Fibroids, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments
Common wrong beliefs
In
Nigeria people have several wrong ideas of what fibroid is as well as it
causes. Some people believe it is caused by abortion, Spiritual Arrow, Curses, Promiscuous
life style as a youth, Witches, Grandmother, Mother In laws etc. Some people
also believe there are Herbs that can literally melt fibroid as if it were an
ice block.
What Are
Fibroids?
1. Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in
or on a woman’s uterus (Womb).
2. It is unclear why
fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation, such as
hormones and family history.
3. About 70 to 80
percent of women experience fibroids by the age of 50.
Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus.
Sometimes, these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and
heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The
growths are typically benign (noncancerous). The cause of fibroids is unknown.
Fibroids are growths of smooth
muscle, and can vary from the size of a bean to as large as a football
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 70 to 80 percent of women have them by the age of 50, but most
women do not have any symptoms.
Different fibroids develop in different locations in and on the uterus.
Intramural Fibroids
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid. These types
appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow
larger and can stretch your womb.
Subserosal Fibroids
Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called
the serosa. They may grow large enough to make your womb appear bigger on one
side.
Pedunculated Fibroids
When subserosal tumors develop a stem (a slender base that supports the
tumor), they become pedunculated fibroids.
Submucosal Fibroids
These types of tumors develop in the middle muscle layer (myometrium) of
your uterus. Submucosal tumors are not as common as other types, but when they
do develop, they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.
It is unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence
their formation.
Hormones
Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They
cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may
stimulate the growth of fibroids.
Family History
Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother
has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your
body. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you are pregnant.
Women are at greater risk for developing fibroids if they have one or
more of the following risk factors:
- Pregnancy
- Family history of fibroids
- Being over the age of 30
- Being of African
- Having a high body weight
Your symptoms will depend on the location and size of the tumor(s) and
how many tumors you have. If your tumor is very small, or if you are going
through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may shrink during
and after menopause.
Symptoms of fibroids may include:
- heavy bleeding between or
during your periods that includes blood clots
- pain in the pelvis and/or
lower back
- increased menstrual cramping
- increased urination
- pain during intercourse
- menstruation that lasts
longer than usual
- pressure or fullness in your
lower abdomen
- swelling or enlargement of
the abdomen
You will need to see a gynecologist to get a pelvic exam. This exam is
used to check the condition, size, and shape of your uterus. You may also need
other tests, which include:
Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of your
uterus on a screen. This will allow your doctor to see its internal structures
and any fibroids present. A transvaginal ultrasound, in which the ultrasound
wand (transducer) is inserted into the vagina, may provide clearer pictures
since it is closer to the uterus during this procedure.
Pelvic MRI
This in-depth imaging testing produces pictures of your uterus, ovaries,
and other pelvic organs.
Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your age, the size of
your fibroid(s), and your overall health. You may receive a combination of
treatments.
Medications
Medications to regulate your hormone levels may be prescribed to shrink
fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as leuprolide
(Lupron), will cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This will eventually stop menstruation and
shrink fibroids.
Other options that can help control bleeding and pain, but will not
shrink or eliminate fibroids, include:
- an intrauterine device (IUD)
that releases the hormone progestin
- over-the-counter
anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen
- birth control pills
Surgery
Surgery to remove very large or multiple growths (myomectomy) may be
performed. An abdominal myomectomy involves making a large incision in the
abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. The surgery can also be
performed laparoscopically, using a few small incisions into which surgical
tools and a camera are inserted.
Your physician may perform a hysterectomy (removal of your uterus) if
your condition worsens, or if no other treatments work. However, this means
that you will not be able to bear children in the future.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
A newer and completely noninvasive surgical procedure is forced
ultrasound surgery (FUS). You will lie down inside a special MRI machine that
allows doctors to visualize the inside of your uterus. High-energy,
high-frequency sound waves will be directed at the fibroids to destroy (ablate)
them.
Similarly, myolysis shrinks fibroids using an electric current or laser,
while cryomyolysis freezes the fibroids. Endometrial ablation involves
inserting a special instrument into your uterus to destroy the uterine lining
using heat, electric current, hot water, or microwaves.
Your prognosis will depend on the size and location of your fibroids.
Fibroids may not need treatment if they are small or do not produce symptoms.
If you are pregnant and have fibroids, or become pregnant and have fibroids,
your physician will carefully monitor your condition. In most cases, fibroids
do not cause problems during pregnancy. Speak with your doctor if you expect to
become pregnant and have fibroids.
In Conclusion, go and educate your fellow women,
men, friends and neighbours.
Encourage them to visit the hospital for ultrasound
scan and treatments.
Avoid quacks and road side medications. Only take medicines
prescribed by Doctors, Pharmacists or any well educated healthcare officer.
Buy your medicines from pharmacy with + signs only.
Post your comments and questions and share to help someone
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