Some of the most common symptoms that women complain of are incessant pelvic pain, some of which might be sudden pains, heavy, prolonged and painful periods, spotting or bleeding between periods, difficulty in emptying the bladder, lower back pains, pain during intercourse, difficulty in attaining pregnancy and sudden anemia (unexplained low red blood count). These symptoms could be the cause of many problems and one such issue is that of the uterine fibroid. Uterine Fibroid is known by many names such as Myomas, Leiomyomas, or Fibromas. Most women universally suffer from fibroids but do not show any symptoms. Therefore, it goes unnoticed.
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Fibroids are basically tumours made up of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue. They grow by a single cell rapidly diving to finally form a rubbery mass that looks different from a tissue mass. Most of these growths that occur in the uterus are benign or non-cancerous. But this does not mean that they cannot become cancerous. If neglected without proper advice from an expert, the tumors can cause a lot of problems. Fibroids could be one or many and can grow at different times. They can vary between the size of a pea and even a watermelon. However, the good news is that these fibroids that grow can be treated. Uterine fibroids are found along the muscular wall of the uterus, which stretches the womb or outside the uterus or in the middle muscular layer of the uterus
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Not many definitive causes have been recorded for the uterine fibroids. Some studies indicate that the condition to be genetic. It is said that the chances of developing a fibroid are greater if one’s mother had developed them (genetic). Hormones such as Estrogen and Progesterone are known to stimulate the growth of fibroids and therefore, it is seen that they tend to shrink closer to menopause as these hormones also decrease. Other substances in the body that help maintain tissues such as insulin-like growth factor or extracellular matrix (ECM) that makes cells stick together, can increase the growth of fibroids. Some correlational factors such as age – women in their 30s and 40s or nearing menopause are known to develop fibroids. Women who suffer from obesity are at a higher risk. Vitamin D deficiency, a diet that is low in green vegetables, fruits and dairy and rich in red meat; and increased intake of alcohol are also associated with uterine fibroid.
The most important factor here for us is the relationship between uterine fibroid and pregnancy. It is said that fibroids usually do not interfere with pregnancy. However, a certain kind of fibroids known as the submucosal fibroids could cause infertility or loss of pregnancy. Other complications could include placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery. With the advancement in research and technology, of late many methods are employed to diagnose fibroids. Starting with general physical examination such as an abdominal or pelvic exam, ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also used. These quick and simple methods help scan the insides of the abdomen and vagina. An MRI is an advanced version of scanning that also helps detect adenomyosis. In case of deeper investigation, the physician might employ a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), Hysterosonogram, Laparoscopy, or a Hysteroscopy.
Depending on the types of symptoms, age factor, fertility goals, number and size of the fibroids, and general health conditions, the expert might suggest various kinds of treatment. Normally, fibroids are known to stop growing or shrink, in case of complications, treatment would be suggested. These rare complications could be pressure on kidneys leading to kidney damage or infertility or repeated loss of pregnancy.
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Certain home remedies are also found to be helpful. Applying heat for cramps or a massage is usually employed. People have also reported that Yoga and Acupuncture help relieve pains. Certain changes in dietary habits such as the inclusion of green vegetables, green tea – basically a healthy diet can help as well. Stress management and weight management become very important. However, in other conditions, since the involvement of hormones is a known factor, hormone therapy can also be given. Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) agonists help the estrogen and progesterone levels to decrease, which helps the fibroid to shrink. Options such as insertion of Intrauterine device (IUD) to help control bleeding and pain are also employed. Very rarely surgery is conducted to remove very largely or multiple fibroids. Of late, minimally invasive procedures such as Forced Ultrasound Surgery (FUS) are also used.
Whatever the condition, the advice of an expert is a must. Usage of over-the-counter drugs or self-treatment is not advised at all. It is in these cases, that one is highly recommended to visit Dr. Shwetha of Janisthaa Fertility Centre and Hospital at Bangalore. For an appointment, one can visit the
website – https://janisthaaivf.com/ or call + 91 7619198083
