What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are also known as Myoma or Leiomyoma and are benign (non-cancerous) growths in the uterus. Fibroids develop from the cells that make up the muscle of the uterus. The size, shape, and location of fibroids can vary greatly and so do symptoms. Fibroids can range in size from small, pea-sized growths to large, round growths that may be like watermelon. A woman can have only one fibroid or can have many in number. Fibroids are generally slow-growing but sometimes they can grow rapidly. Many women who have fibroids are not even aware of them because the growths can remain small and not cause symptoms or problems. These often do not require treatment, but when symptomatic treatment may be advised.Understanding these causes is essential for choosing the right Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore.
How common are fibroids?
Fibroids are commonly seen in the reproductive age group ranging 16 to 50 years of age when oestrogen hormone levels are at their highest. It is estimated that between two to four in every ten women have, or will develop fibroids at some point in their lives.
Research has shown that as many as one in five women suffer with heavy (menorrhagia) and painful periods (dysmenorrhoea). Every month, this can have a huge impact on your day-to-day activities, and cause social, emotional and physical distress. Your quality of life can be low during these days. Heavy and painful bleeding can be a sign of a range of conditions, so instead of just attributing it to fibroid it is best to seek doctors help.
What are the causes of Uterine Fibroids?
The exact cause as to why some women develop fibroid is still unknown. Studies have shown that there could be genetic component for development of fibroids.
Who Is at Risk for Fibroids?
Though we do not know the exact cause as to why women develop fibroid uterus, but there are various factors identified that can increase the risk of developing fibroids such as:
- Age: Fibroids are commonly seen in reproductive age and they develop more common as women age, especially during their 30s and 40s and goes up to menopause. After menopause due to decrease in the hormones it has been noted that fibroids are much less likely to form and usually shrink if they’re present.
- Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese may be at a higher risk of fibroids, as being overweight increases the amount of oestrogen in the body as the fat gets converted to oestrogen hormone through a peripheral fat conversion mechanism. It has been noted that for very heavy women, the risk is two to three times greater than average.
- Ethnicity: Fibroids are also found to develop more commonly in African-Caribbean populations than other ethnicities, although exact reasons for this are not clearly understood by scientists.
- Family History: Studies have shown there is some genetic link for development of fibroid, hence having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. If your mom had fibroids, your risk of having them is about three times higher than average.
Women concerned about these risk factors can seek expert Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore with Dr. Shraddha Bihani, who provides personalized care.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
- Depending from which part of the uterus the fibroids develop there are different names given such as:
- Subserosal fibroids: these fibroids develop on the outer wall of the uterus and usually cause no symptoms. However, if these grow big in size, they can put pressure on surrounding organs such as the bladder and the bowel.
- Intramural fibroids: in this type fibroids develop within the wall (muscular layer) of the uterus. This is the most common type of fibroid that may cause symptoms.
- Submucosal fibroids: in this type fibroids develop from the inner lining of the uterus. This is another common type to cause symptoms.
- Pedunculate submucosal fibroid: in this type a submucosal fibroid will develop a long stalk and can sometimes protrude through the cervix.
- Broad ligament fibroid: in this type the fibroid develops from the outer surface of the uterus and buries itself in-between the lining of tissue situated next to the uterus called broad ligament. This generally doesn’t cause any symptoms unless they grow large in size and put pressure on surrounding organs.
Identifying the type of fibroid helps in determining the best Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids may not always cause symptoms. When they do, common signs include:
- Pain: when fibroids are big they can cause heavy and aching in the abdomen and lower back. Sometimes when fibroids are big and occupying the whole pelvis there can be pain or discomfort during sex.
- Pressure: sometimes big fibroids can press on to the bladder and cause frequent or difficult urination.
- Constipation or difficult bowel movements: when fibroids are big they can press on to the rectum and cause bowel symptoms.
- Bloated abdomen: when the fibroid grows you may notice that your belly is becoming big just like pregnancy.
- Pregnancy complications: fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy and can cause miscarriage, abortions, abnormal lies of the fetus in the womb. During pregnancy, fibroids undergo red degeneration and can cause severe pain.
- Infertility: sometimes fibroid can cause infertility.
- Anemia: due to chronic heavy menstruation your hemoglobin levels can decrease leading to symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, weakness, and headaches.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important. Dr. Shraddha Bihani offers specialized Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore to ensure safe and effective care.
What tests will be required for diagnosis?
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Common tests include:
- Physical examination: If you have symptoms of fibroid you may be advised to undergo physical examination like palpating your abdomen and internal examination to know the size of the uterus. As the uterus is generally larger than normal, a pelvic or internal examination may determine that the womb is enlarged. This may be the first investigation that suggests you have fibroids.
- Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound performed vaginally (internal) or abdominally (tummy) will not only diagnose fibroids in the womb but it also shows the number and positions of fibroids in the uterus.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan: Occasionally a more detailed scan called MRI may need to be performed to diagnose the fibroid uterus more accurately.
- Hysteroscopy procedure: Sub-mucous fibroids which occur on the inside of the womb can be diagnosed by a hysteroscopy procedure. This procedure involves passing a small telescope (hysteroscope) through the cervix (the neck of the womb) and into the uterus. Hysteroscopy can not only diagnose submucous fibroids but they can also be removed at the same time. This procedure is under anesthesia.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore
Treatment depends on symptoms, size, location, and future pregnancy plans. Options include:
1. Conservative Management
- Observation for asymptomatic fibroids with regular monitoring.
2. Medical Management
- Pain Relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or mefenamic acid
- Reduce Bleeding: Hormonal therapies like oral contraceptives, progestogens, or Mirena IUD
3. Non-Surgical Procedures
- Uterine Artery Embolization: Shrinks fibroids by blocking blood supply
- HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Non-invasive destruction of fibroid tissue
4. Surgical Management
- Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while preserving the uterus; ideal for women planning pregnancy
- Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus for severe cases or completed family planning
Dr. Shraddha Bihani ensures every patient receives a customized Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore.
Can fibroids during pregnancy cause any complications?
When women who have fibroids conceive they are more likely to have problems during pregnancy and delivery. Most of the women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. The most common problems seen in women with fibroids during pregnancy and delivery are:
- High risk for caesarean-section, it has been noted that the risk of needing a C-section is six times greater for women with fibroids.
- Baby can go into breech presentation and which is NOT normal position for normal vaginal delivery. For normal and uncomplicated delivery, babies head has to be down (cephalic presentation).
- Sometime labor fails to progress.
- Can rarely lead to placental abruption – here the placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus before delivery (normally the placenta has to separate after delivery of the baby). When this happens, the bay does not get enough oxygen and can lead to fetal distress.
- Sometimes it can cause preterm delivery.
Regular monitoring by a gynecologist specializing in Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore keeps both mother and baby safe.
FAQs About Uterine Fibroids
Q1. Can fibroids shrink on their own?
Yes, fibroids may shrink after menopause due to reduced hormone levels.
Q2. Are fibroids cancerous?
No, uterine fibroids are usually non-cancerous.
Q3. Can fibroids affect fertility?
Some types, like submucosal fibroids, may interfere with implantation or embryo development.
Q4. How long is recovery after fibroid surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure—minimally invasive surgeries usually have faster recovery than open surgeries.
Q5. Where can I get reliable fibroid treatment near Indore?
Dr. Shraddha Bihani provides expert Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Indore, serving areas like Rau, Sanwer, Dewas, Pithampur, and surrounding regions.