Intrauterine Fibroids

An intrauterine fibroid is a muscular growth that develops in various locations within the uterus wall or in the uterine cavity. Fibroids are usually firm, roundish lumps occurring in clusters. The size ranges from a small pea to something as big as a grapefruit. Uterine fibroids are sometimes referred to as myoma because it always develops on the muscle walls of the uterus.

Why it develops is somewhat uncertain although research links it to hormonal imbalances i.e. elevated estrogen levels. Intrauterine fibroids can become potential structural problems of the uterus that is if the fibroid grows to the size of a baseball it can block the movement of sperm or egg, disrupt the implantation of the embryo or cause complications with pregnancy (should conception take place).

Fibroid Types

• Fibroids can be subserosal i.e. they are located in the muscle wall of the uterus just under the surface. This type may not be symptomatic (without symptoms). A subserous fibroid need not be removed especially if it is small and does not interfere with fertility. If it needs surgical intervention then myomectomy can be performed where the fibroids are removed but the uterus is left intact
• Fibroids can also be submucosal meaning they grow into the uterine lining itself (or protrudes into the uterine cavity) and often cause irregular, heavy bleeding or prolonged periods with blood clots and cramp-like pains and shorter cycles.

Intrauterine Fibroid Facts

• Intrauterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths (benign tumor) in the uterus.
• The incidence of pelvic disorders increases with age; intrauterine fibroids seems to increase as a woman gets older
• Many women do not even know they have it until they are discovered during routine pelvic examinations
• They are present in about 25-50% of all women
• Fibroids are more common in older women (and understandably so because of hormonal changes).
• The most common problem with fibroids is its growth tendency and the fact that it causes bleeding
• Fibroids are detectable through ultrasounds scans, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy
• Its ability to affect fertility depends on the size and location.
• Most of the time fibroids are no hindrance to conception; they just need monitoring.
• Short term treatment involves the use of drugs but it is a recurring problem, returning once the drugs are stopped
• A large sized fibroid (e.g. the size of a grapefruit) can interfere with the normal functioning of the uterus
• Fibroids can cause miscarriages as they can interfere with the implantation process
• Fibroids tend to typically run in families
• Uterine fibroids located inside of the uterus can limit your fertility.
• The conventional treatment is surgery. Surgical procedures include myomectomy and hysterectomy. Usually without symptoms, some women do experience the following discomforts or problems. Uterine growths mostly come to attention during routine pelvic examinations. Symptoms become uncomfortable owing to fibroid size and location.
• Lower abdominal pain
• Excessive bleeding during periods or menorrhagia
• Pelvic pressure and urinary frequency
• Anemia weakness or dizziness caused by bleeding in excess
• Pressure on bowel causing constipation or backache
• Miscarriage
• Infertility

Fibroids and Pregnancy

Hormone levels shoot up during pregnancy causing preexisting fibroids to grow rapidly. If they degenerate, fibroids can sometimes cause uterine contractions that may result in premature delivery. Often enough, pregnancies proceed to full term without pain, bleeding or premature delivery. Generally fibroids do not hurt the developing baby unless they irritate to the point where the uterus starts to contract triggering premature labor. Unfortunately there are no surefire ways to prevent fibroids from creating problems during pregnancy because when the uterus grows the fibroid wall grows too. The only assurance is if the fibroid is located far away from the uterine cavity, then the chance for a complicated pregnancy decreases tremendously.

Things you can do

• Dietary changes may help during early stage fibroids. Eat whole grains, high fiber foods to lower estrogen level. Eliminate junk food, saturated fats, full fat dairy foods, sugary foods and caffeine
• Lose excess weight as obesity leads to higher levels of estrogen in the body.
• For pain management use ice packs or heat on site for 15-20 minutes of every hour
• Go for frequent hormone evaluation tests. Exercise regularly.

Final words

Fibroids do grow in size but not always. Pregnancy and estrogen replacement therapy can cause fibroids to enlarge. Fibroids often reduce in size after menopause. Structural changes mostly happen during menstrual cycles, peaking during ovulation and just before the start of periods. Fibroids also grow during periods of stress. Unless there is excessive bleeding, surgery is not the best option. Hormonal treatments may help. A wait and see approach may work. Most fibroids can be treated conservatively through regular pelvic exams every 6 months to a year to monitor the growth. Ultrasounds should be performed to rule out ovarian cyst or tumor.