What Are Uterine Fibroids? Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that form in or on the uterus, with the majority of women developing them between the ages of 30 and 50. They consist of smooth muscle and connective tissue, and they can range in size from small to large masses that distort the uterus. Although some women may not notice any symptoms, others experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, or infertility. It is not known what causes fibroids, though hormonal and genetic factors are believed to be involved. Fibroids often aren’t treated unless they are causing symptoms.

What are the causes of uterine fibroids?

Hormonal factors: Estrogen and progestogen are the two hormones that help the development of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle, which leads to the growth of the fibroids. Moreover, at the time of pregnancy, your hormone levels are high, which can exacerbate the fibroids.

Genetic factor: If the women have a family history of developing fibrosis, then there is a high chance of developing it.

Environment and lifestyle factors: If your intake of vegetables and dairy products is low, higher levels of body fat, alcohol consumption, stress, and deficiency of vitamin D can increase the risk of developing fibrosis.

Age: Fibrosis is most common to develop in the 30s and 50s, but the risk can decline after menopause due to a lower level of estrogen and progesterone.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

The symptoms of uterine fibroids depend on the number, size, and location of the fibroids. If the fibroids are small, then there is a chance that women show no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms are

• The menstrual cycle may be heavy with clots.
• Frequent periods
• Bleeding between your periods
• Low back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Fibroids can lead to a feeling of heaviness, fullness, or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Need to urinate more often
• Difficulty in emptying the bladder
• Difficulty in passing stools
• Discomfort in the rectum
• Constipation and bloating
• If the fibroids are large, then it can make the uterus grow to the size of a pregnant uterus.

Diagnosis of uterine fibrosis

The size of fibrosis is determined after the diagnosis, and also whether treatment is required or not. After the consultation with the doctor. He will ask you about your medical history, like your menstrual cycle, pelvic pain, pressure, etc.

Pelvic exam: After knowing all the medical history, your diagnosis will start with the pelvic exam, which is performed to get a feel of the size and shape of the uterus. If you have signs of the symptoms of uterine fibrosis, then you may undergo these tests.

Ultrasound test: This test uses sound waves to get a picture of the uterus. It helps to find out the number, size, and location of the fibroids.

Lab test: If you have irregular bleeding, then a blood test is held to find out the cause.

Other imaging tests:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This test shows the detailed view of the size and location of the fibroids by using magnets or radio waves.

Hysterosonography: In this, a thin, lighted telescope is inserted into the uterus through the cervix and vagina, which helps the doctor to find out about the submucosal fibroids and the lining of the uterus.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG): It’s a detailed X-ray where your health provider injects a material and takes an X-ray. Majorly, this test finds out if the fallopian tube is blocked or open.

Sonohysterography: A small catheter is placed, and then saline is injected into the uterus. It helps to create a clear image of your uterus.

Laparoscopy: It’s a minimally invasive procedure where your health provider makes a small cut in your lower abdomen, then a thin and flexible tube is inserted with a camera to look closely at your internal organs.

Conclusion:

Get to know what uterine fibroids are. Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis helps you get the early treatment. Generally, it is not harmful, but proper information and treatment can not cause harm to your body

About Dr. Deepak Agarwal

Dr. Deepak Agarwal is a highly experienced uterine fibroids doctor in Jaipur. He is a distinguished medical professional with a remarkable career in diagnostic and interventional radiology. He has experience of more than 10 years. He has a specialization in treating uterine fibrosis with utmost care. He has those medical approaches that help many patients with success and provide a quality of life.