What is a Uterine Fibroid?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors/ growth occurring in the muscular wall of the uterus (womb). They are the most common benign tumors of the womb and are also known as Leiomyomas.

Are There Different Types of Fibroids?

Fibroids can range from small, pea-sized growths to large, round ones that may be more than 5 to 6 inches wide. As they grow, they can distort the inside and outside of the uterus and vary greatly in size, shape, and location. They are very slow-growing but, at times, can reach big sizes rapidly.

The main types of fibroids are:

• Intramural Fibroids – develop in the muscle wall of the womb
• Subserosal Fibroids – develop outside the wall of the womb into the pelvis and can become very large
• Submucosal Fibroids – develop in the muscle layer beneath the womb's inner lining and grow into the cavity of the womb

What Are the Symptoms of a Fibroid?

Some people experience no symptoms and would come to know of it on ultrasound, while others may have:

Period Problem-

• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Long or frequent menstruation.
• Anaemia due to heavy bleeding.
• Pain during periods.

Pain-

• Lower Backache.
• Discomfort in lower tummy.
• Swelling in the lower tummy.
• Pain during intercourse.

Pressure Symptoms-

• Frequent urination.
• Difficulty emptying your bladder.
• Constipation.

Fibroids rarely may be the cause of inability to conceive or miscarriage

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

No treatment is required if asymptomatic, but annual follow-up should be scheduled.

If there are symptoms like heavy or prolonged periods, then medications like tranexamic acid, non-steroidal, and anti-inflammatory drugs are given during period days to control bleeding, along with iron supplements. Other medications that may be used are hormones -oral contraceptive pills, progesterones, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

If symptomatic, definitive treatment is surgical, including hysterectomy( removal of the uterus) when fertility is not desired or myomectomy( removal of fibroid) to preserve fertility.

The types of myomectomy procedures to remove fibroids can include:

• Hysteroscopy- Fibroids are removed by inserting a scope through the vagina without any incision.
• Laparoscopy- a few small incisions are made in the abdomen to remove the fibroids.
• Laparotomy/ Open Surgery- an incision is made in the abdomen to remove the fibroids.

Other surgeries that can be very effective but prevent future pregnancies are -

• Uterine Fibroid Embolization - Block blood flow from the uterine artery to the fibroids and shrinks the fibroids.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - Shrink the fibroids using heat.

If you are struggling with this, Consult Dr. Kiranjeet Kaur's treatment plan that works best for you.