing them.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
The causes of uterine fibroids remain somewhat elusive, yet several factors are believed to contribute:
- Involvement of growth factors: Substances like insulin-like growth factor, responsible for tissue maintenance, may impact fibroid development.
- Genetic alterations: Many fibroids exhibit genetic mutations distinct from those found in typical uterine muscle cells.
- Hormonal influence: Estrogen and progesterone, essential for thickening the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy, also appear to promote fibroid growth by binding to a higher concentration of cells within fibroids compared to normal uterine tissue. Fibroids often diminish in size following menopause due to declining hormone levels.
- Role of extracellular matrix (ECM): ECM, which binds cells together and regulates biologic changes, is elevated in fibroids, contributing to their fibrous nature and facilitating cellular alterations.
How Do I Know If I Have Uterine FIbroids?
When the above symptoms occur, the doctor may perform:
- a pelvic exam to feel for abnormalities or order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to confirm the presence of fibroids
- In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions.
How To Treat Uterine Fibroids
There are numerous treatment options for uterine fibroids, depending on their size, location, and related symptoms:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: These drugs assist in relieving the pain and discomfort caused by fibroids. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both over-the-counter drugs.
- Iron supplements: If you have anemia due to excessive bleeding, your doctor may recommend that you take an iron supplement.
- Hormone therapy: Birth control can also help with fibroids symptoms, such as heavy bleeding during and between periods and menstrual cramps. You can use a range of birth control methods, including oral contraceptives, rings, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These drugs operate by shrinking the fibroids. They are occasionally used to reduce a fibroid before surgery so that it can be removed more easily. However, these treatments are just temporary, and if you stop taking them, the fibroids may grow back.
- Non-invasive techniques such as uterine artery embolization and targeted ultrasound surgery can reduce or eliminate fibroids without the need for surgery.
- Larger fibroids or cases where previous therapies have failed may require surgical intervention, such as a myomectomy or hysterectomy.
How To Deal With The Pain Caused By Uterine Fibroids
Practicing self-care techniques such as getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet or using a OH! device to relieve period cramps and to manage stress can also help reduce pain and discomfort associated with fibroids. It is important to communicate openly with healthcare providers about symptoms and concerns to ensure the best possible treatment plan.
Pregnancy With Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids rarely prevent women from becoming pregnant. However, some fibroids, particularly those that are submucosal, may induce infertility or pregnancy loss.
Fibroids may potentially increase the chance of specific pregnancy problems. This includes:
- Placental abruption: this occurs when the placenta, the organ that provides oxygen and nutrition to the infant, splits from the uterine wall.
- Fetal growth restriction: when an unborn baby does not grow as planned.
- Preterm delivery: when a baby is born prematurely, before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Uterine fibroids are a common condition that many people have throughout their life. Fibroids are often so tiny that they generate no symptoms at all. On the other hand, uterine fibroids can sometimes produce severe symptoms such as discomfort and vaginal bleeding. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, speak with your healthcare professional. You can get rid of them.