Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Jaipur
Uterine fibroids are a prevalent form of non-cancerous growths that can develop within or on the uterus. While not all fibroids produce noticeable symptoms, when they do, common manifestations encompass heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, increased frequency of urination, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Smaller fibroids often require no treatment, but larger ones can be addressed through medication or surgical interventions.
What is Uterine Fibroid?
Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromyomas, represent the most common tumors found in the female reproductive system, affecting 20 to 40% of women in their childbearing years. These fibroids can vary in size, ranging from minuscule growths to ones as large as an orange or even larger. In certain instances, they can lead to the enlargement of the uterus to a size akin to that of a woman in her fifth month of pregnancy.
The likelihood of developing fibroids is highest among women between 30 and 50. Notably, overweight and obese women face a significantly elevated risk of fibroid development in comparison to women of normal weight.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are classified based on their location within the uterus:
- Intramural fibroids are situated within the uterine wall and represent the most common type. Unless they reach a significant size, they may not show symptoms. However, they can lead to heavy bleeding with clots. Over time, intramural fibroids may grow inwards, distorting and enlarging the uterine cavity.
- Subserosal fibroids are found on the outer surface of the uterus and have the potential to become quite large. They can exert pressure on the bladder and rectum, resulting in symptoms such as frequent urination, constipation, and back pain.
- Submucosal fibroids are located in the muscle beneath the uterine lining (endometrium) and cause distortion of the uterine cavity. Even small lesions in this location can lead to bleeding and, in some cases, infertility.
- Cervical fibroids are situated in the wall of the cervix, the neck of the uterus. If they obstruct the cervical canal, they can also lead to infertility and complications during normal childbirth.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of fibroids typically begins with a gynecologic examination, where the presence of fibroids is often suspected. Confirmation of their presence commonly involves a lower abdomen ultrasound scan. Additionally, fibroids can be verified through MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). It is advisable to undergo an MRI scan before embarking on any form of treatment. These imaging techniques serve as a foundational assessment for monitoring purposes following procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or other treatments.
- An ultrasound reveals a submucosal fibroid.
- An MRI displays multiple intramural fibroids.
Complications
Although uterine fibroids are generally not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort and potentially lead to complications, such as anemia resulting from heavy menstrual bleeding.
Urinary tract infections may occur if fibroid pressure hinders the bladder from fully emptying.
Pregnancy and fibroids: Fibroids usually do not impede conception or pregnancy. However, it’s possible that they could distort or block the fallopian tubes or interfere with the passage of sperm from the cervix to the fallopian tubes. In some cases, treatment for fibroids during pregnancy may not be necessary. A common complication associated with fibroids during pregnancy is localized pain, typically occurring between the first and second trimesters. This pain can typically be managed with pain relievers. In certain instances, the presence of fibroids may lead to recurrent pregnancy losses when no other cause of miscarriage can be identified.
Causes
The causes of uterine fibroids remain uncertain among medical professionals, but ongoing research and clinical observations suggest the following factors may play a role:
- Genetic alterations: Many fibroids exhibit genetic changes that differ from those found in regular uterine muscle cells.
- Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones responsible for preparing the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in anticipation of pregnancy, seem to stimulate the growth of fibroids. Fibroids typically contain a higher number of estrogen and progesterone receptors compared to normal uterine muscle cells.
- Other chemicals: Substances involved in tissue maintenance, such as insulin-like growth factor, may have an impact on the growth of fibroids.
Treatment Options for Fibroids
There isn’t a single universally recommended approach to treating uterine fibroids, as multiple treatment options are available:
Watchful waiting: Many women with uterine fibroids may not exhibit any noticeable signs or symptoms. In such cases, a “watchful waiting” or “expectant management” approach may be the most suitable option. It’s important to note that fibroids are non-cancerous.
Medications: Medications can help alleviate mild symptoms but do not directly treat the fibroids themselves.
Non-surgical options: There are non-surgical treatments available, including: