Fibroids are tumors that grow in the uterus. These tumors are typically non-cancerous and are made of muscle and other tissues. Other names for uterine fibroids are myomas and leiomyomas. Those people most at risk for fibroids are overweight or African-American women. The cause of fibroids is unknown and they contribute to 3 out of 10 hysterectomies. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus.
Types
Fibroids can grow inside, outside or within the uterine walls. They can also be attached to the uterus by a stem-like structure. The size of fibroids can vary from pea-sized to more than 5 to 6 inches wide. In some cases, fibroids can even grow big enough to fill your pelvic area. You can have one or more fibroids of different sizes in your uterus.
Symptoms
Uterine fibroids may not cause symptoms. Some fibroids can cause painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, a feeling of "fullness" in the lower part of your stomach, increased need to urinate, difficulty urinating, constipation, lower back or stomach pain, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, infertility, miscarriages and possible early labor during pregnancy. Contact your physician for further advice if you experience symptoms of uterine fibroids.
Complications
Fibroids may or may not cause problems. Fibroids attached to the uterus with a stem-like structure can twist and cause fever, nausea and pain. Swelling and pain of the stomach can be associated with a very large fibroid. Another possible complication is infertility which can be resolved after the fibroids are treated.
Diagnosis
Fibroids can be diagnosed based on a routine pelvic exam. You physician may also order an ultrasound, hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography, sonohysterography or a laparoscopy. An ultrasound creates pictures of the uterus using sound waves. A hysteroscopy uses a device that is inserted through the vagina to see into the uterus. A hysterosalpingography is a type of X-ray test. A sonohysterography is a test where a special fluid is used with a sonogram to provide a clear picture of the uterine lining. A laparoscopy is a device inserted into a small cut in the navel that allows your physician to see fibroids on the outside of your uterus.
Treatment
Your physician will recommend treatment depending on if you want to have children, how large your fibroids are, your age and which symptoms you exhibit. Treatment options include pain medications, birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, progestin-releasing intrauterine device and surgical options. Types of surgical options include decreasing blood flow to the fibroids, using heat to destroy fibroids and surgical removal of the fibroids or the uterus.
Tags: attached uterus, options include, stem-like structure, surgical options, surgical removal
