Endocare Global

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths found anywhere in and around the uterus, which are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue.They are also known as uterine fibroids or myomas. They can vary in size from one millimetre to big masses that may expand and distort the uterus. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can enlarge the uterus to the point that it reaches the rib cage, adding weight. Fibroids aren’t dangerous but they can cause symptoms which may affect the quality of life.

There are different types of fibroids:

• Intramural fibroids: they are the most common type and are normally found in the muscle wall of the uterus.
• Submucosal fibroids: they are found in the muscle layer beneath the lining of the uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids: they are found outside the wall of the uterus, in the pelvis. This type can be quite large and can be a reason for infertility and miscarriages.

Symptoms with fibroids will vary depending on the person, the size, location and number of the fibroids. Some women will not show any symptoms, while other will have symptoms such as:

• Heavy and / or painful periods
• Long periods, lasting more than a week
• Lower back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Pressure and pain in the pelvis
• Constipation
• Pain during sex
• Increased need to urinate

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, but it is thought that they may be caused by oestrogen. Oestrogen is the female reproductive hormone produced in the ovaries. When oestrogen levels are at their highest during reproductive years, fibroids might develop. They will often shrink once oestrogen level are low during menopause. Fibroids are fairly common, did you know 1 in 3 women have them at some point during their life.

How are fibroids treated?

Depending on several factors, there are different treatments for fibroids, including patient’s age, general health, symptoms, type of fibroids and if she wants to have children in the future.

• If fibroids are asymptomatic (are not showing any symptoms), treatment will not be required. Over time and in most cases, fibroids will shrink and disappear. These are normally will smaller fibroids.
• If fibroids are showing symptoms, medication is usually recommended first to alleviate the pain and to shrink the fibroids. These can be from oral contraceptive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for colics or pain.

In severe cases or if medication is not working, treatment will require the removal of the fibroid, which is done with surgery. The most common surgery options are:

• Uterine artery embolisation (UAE): the blood supply to the fibroid is blocked, causing them to shrink.
• Endometrial ablation: lasers or heat are used to remove the lining of the womb (endometrium), and it can be used to remove smaller fibroids, however pregnancy after this can carry risks.
• Myomectomy: fibroids are removed from the uterus, leaving the uterus intact.Fibroids can reoccur after this procedure, which is usually recommended for women with subserosal and intramural fibroids.