Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours of the uterus that appear during your childbearing years. They can appear on the inside or outside lining of your uterus, or within its muscular wall. Fibroids usually develop from a single smooth muscle cell that continues to grow.
How do fibroids affect you?
Uterine fibroids usually cause problems during your periods. They can be very painful, affect your fertility and cause complications during your pregnancy.
What are the different types of fibroids?
Fibroids are categorised by their location, which include:
What are the causes of fibroids?
Uterine fibroids may be caused by:
Who is at risk of developing fibroids?
The risk factors for uterine fibroids are:
What are the signs and symptoms of fibroids?
In many cases, fibroids are asymptomatic. Symptoms may include:
What are the related disorders that occur with fibroids?
Uterine fibroids can be associated with anaemia, urinary problems, miscarriage, premature labour and infertility. Fibroids can prompt the growth of polyps in the uterine lining (endometrium). A polyp is a small protrusion that looks like a tiny ball on the end of a slim stalk. Endometrial polyps can also contribute to menstrual problems, such as excessive bleeding and pain.
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids can be detected using an ultrasound, where sound waves create a two-dimensional picture. The inside of the uterus can be examined with a hysteroscope, which is a thin tube passed through the cervix. A small camera may be placed at the tip of the hysteroscope, so that the interior of the uterus can be viewed on a monitor.
Treatment
Most uterine fibroids that do not cause any problem can be left untreated. They are benign, and may remain the same size or grow very slowly, causing no symptoms to mild signs and symptoms. As the levels of reproductive hormones drop with menopause, the fibroids usually shrink in size.
Surgeries
When should I consider watchful waiting of fibroids
Close monitoring is required when your fibroids are not causing any problems and treatment is stalled for further development. In rare cases, it can rapidly grow into a tumour or to sizes that can cause significant problems, and make surgical removal difficult and risky.
What are the treatment options for fibroids
Treatment depends on the location, size and number of fibroids and may include:
Non-surgical treatments
Symptoms caused by uterine fibroids usually resolve by the time you reach menopause. Hence, if you are nearing menopause you can consider controlling symptoms with home treatment and medicine.
