Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas, uterine polyps, or leiomyomata, are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus. They usually grow within the uterus muscles, outside the uterus, in the uterine cavity, or very rarely from within the cervix. These fibroids are of different sizes and range from microscopic to several inches in diameter. Some fibroids are as small as a pea, while others are larger than a grapefruit.
Given the different sizes and number of fibroids, symptoms can vary significantly from woman to woman. The location of the fibroid or fibroids can have an impact too. There may be just one fibroid or multiple, with differing areas. Uterine fibroids are seldom a cause for concern, but they may become a problem when they become too large or too many.
How Do Uterine Fibroids Effect Pregnant Women?
Most women of childbearing age are diagnosed with gynecological problems such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), endometriosis, and fibroids. These issues take on a whole new level when someone is pregnant. Fibroids can interfere with or prevent pregnancy depending on where it is growing. Because pregnancy increases estrogen production, there may be accelerated fibroids growth.
If a fibroid appears inside the uterine cavity or is larger than 6 cm in diameter, there is a chance that it could affect the chances of conception.
While most fibroids will not grow in size, around one-third may develop in the first trimester of pregnancy. Fibroids that grow during pregnancy are the most problematic, resulting in miscarriage.
In some cases, fibroids may also prevent a fertilized egg from being appropriately implanted in the uterus.
For the most part, only fibroids that affect the endometrial cavity (submucosal) affect fertility; however, every situation is different and must be evaluated by an interventional radiologist.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids:
- Heavy bleeding and pain during menstruation
- Bladder irritability
- Rectal pressure
- Pain with deep penetration during intercourse
- Constipation
- Painful bowel movements
Treatment options
Oasis fertility in Kompally is a super specialty fertility center in Hyderabad that provides treatment for uterine fibroids, myomas, or polyps. There are four ways to treat uterine fibroids. Most women are given the below-mentioned surgical options:
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is done to remove the existing tumors that the patient has, but it will not help prevent the regrowth of these tumors. This method of uterine fibroid removal is one of the best surgery choices for women planning to conceive a child. Lifestyle modifications can help to balance the body and promote hormonal balance.
Hysterectomy
In This surgical procedure, the uterus is removed completely. Unlike myomectomy, with a hysterectomy, the tumors will not grow back. But unfortunately, hysterectomy has many side effects like early menopause, the inability to become pregnant, and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Another procedure used for treating uterine fibroids is uterine fibroid embolization. In this method of treatment, the fibroids are shrunk or destroyed completely. This procedure has proven very effective, but it is not without side effects. If used on women who want to become pregnant, this treatment might cause infertility and early menopause.
ExAblate –MR Guided Focused Ultrasound Therapy (MRgFUS)
A new way to eliminate uterine fibroids is through a non-invasive technique that uses high doses of focused ultrasound waves (HIFU). This procedure destroys the uterine fibroids without damaging the surrounding uterine tissue. As an outpatient procedure, doctors perform ExAblate in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, which allows the doctor to see inside of the body and target the uterine fibroids with HIFU.
Conclusion:
Women who do not want to undergo general anesthesia or do not have time for a lengthy recovery are recommended to try minimally invasive procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a non-surgical, minimally invasive method treating fibroids. In most cases, the effects of uterine fibroids are so minor that often these women use regular pain medicine to treat any cramping or pain associated with the fibroid tumors. Many women who do not experience fibroid symptoms can avoid treatment altogether. However, many women find that fibroid symptoms interfere with their daily, social, work, and personal life and thus need to be aware of their treatment options. IVF center in Kompally specializes in female fertility. They provide comprehensive solutions to all female-related health issues such as PCOs, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, diminished ovarian syndrome, etc.
