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What is a Fibroid Uterus?

Fibroid uterus, also referred to as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, is a female reproductive health issue characterised by benign growths of muscles and tissues within the wall of the uterus, inside the main uterine cavity, or on an outer surface of the uterus. These growths are non-cancerous tumours, therefore they cannot lead to uterine cancer. They vary in size and may appear as a single nodule or in clusters, with dimensions ranging from 1 mm to 20 cm.

Depending upon the location of the fibroids and how they attach, there are different kinds of uterine fibroids. The types include:

  • Submucosal fibroids (fibroids growing under the uterine lining)
  • Intramural fibroids (fibroids embedded in the muscular wall of the uterus)
  • Subserosal fibroids (fibroids growing under the lining of the outer surface of the uterus)
  • Pedunculated fibroids (mushroom-shaped fibroids attached to the uterus with a stem or stalk)

Fibroids are commonly found in 40% to 80% of people with a uterus, especially in females aged between 30 to 50 years, belonging to the reproductive age group. Typically, uterine fibroids do not affect females having first menses or those who have entered menopause.    

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Causes and Risk Factors of Fibroid Uterus

Two factors are thought to be involved:

  • Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone appear to influence fibroid growth. Fibroids typically grow when there is a rise in hormone levels like during pregnancy and decrease as hormone production decreases on reaching menopause.
  • Genetics: Research has revealed variations in genetics between fibroids and normal uterine cells. Those having a family history of fibroid uterus are likely to develop the same.  

The potential risk factors for uterine fibroids include: 

  • Obesity and being overweight or having a high BMI
  • Nulliparous women or people with uterus who have never given birth
  • Early onset of menstruation 
  • Late age for menopause
  • Inadequate consumption of green vegetables, fruit, and dairy products, but high consumption of red meat.

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Symptoms of Fibroid Uterus

Some fibroids, mostly small ones, do not cause symptoms or discomfort people with a uterus may discover them only through a routine exam or ultrasound. Large fibroids can cause the following variety of symptoms:

  • Prolonged and/or painful periods
  • Bleeding between periods, also known as intermenstrual bleeding
  • Urinary symptoms include urinary incontinence, frequent urination, 
  • Bloating or fuller feeling in the lower abdomen
  • Excruciatingly painful sex
  • Pain in lower back
  • Constipation or pressure on the rectum
  • Chronic vaginal discharge 
  • Increased distension of abdomen, giving pregnant look and feel.

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Diagnosis of Fibroid Uterus

Fibroids usually become apparent during a routine pelvic exam. During this test, the gynaecologist in Hyderabad may press on the abdomen and feel a solid, irregular growth that could be a fibroid. To confirm the diagnosis of uterine fibroids and to determine their size and location, the doctor can perform one of the following tests:

  • Ultrasound of the pelvis: It is a procedure in which a small tool called a transducer is either inserted into the vagina or put against the abdomen to generate images of the internal organs using sound waves. The uterus can be examined by the doctor to evaluate its size, shape, texture, and growth.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sort of advanced imaging technology that creates extremely detailed images of internal organs. These scans help the doctor determine the precise position and characteristics of fibroids and, if necessary, schedule minimally invasive treatments.
  • Hysterosalpingography: Hysterosalpingography is an X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The doctor will use a special dye to see these organs better and determine whether the fibroids have clogged the fallopian tubes.
  • Hysteroscopy: In this procedure, a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina to perform a visual examination of the cervical canal and uterine material.
Fibroid Uterus Treatment in Hyderabad

The majority of women with fibroids will not be infertile. Before treating fibroids, women with fibroids and their partners should be thoroughly assessed to rule out any fertility issues. A fertility professional can help determine whether fibroids are interfering with conception.

Treatment of uterine fibroids is determined on an individual basis. It is based on fibroid symptoms and may improve fertility. The intensity of the symptoms and the doctor's suggestions will determine how and whether you treat your fibroids.

Small fibroids are treatable with hormonal medications in some cases or radiofrequency ablation. There are several options to remove large uterine fibroids. At Sree Nandaka Fertility & Research Center, we have the best gynaecologists and interventional radiologists who are highly experienced in performing uterine fibroid removal in Hyderabad with procedures like myomectomy and uterine fibroid embolization. 

Myomectomy in Hyderabad

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one or more fibroids. Women who want to preserve their uterus and fertility can get a myomectomy. There are several kinds of myomectomy procedures that the surgeon can choose from based on the location of fibroids, their size, and their number. These include: 
 

  • Hysteroscopy- The surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera and light through the vagina and cervix into the uterus followed by inserting surgical tools to cut out and remove fibroids. 
  • Laparoscopy- The surgeon uses a laparoscope that is inserted into the uterus through a keyhole incision in the abdomen to get a view of the fibroids. Next, surgical tools are inserted through other cuts to remove fibroids. 
  • Laparotomy- The surgeon removes the fibroids through a long cut made in the abdomen.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization in Hyderabad

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a non-surgical, safe, and minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy. UFE has been demonstrated to be as successful as a hysterectomy in improving women's quality of life by shrinking fibroids, lowering heavy periods, and relieving pain.

An interventional radiologist will conduct UFE. During the procedure, small particles are injected into the uterine arteries to limit blood supply, starve the fibroids, produce shrinkage, and relieve symptoms. Only a small cut in the skin is required to implant a small, 1-2 mm-diameter catheter into the femoral artery in the groyne. This catheter is inserted into the uterine arteries through an X-ray. The procedure is appropriate for women who want to avoid a hysterectomy while keeping their uterus healthy and healing rapidly.

UFE is mostly recommended because it offers the following benefits:

  • Use of local anesthesia
  • Proven safety and efficacy
  • High patient satisfaction
  • No making of surgical incisions
  • Short hospital stay 
  • Quick recovery of about a week
  • Multiple fibroids are treated at once
  • Maintains the integrity of the uterus and pelvic floor.
     
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if the fibroid uterus is left untreated?

Uterine fibroids mostly do not result in serious complications. If left untreated, they can lead to unmanageable pain, excessive bleeding, swelling of the abdomen or pelvic area, anaemia, and infertility (rarely). 

The occurrence of uterine fibroids can have a variety of effects on fertility. They can influence the meeting of sperm and egg, the ability of an embryo to implant, the continuation of a pregnancy, and the growth and positioning of the baby. A fibroid uterus can cause both miscarriages and infertility possibilities.

2. When is fibroid uterus treatment necessary?

Large fibroids that show symptoms and cause great discomfort require appropriate treatment. 

3. Can I prevent the fibroid uterus?

No, uterine fibroids can be prevented. However, its risk can be minimised by maintaining a healthy body weight and performing regular pelvic exams. The small uterine fibroids must be regularly monitored.  

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