Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological disease that affects the uterus. The incidence of fibroids has increased over the past few years. According to various reports, over 9 million women are diagnosed with uterine fibroids annually Woman.
Not all uterine fibroids require treatment. Those that do are easily managed with medication and surgery such as myomectomy.
The cost of uterine fibroid treatment depends on the country you choose, the type of surgery you need, and the hospital you choose. Different countries offer affordable treatment for uterine fibroids.
However, treatment by a skilled gynecologist is necessary. The countries India, Germany, Thailand, Turkey, and UAE are home to some of the best gynecologists.
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are growths of fibrous connective tissue and smooth muscle cells. They are primarily non-cancerous and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer.
Most women get fibroids during their childbearing years. Most fibroids shrink and resolve on their own after menopause.
Common locations where uterine fibroids develop are inside the uterus, within the uterine wall, and on the outer surface of the uterus.
Uterine fibroids can occur as single nodules or in a group. Their size ranges from 1 mm to 8 inches.
Risk factors for the disease include:
obesity
Early onset of menstruation
Adenocarcinoma
Vitamin D deficiency
Diet less green vegetables
What are the common symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Symptoms appear only after fibroids reach a certain size. The symptoms a woman may experience from this disease will depend on the size and location of the fibroids.
Once fibroids grow large enough, they may show symptoms such as:
Excessive menstrual bleeding
Pain during sex
Frequent urination
Lower back pain
Chronic vaginal discharge
enlarged abdomen
Difficulty defecating
Infertility
premature labor
Uterine fibroids can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause heavy periods and painful cramps. Taking birth control tablets and anti-inflammatory medications will help you manage these symptoms.
What are the different types of uterine fibroids?
The uterus is a three-layered, pear-shaped organ. There are four main types of uterine fibroids depending on where they occur.
One of the fibroids that is most often diagnosed is intramural fibroids. They occur in the front, back, and upper muscular walls of the uterus.
Subserosal fibroids: These fibroids grow under the lining of the outer uterine wall and can spread into the pelvis. They tend to enlarge and often cause pain in the pelvis.
The least frequent uterine fibroids are those that are submucosal. They cause serious symptoms like pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and lower back pain.
Pedunculated fibroids are mushroom-shaped fibroids that have a stalk/stem attached to the wall of the uterus. Both pedunculated submucosal fibroids and pedunculated subserosal fibroids are subsets of these.
What causes uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are uncommon in young women who have not reached a menstrual age.
Uterine fibroids’ precise origin is still a mystery.
However, doctors believe that most fibroids have the following causes.
Hormones: Female reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone help the lining of the uterus develop. These hormones also stimulate fibroid growth. Once a woman reaches menopause, the levels of this hormone decrease, causing fibroids to shrink.
Genetics: The genes in fibroids are different from those present in normal muscle cells. These genetic changes can cause fibroids.
Cellular matrix: The ECM or extracellular matrix is the material that helps hold cells together. ECM production increases in uterine fibroids, making them fibrous.
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
Typically, uterine fibroids are found during a pelvic exam.
The healthcare provider looks for symptoms such as abnormal menstruation, heavy bleeding, abdominal bloating, and pelvic pain.
If these symptoms are present, they may investigate further using various diagnostic tests.
Ultrasound is one of the best and most feasible ways to diagnose uterine fibroids. The technician moves the transducer and takes pictures of the uterus from different angles. It helps to locate and measure the size of the fibroid.
MRI: A magnetic resonance imaging scan provides a clearer picture of fibroids. This is the most accurate way to diagnose uterine fibroids.
Hysterosonography: The saline infusion sonogram uses saline to dilate the cavity. This makes it easier to get images of the lining of the uterus and diagnose submucosal fibroids.
Hysteroscopy: The imaging test involves inserting a hysteroscope (small lighted telescope) into the uterus. The doctor then examines the wall after stretching it with saline.
How are uterine fibroids treated?\
There are several ways to treat uterine fibroids. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment after a thorough evaluation of your symptoms.
Watchful waiting
Not all fibroids show signs and symptoms. Doctors use a wait-and-see approach if symptoms are mild and do not interfere with the patient’s daily activities.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous and grow slowly or not at all.
If you are close to menopause, there is a high chance that the fibroids will shrink on their own. As a result, it doesn’t need any special care.
medicine
Medicines do not destroy fibroids. They help regulate hormone levels and treat symptoms associated with the disease. Once reproductive hormones are balanced, fibroids begin to shrink.
GnRH agonists or gonadotropin-releasing hormones stop the production of estrogen and progesterone. This puts the patient in a temporary state of menopause. As menstruation stops, fibroids shrink and anemia reverses.
IUD: Progestin-releasing intrauterine device does not shrink fibroids but provides symptomatic relief. It helps relieve excessive bleeding associated with fibroids.
Other medications that can help relieve the symptoms of fibroids include oral contraceptives, vitamin supplements, and NSAIDs.
Surgery
MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRI-guided FUS) is a non-invasive procedure that does not require admitting the patient. Surgery does not make incisions and helps preserve the uterus. It uses high-energy sound waves to heat and destroy fibroids.
Uterine artery embolism: By cutting off the fibroid’s blood supply, the technique helps it shrink.
Embolic agents are small particles inserted into the arteries.