are uterine fibroids?
fibroids are tumors made of connective tissue and smooth muscle.
They grow slowly within the wall of the uterus or attach to the
uterine wall. Most fibroids are non cancerous, but in some rare
cases they may become cancerous. This occurs in less than 1% of
uterine fibroid may be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit.
As the fibroid grows, the uterus may become deformed or pushed aside.
When the uterus is deformed or blocked by a growth, the resulting
pressure may cause symptoms in the bladder or intestine, such as
increased urination, constipation, or pain. If pregnant, fibroids
can cause uterine pain and even increase the risk of miscarriage.
terms used for a uterine fibroid are leiomyoma or myoma of the uterus.
do they occur?
cause of uterine fibroids is known to be genetic in nature. In Caucasian
women, the possibility of having fibroids is approximately 20-30%.
In Black women, the incidence is as high as 50-70%. Growth of fibroids
appears to be related to changes in estrogen levels. For example,
pregnancy, use of high-estrogen birth control pills, and estrogen
replacement therapy may speed the growth of fibroids. On the other
hand, low dose birth control pills or when estrogen levels are low
like during the menopause, fibroids tend to shrink.
rarely occur in women younger than 20. They occur most frequently
in women in their childbearing years. As a woman approaches menopause,
these tumors usually shrink.
are the symptoms?
there are no symptoms. When there are symptoms they may be:
- heavy menstrual bleeding with clots
- more frequent
or uncomfortable urination
- pelvic pain
are they diagnosed?
are usually found during routine pelvic exams.
you have severe menstrual symptoms or other pelvic problems, your
health care provider may recommend an ultrasound scan or D&C (dilatation
and curettage) to determine the cause of the problems.
are they treated?
fibroids do not need treatment. Your health care provider will evaluate
your condition and make a recommendation based on:
that require treatment, your doctor may suggest a myomectomy or hysterectomy.
A myomectomy is a type of surgery used to remove the fibroids without
having to remove the uterus. A myomectomy is usually done when the
possibility of having children after the surgery is planned. In a
hysterectomy, the surgeon removes the uterus. By removing the uterus,
the possibility of fibroids returning is zero. A myomectomy can be
technically more difficult than a hysterectomy and can lead to greater
blood loss. The chance of fibroids returning is dependent on the number
of fibroids a patient develops in the first place. It appears that
the more fibroids a woman’s uterus develops, the more likely they
are to return after a myomectomy.
amount of blood loss and pain during menstrual periods
the rate of growth of the fibroid
the absence or presence of cancer
age, physical condition, and desire for more children.
Before you have a myomectomy or hysterectomy, you may be given
a medication for 2 to 3 months to shrink the fibroid. This will
make the operation easier to perform and often, decreases the
amount of blood lost at the time of surgery. Furthermore, if
a patient has developed anemia from heavy, recurrent menstrual
cycles, medications can prevent menses while helping shrink
the fibroids prior to surgery.
long will the effects last?
Small fibroids that don't grow usually have no lasting effects.
If you have symptoms caused by growing or enlarged fibroids,
the symptoms will probably continue until the growths are removed
surgically, or until they begin to shrink and disappear after
can I take care of myself?
Call your health care provider if pain or bleeding continues
to be a problem, or if you notice any worsening of your symptoms.
In addition: • Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for
cramps and body aches. • Rest in bed when symptoms are worst.
• Eat foods high in iron and take iron pills (if your health
care provider recommends it) if you bleed heavily during your
periods. • Put a heating pad at a low setting on your abdomen
to help relieve cramps or pain. • Follow your health care provider's
recommendation for follow-up visits to see if the fibroid is
can be done to help prevent uterine fibroids?
sure way is known to prevent fibroids from developing or recurring.
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