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FIBROIDS

What are fibroids?

A woman’s uterus is made of muscle tissue which is called smooth muscle tissue. Fibroids are benign tumors in the uterine cavity . There’s definitely a genetic component and haven’t found any lifestyle factors that cause uterine fibroids.

A large number of women (around 40-50%) will develop fibroids, which, depending on the size and location in the womb, they are likely to cause dysmenorrheal , heavy menstrual cycles, excessive bleeding , spotting between periods and reproductive problems.

They can also cause frequent urological problems or intestine discomfort due to the pressure applied in the abdominal area. Increased urination and constipation

maybe some of the symptoms of very large fibroids “bulk symptoms”.

Fibroids have three types, depending on their location: submucosal, intramural and subserosal. Fibroids may differ in size, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, and can either grow rapidly or remain steady for years.

The development of fibroids usually decreases during menopause, with the estrogen decrease.

Diagnosis of Fibroids

The best method to diagnose fibroids is a transvaginal ultrasound.

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is another useful method to diagnose fibroids and spot their exactly location in the pelvis.

Sometimes submucosal fibroids are also detected during Salpingography or during an Hysteroscopy.

How do Fibroids affect fertility?

If a fibroid grows close to the entrance of a fallopian tube, it may cause tube blockage. Their impact on fertility depends on the location, the size and the symptoms a woman has.

Submucosal fibroids hold the major negative factor, entering the uterine cavity, disrupting its architecture, causing bleeding and altering the hormonal and secretory environment we need for the implantation.

All the above reasons lead to difficulty in conception, spontaneous miscarriages and pregnancy complications even premature births and planned caesarean section as they may block the cervix.

Treatment of Fibroids

Fibroids can be removed surgically or laparoscopically. The open method (laparotomy) is called abdominal myomectomy. The process involves a small abdominal incision usually in the bikini area where the uterus is opened carefully and the fibroid is removed.

Laparoscopic removal is a minimally invasive process in which four to five small incisions are made on the lower part of the abdomen, to enter the laparoscopic instruments and remove fibroids through these small openings .

Although various processes have been tried for the treatment of fibroids such as hormonal suppression surgical removal remains the first choice especially in large symptomatic fibroids.

Do they re-appear even after treatment?

A significant number of women will reappear fibroids even after surgery. Therefore a frequent medical check is imposed . Limited chance of development or recurrence of fibroids have the women who are already in menopause.

Is it necessary to remove all fibroids?

Removing fibroids is not always necessary and mainly depends on their position , their type , their size and the most important indicator is every woman’s perspective, age, fertility plan and the symptoms she might has.

All the above should be evaluated by the gynecologist or the fertility specialist, in combination with advantages and possible complications of a surgery.

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FIBROIDS