Health
All about fibroids and how to treat them
What are fibroids?
A fibroid is a noncancerous lump of growth in the uterus. The size of a fibroid can range from as small as a pea to as large as a basketball size. They can grow anywhere in the uterus and are usually pinkish. Fibroids are seen among women between the age of 35 and 45 and women above 30 years and older have an almost 30% chance of developing it. Some women are more likely than others to develop fibroids such as women who have never been pregnant and women who have a family history of fibroids.
Although the cause of fibroid is unknown it is seen that the female hormone estrogen plays a role in stimulating its growth.
Types
Fibroids are classified based on their location in the uterus.
Following are the three main types of fibroids:
- Subserosal fibroids: these are the most common ones which develop outside of the uterus.
- Intramural fibroids: they are seen to grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroids: They are seen to grow in the open space inside the uterus.
Some women do not show symptoms therefore it is never established that they have fibroids. Some discover during routine gynecologic exams or during prenatal care.
Following would be the symptoms when fibroid occurs:
- Pain and pressure in the pelvic area.
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation.
- Spotting in between menstrual cycle.
- Abnormal swellings
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue or low energy.
- Heavy bleeding or excessive bleeding.
- Lower back pain during intercourse.
- Low back pain during menstrual period.
- If fibroids are blocking the fallopian tube would lead to infertility.
- Repeated miscarriages.
- Constipation.
Diagnosis
A woman does not realize that she has a fibroid until her gynecologist feels it during a pelvic exam. If it is suspected then several tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- Pelvic ultrasound — a wand-like instrument is moved in the lower abdomen or may be inserted into your vagina to view the pelvic region more closely. The instrument produces sound waves which help in producing images that are later inspected by a doctor.
- Hysterosalpingogram — it is a kind of X-ray process; a dye is injected into the uterus and the fallopian tube so that they can spot any kind of irregularities.
- Hysteroscopy — is a process where a small telescope-like instrument is inserted through the vagina. It helps the doctor to check for any kind of abnormal growth inside the uterus.
- Laparoscopy — in this process a laparoscope which is a thin tube-like instrument is inserted through an incision in the belly so that an expert can inspect the abdomen and check for abnormalities.
Treatment
Fibroids mostly do not show symptoms they shrink or disappear after menopause. But if it causes any discomfort various treatments can help. Doctors may suggest various treatments according to the severity of the symptom and location of the fibroid. You can check out with your gynecologist the average cost of fibroid removal and go for it if needed and suggested by him.
Medication
The first line of treatment is managing the condition by medication. The different medicines which can be used for fibroids are as follows.
-
GnRH agonists
GnRH is a drug that when used produces less estrogen and progesterone. They can cause menopause-like symptoms which include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and in some cases a higher risk of osteoporosis. The drug is for short-term use only and doctors may give this drug before surgery to shrink the fibroid.
-
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen can be used to reduce fibroid pain.
-
Hormonal birth control
Oral contraceptives can also be prescribed as it is said to maintain the cycle and also reduce pain or bleeding during periods.
Surgery
Severe fibroids may not respond to medications, in such cases surgery may be the best treatment option.
The following procedures can be done:
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the removal of the partial or total of the uterus. Total hysterectomy can prevent the return of fibroids. Surgeons may also remove ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can show side effects such as early menopause and reduced libido.
Myomectomy
This process removes fibroids from the muscular walls of the uterus. This is for people who still want to have a child.
Endometrial ablation
If fibroids are on the inner surface of the uterus removal of the uterine lining may help. It may be an effective alternative to a hysterectomy for some people with fibroids.
Laser fibroid removal
This is less invasive where the laser is used to remove the fibroid. The laser fibroid removal cost may vary and you can enquire about it and discuss it with your gynecologist.