Uterine fibroids, also called Myomas or Leiomyomas, are benign (noncancerous) growths that develop from the muscle tissue in the uterus. They may be left untreated if they are small, if they do not cause any symptoms (asymptomatic) or if the affected woman is nearing menopause (after which the fibroid may go away on its own). Nonetheless, untreated fibroids can cause certain complications. For example, a pedunculate fibroid (fibroid attached to the uterus by stem-like tissue) may twist, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or nausea. A rapidly growing or large fibroid can cause swollen abdomen, pain, and pressure on the nearby structures, such as pressure on the bladder causing problems with passing urine or pressure on the bowel leading to constipation. Fibroids can cause bleeding that may cause anemia when left untreated. Although most fibroids are noncancerous, rarely they may lead to cancer. An untreated uterine fibroid may also cause infertility in some women, although removal of the fibroid in such women can restore fertility. Other, more common, causes of infertility must be ruled out as well.
Asymptomatic fibroid must be brought to medical attention. Consulting a doctor will help you be sure that the fibroid does not coexist with another cancerous condition (fibroids themselves never become cancerous).
Contact your doctor if you have fibroids and the following symptoms: Heavy menstrual periods, Excessive pain during periods, Bleeding between periods, Anemia, Fever.Nausea/vomiting, Abdominal swelling, Infertility,
Pain in the back or abdomen, Pelvic pain or pressure, Pain during sexual intercourse, Increased urine frequency,
Difficulty passing stools, Difficulty passing urine, Unexplained weight loss.
To diagnose a uterine fibroid, the doctor may perform a transvaginal ultrasound in which an ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina. The doctor may also perform a pelvic MRI in addition to a pelvic exam to get a better picture of the fibroid.
Medications may help treat uterine fibroids, especially in people who do not have any serious symptoms or large fibroids. They help relieve symptoms such as pain, pressure, cramps, or excessive menstrual bleeding. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen) may help manage pain and cramps. Hormonal birth control (contraceptive) pills, injections, or intrauterine devices may help manage cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding, and bleeding between periods. Medications may help shrink fibroids, but they may start growing once the medications are stopped. At times, medications are given to shrink the fibroids before a surgical procedure. Iron supplements may be prescribed to treat anemia due to heavy bleeding. Medications may not help in all cases. In women with a large fibroid or presence of severe symptoms, surgery may be advised.
Surgery options include:
Myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroid).
Endometrial ablation (destruction of the lining of the uterus using laser, freezing, electric currents, or other options).
Uterine artery embolization also called uterine fibroid embolization (blockage of blood supply to the fibroid to shrink it).
In women who do not wish to have children, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) may be done, which is a major surgical procedure and is mainly preferred in postmenopausal women or those whose symptoms are not managed by other treatment options.
A newer, more effective treatment for uterine fibroids is available that doesn’t require Surgery. That’s good news for who have fibroids—including the millions of Black women who are disproportionately affected by these benign tumors. Statistics suggests that Black women around the world are up to three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women.
These medicines block the body from making the hormones that cause women to ovulate and have their periods. The medicines don’t eliminate your fibroids but they do reduce their size. The FDA has approved the use of these oral therapies for up to two years.
Not everyone who has fibroids will experience symptoms. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s. And having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. Common symptoms include: Heavy menstrual bleeding, Menstrual periods lasting more than a week, Pelvic pressure or pain, Pain during sex, Frequent urination,
Along with these medications, there are other options for treating fibroids. It’s important to talk with your health care professional to discuss the best treatment for you.
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