Uterine Fibroids

In most of the cases, uterine fibroids do not cause any symptoms. The symptoms may occur depending on the location, size, and number of fibroids. The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids are listed below:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Increased urination
• Menstruation lasting more than a week
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Backache or leg pains

The factors that increase the risk of uterine fibroids include the following:

• Being a woman of reproductive age
• Family history of uterine fibroids
• Onset of menstruation at an early age
• Diet high in red meat and lower in green leafy vegetables
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Consumption of alcohol
• Being obese
• Use of birth control pills

Uterine fibroids may not lead to life-threatening complications; however, it may cause discomfort. The presence of fibroids in the uterus may cause heavy blood loss during menstruation, and this may lead to iron deficiency anemia. In pregnant women, uterine fibroids may increase the risk of placental abruption, preterm delivery, and inadequate development of the fetus.

In most of the cases, uterine fibroid remains unnoticed and discovered incidentally during a routine check-up. If your doctor suspects uterine fibroids, any of the following tests might be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

• Ultrasound of the pelvis: The test provides detailed images of the internal organs and helps to identify the abnormal structures in the pelvis.
• Imaging tests: If an ultrasound doesn’t identify the condition, your doctor might order other imaging tests such as pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), hysterosonography, hysteroslpingography, and hysteroscopy.
• Blood tests: Your doctor might order complete blood count if you have menstruation for longer periods. The test identifies the presence of anemia and helps to prevent the complications.

The treatment for uterine fibroids depends on your age, the size of the fibroid, and extent or severity of the condition. Your doctor might order a combination of following treatments.

Medications: The medications are used to relieve the symptoms such as discomfort, pelvic pain, and massive blood loss (menstrual cycle). Your doctor might prescribe the drugs that shrink the fibroids. The drugs include:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists- to block the production of estrogen and progesterone
• Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)- to relieve from heavy blood loss due to menstruation
• Other drugs such as tranexamic acid, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and vitamin supplements.

Minimally invasive procedures: Your doctor might suggest certain procedures to destroy the uterine fibroids and include:

• Uterine artery embolization: During the procedure, your doctor injects certain medications that stop the blood flow to the fibroids allowing them to shrink.
• Myolysis: It is performed using laparoscope. During the procedure, high-energy electric current is passed that destroys the fibroids.
• Laparoscopic myomectomy: The procedure involves removal of fibroids using a laparoscope. During the procedure, the fibroids are broken into small pieces and then removed.
• Other procedures include hysteroscopic myomectomy and endometrial ablation.