Uterine Fibroid – Types, Locations, Causes, Diagnosis, Medical Treatments and Their Surgeries

Uterine Fibroids are benign growth of uterine muscle tissues. Fibroids are very common growth seen in uterus in reproductive age group specifically in nulliparaus women ie-who haven’t conceived yet.Uterine Fibroids are also known as Leiomyoma.

Fibroids can be small in size which doesn’t produce any sign or symptoms and very very large to produce a lot of discomfort, pain and even complications. Some Fibroids grows so much that it makes the belly look like a pregnant mother. Fibroids can be a few in numbers or multiple in numbers. They also are varying in their occurrence

A fibroid is usually a growth microscopically made up of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. And when it is seen in uterus it is Uterine Fibroid. They are usually found in the wall of the uterus. Uterine fibroids Fibrona Myoma Leiomyoma Uterine myomas

Fibroids varies with their locations. They can be sub mucousal, sub serosal, intramural, cervical according to their position and location of development. Intramural fibroids are the most common type of Fibroids and appear within the muscular wall of the uterus Serosa is the outside of the Uterus. Subserosal fibroids are formed on the outside of the uterus When fibroids develop with a stem, a tiny base that supports the tumor like growth, they are known as Pedunculated Fibroids Cervical fibroids develop on the cervix. It is seen in the Anterior , Posterior and Lateral part of the Cervix

Clinically in most cases, it is seen that all fibroids doesn’t cause signs or symptoms. But when they do produce symptoms, they might include Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Severe Abdominal Pain and Cramps Menstrual clots or period lasting more than a week Menstruation lasting longer than usual Thick continuous vaginal discharge Back Pain Frequent Urination Produces Pain During Sex Constipation Also they can create problem in implantation leading to Infertility

The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t clear.The actual cause of fibroid growth is unknown. The fibroids usually develop in women during their reproductive years. But many factors may play roles for growth of the Fibroids in uterus. Like- Genetic Makeup and Abnormal stem cell growth Hormones like estrogen and progesterone Insulin-like growth factors Family History of Fibroids More body weight More age for conceiving the 1st baby Nulliparity

Abdominal USG Trans Vaginal Sonography MRI Pelvis Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy

Small and Asymptomatic fibroids usually don’t need treatment, but larger fibroids producing symptoms can be treated with proper medications and surgeries.

A healthy and balanced diet with a habit of regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced weight can reduce your risk of developing fibroids

1. Medical Management Medications primarily control heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, or fibroid growth without removing them. GnRH agonists and selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) can effectively reduce fibroid volume and symptoms. Gynecologist often uses NSAIDs for pain, Tranexamic Acid for bleeding, hormonal contraceptives, and procedures like uterine artery embolization or MRI-guided focused ultrasound to shrink fibroids non-invasively. 2. Surgical Management Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserves the uterus.It is ideal for those wanting Pregnancy in future ; techniques include hysteroscopy for submucosal fibroid removal , laparoscopy or robotic-assisted as well as laparotomy for large/deep fibroids For who don't want to conceive in future , Hysterectomy with or without Salpingoophorectomy (TLH/TAH + BSO).Hysterectomy can be done by giving abdominal incision or laparascopically

Uterine fibroids, though common and often benign, significantly impact quality of life through heavy bleeding, pain, and fertility challenges, but effective management to control symptoms, to minimally invasive procedures and definitive surgery for those not preserving fertility. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment plans.