Treatment of fibroids
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
Smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue combine to form tumor-like growths known as fibroids, which are usually found inside the uterus. It is assumed that 70 to 80% of women will develop fibroids in the course of their lives; in any case, not every woman will develop symptoms or require fibroids treatment. Fibroids treatment options range from medication and minimally invasive procedures to surgery, depending on the size, symptoms, and patient’s preferences.
The main attribute of fibroids is that they’re quite often harmless or noncancerous. All things considered, a few fibroids start as diseases; however, harmless fibroids can’t become malignant growths. Various studies have shown that fibroids develop at different rates in any situation when a woman has multiple fibroids. They can go from the size of a pea to, at times, the size of a watermelon. Regardless of whether fibroids develop to that extent, we offer opportune and successful treatment to give alleviation.
The uterine fibroids are noncancerous. They are otherwise called leiomyomas and myomas. Many women do not experience any signs or symptoms, while some experience pain, bleeding, or both and may receive fibroids treatment. Uterine fibroids are developments inside or on the walls of the uterus. Their target positions are smooth muscle cells and connective tissue.
Development of fibroids is more normal from the age of 30 to the age when menopause starts. They generally shrink after menopause. At the point when a fibroid is cancerous, it is known as a leiomyosarcoma. Having prior fibroids does not increase the risk of developing a leiomyosarcoma.
A few other central issues about uterine fibroids you should know about:
- Uterine fibroids are the most well-known cancer of the reproductive tract.
- Ladies who are approaching menopause are at the most serious risk for fibroids.
- Fibroids are most frequently found during a routine pelvic test.
- Side effects might incorporate heavy and delayed periods, bleeding –between periods, and pelvic agony.
What Are The Fibroids?
There are various types of fibroid and fibroids treatments. The fundamental types of fibroids are:
- Intramural - the most widely recognized sort of fibroid, these foster in the muscle mass of the stomach
- Subserosal - fibroids that foster outwardly part of the mass of the womb and can turn out to be exceptionally enormous
- Submucosal - fibroids that foster in the solid layer of the womb underneath the womb's inner lining (endometrium)
- Pedunculated - subserosal or submucosal fibroids that are connected to the womb with a thin stalk of tissue
Who Is At Risk Of Fibroids?
Different elements can affect the risk of developing fibroids and choosing the best treatment for fibroids.
- Age: Fibroids become more normal as women advance age, particularly during their 30s and 40s and up to menopause. After menopause, fibroids are significantly less prone to shape and typically recoil assuming that they're available.
- Family history: Having a relative with fibroids builds your gamble. If a lady's mother had fibroids, her risk of having them is multiple times higher than normal.
- Ethnic origin: African-American ladies are bound to foster fibroids more than different identities.
- Obesity: Ladies who are overweight are at a higher gamble for fibroids. For extremely weighty ladies, the gamble is a few times more prominent than normal.
Fibroids Versus Cyst
Ovarian cysts are one more kind of development that can be fostered inside the female reproductive system. These liquid-filled sacs are noncancerous and frequently asymptomatic, very much like fibroids.
At the point when side effects do happen, they can likewise bring about pelvic agony, swelling, and changes to the period.
Symptoms Of Fibroids
Symptoms will rely upon the amount of tumors as well as the area and size. For example, submucosal fibroids might bring heavy menstrual bleeding and difficulty in pregnancy.
Fibroids may even shrink at the time of menopause or after menopause. The reason can be estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause. These hormones promote fibroid development.
Symptoms of fibroids include:
- Heavy bleeding during your periods due to fibroids
- The monthly menstrual cycle that endures longer than expected
- Excessive and unbearable menstrual cramps
- Pain in the pelvis or lower back
- Tension or totality in your lower mid-region
- Expanding or swelling of the abdomen
- Increased urination
How Fibroids Diagnosed?
Fibroids are most frequently found during physical examination. Your doctor might feel a firm, irregular bump during an abdomen or pelvic test.
These tests are the two primary choices:
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound is the most regularly involved filter for fibroids.
- X-ray: We use X-rays to affirm a determination and assist with figuring out which medicines are best for you. The X-ray may likewise give a superior choice to related conditions like adenomyosis.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Specialists normally utilize an HSG for ladies experiencing difficulty getting pregnant. It checks the uterus, specifically uterine depression and ovarian tubes.
- Hysterosonogram: Specialists utilize a hysterosonogram to see within the uterus. After they place a little catheter inside the uterus, they infuse water while taking a progression of ultrasound pictures. The test can affirm the presence of uterine polyps or intracavitary fibroids that can cause weighty death.
- Laparoscopy: The laparoscope has a splendid light and a camera. It permits your PCP to see the uterus and its encompassing designs. The view can assist your PCP with deciding whether you have a condition and suggest the best treatment for fibroids.
- Hysteroscopy: The specialist can search for fibroids or endometrial polyps inside the cavity of the uterus with this methodology without making any cuts.
Fibroids Treatment
A specialist will suggest the best treatment for fibroids according to your age, the size of your fibroids, and your general well-being. The treatment plan may contain a combination of medicines, home remedies, and many more.
1. Home cures
Home cure includes the following options. However, it is important to ask the doctor before trying any home remedies for fibroids, especially when you are on any medications. Some home remedies may interact with medications which may lead to worsening of symptoms. Note that home remedies cannot be a substitute for medical treatment.
- Activities like yoga and regular exercise- Regular exercise will help to improve overall health and reduce uterine inflammation. It may also help to reduce symptoms of fibroids, such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. Do moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Diet- You can add turmeric, beetroot, ginger, green tea, and whole grains to your daily diet. These things have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties. Whole grains are a good source of fiber; they will regulate your hormonal balance.
- Heat therapy- Heat therapy is the easiest and best treatment for fibroid pain and cramps. Applying heat to the abdomen can help to relieve pain and cramping. Use a heating pad or hot water bag.
- Supplements- Some of the most common supplements used for fibroids treatment include an iron supplement that prevents anemia caused by excess bleeding, vitamin D, fish oil, and magnesium.
2. Medications
Medications to manage your hormone levels might be endorsed to contract the fibroids. It is very important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any medication before you start taking any of it.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)- GnRH agonists and antagonists are medications that work by blocking estrogen and progesterone production, which can shrink fibroids and reduce excess bleeding.
- Progestins- Progestins can also help to thin the uterus lining and reduce bleeding. Progestins can be taken in the form of a pill, injection, or intrauterine device (IUD).
- Ulipristal acetate- Ulipristal acetate is a medication that will help to shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding. It is taken as a pill for three months or as per the doctor’s prescription.
- Other medications that may be used to treat fibroids are contraceptive pills and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
3 .Medical procedures
There are various medical procedures used to treat fibroids. The procedure that is best for you will be suggested depending on your symptoms, the size and location of fibroids, and mainly your desire to preserve your fertility.
Some of the most common medical procedures prescribed for fibroid treatment include:
- Myomectomy: A myomectomy is a surgical procedure in which fibroids are removed while leaving the uterus in place. It is performed laparoscopically, hysteroscopically, or abdominally.
- Uterine artery embolization (UAE): UAE is a minimally invasive procedure where the blood supply to fibroids is blocked, letting them shrink and die.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): RFA is a minimally invasive procedure in which heat is used to destroy fibroids.
- Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery: It is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy sound waves that destroy fibroids.
- Endometrial ablation: In this procedure, the lining of the uterus is destroyed, but it is not an option for those who want to have a child in the future.
- Hysterectomy: A surgical removal of the uterus is a hysterectomy procedure.
The doctor will give you details about the risks and benefits of any medical procedure, as procedures such as myomectomy and UAE, may have a higher risk of complications than others.