What Are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids also known as uterine leiomyomas  are the benign (non-cancerous) growth (tumor)  that arise from the uterine muscle and connective tissue. Fibroids are very common and affect almost 4 out of 10 women at some point in their lives.They are more common in women of Afro American heritage. The number of fibroids can vary from a single fibroid to multiple fibroids. The fibroids are classified depending upon their location in the uterus. 

 

Symptoms

Majority of women suffering from fibroids do not have any symptoms( asymptomatic). Majority of the times they are an incidental finding. But in a few patients the symptoms can be very distressing and can decrease the quality of life of the female.

The Symptoms Range From

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding / Menorrhagia- Excessive and prolonged bleeding during periods
• Intermenstrual Bleeding - Bleeding inbetween your  periods
• Dysmenorrhoea - patients may experience severe debilitating pain before or during their periods
• Swelling / lump/bulge in lower abdomen
• Heaviness  in the lower abdomen
• Pressure Symptoms- Increase in frequency of passage of  urine 
• Pain/discomfort  during sexual intercourse
• Low Back Pain
• Severe Menstrual Cramps
• Infertility

 
When to Visit your Gynecologist?

If you are suffering from the above mentioned symptoms or you have ben diagnosed with fibroids , consult your gynaecologist, book an appointment
 

Types of Fibroids

• Sub-Serosal 
• Intra-Mural 
• Sub-Mucosal 
• Cervical 
• Broad Ligament Fibroid

Complications of Fibroids

• Anemia from heavy periods and passage of blood clots and in few cases requirement of blood transfusion.
• Periodic or Constant Lower backache
• Pressure Symptoms
• Frequent Urination
• Recurrent Miscarriages
• Infertility(Inability to Conceive)
• Pregnancy Problems
• Very rare: Development of Cancer

Diagnosis 

The Diagnosis of Fibroids is Often Incidental

Diagnostic Tools :
1. Ultrasound 
2. Mri 
3. Hysteroscopy
4. Blood Tests to Check your Haemoglobin Levels

Treatment Modalities

Fibroid treatment varies from patient to patient. All patients do not require the same Treatment. We believe in providing very tailored patient centric treatment

• Conservative Approach/Observation - In case of Small Asymptomatic Fibroids
• If The Patient is Not Willing for Surgery or is Not an Ideal Candidate , She is offered medications
• Progesterone Releasing Intrauterine Device Like Mirena 
• Fibroid Surgery  
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy ( Removal of Fibroid)
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy (Removal of uterus)
• Hysteroscopic Resection