What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They can vary in:

• Size
• Number
• Location
• Shape
• Effect on nearby organs

Fibroids may grow:

• Inside the uterine cavity
• Within the muscular wall of the uterus
• On the outside surface of the uterus
• On a stalk-like structure

Some fibroids remain small, while others can become large enough to affect the abdomen, bladder, bowel, or reproductive organs.

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood. However, several factors may influence their development and growth.

These may include:

• Hormonal changes involving estrogen and progesterone
• Family history of fibroids
• Age and reproductive stage
• Certain genetic factors
• Body weight and other health factors

Fibroids often become smaller after menopause as hormone levels decline, although this does not happen in every case. ACOG

Common Symptoms of Fibroids

Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Periods may become:

• Heavier than usual
• Longer than usual
• More frequent
• Associated with blood clots

Heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, tiredness, dizziness, and weakness.

Pelvic Pain or Pressure

Fibroids may cause:

• Pelvic discomfort
• Lower abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Bladder Symptoms

A large fibroid may press against the bladder and cause:

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Increased nighttime urination

Bowel Symptoms

Pressure on the bowel may lead to:

• Constipation
• Difficulty passing stool
• Rectal pressure
• Abdominal bloating

Fertility and Pregnancy Concerns

Some fibroids may contribute to infertility, miscarriage, or pregnancy complications. However, fibroids are not the only possible cause of fertility problems, so a complete medical assessment is important.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional may begin with a medical history and pelvic examination. Additional tests may include:

• Pelvic ultrasound
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Hysteroscopy
• Sonohysterography
• MRI
• Blood tests to check for anemia

The choice of test depends on your symptoms and the suspected fibroid location and size.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Treatment depends on:

• The severity of symptoms
• The size and location of fibroids
• Your age
• Your general health
• Whether you want to become pregnant
• Your personal treatment preferences

1. Watchful Waiting

Fibroids that are small and do not cause symptoms may not require immediate treatment. Your doctor may recommend:

• Regular check-ups
• Monitoring symptoms
• Repeat imaging when necessary
• Tracking menstrual bleeding and pain

2. Medications

Medications may help control heavy bleeding or pain. Options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory pain medicines
• Hormonal birth control
• Tranexamic acid
• Progestin-releasing intrauterine devices
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone medications
• Other hormone-modifying treatments

Medication may relieve symptoms, but some medicines do not permanently remove fibroids.

3. Myomectomy

A myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. It may be performed through:

• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Abdominal surgery

This option may be considered for people who wish to preserve fertility, although fibroids can develop again in the future.

4. Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine artery embolization reduces blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to shrink.

It may be suitable for some people who do not wish to undergo traditional surgery. The effect of this treatment on future pregnancy is not completely clear, so reproductive plans should be discussed with a specialist.

5. Radiofrequency Ablation

This procedure uses heat energy to destroy fibroid tissue and reduce its size.

It may be performed through minimally invasive techniques. Suitability depends on the size and location of the fibroids.

6. Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. It permanently treats uterine fibroids but means that pregnancy is no longer possible. It may be recommended when:

• Fibroids are very large
• Symptoms are severe
• Other treatments have not helped
• Future pregnancy is not desired

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Very heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Severe pelvic pain
• Persistent abdominal swelling
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Symptoms of anemia
• Rapidly worsening symptoms

Seek urgent care for extremely heavy bleeding, fainting, severe sudden pain, or symptoms of significant blood loss.

Conclusion

Fibroids are common and usually noncancerous, but they can affect quality of life when they cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, or fertility concerns.

The good news is that several treatment options are available. Some people need only monitoring, while others may benefit from medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

The right treatment depends on your symptoms, health needs, and reproductive goals.

Take the Next Step

If you are experiencing heavy periods, pelvic pain, or unexplained abdominal pressure, speak with a healthcare professional.

Tranquil & Quest Specialist Hospital is committed to providing respectful assessment, accurate diagnosis, women’s health services, and individualized treatment support.