Fibroids meaning, Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They are quite common, with many women experiencing them at some point in their lives.

Fibroids Meaning in Urdu

غیر سرطانی نشوونما ہیں جو رحم کی پٹھوں کی دیوار میں نشوونما پاتی ہیں۔ وہ کافی عام ہیں، بہت سی خواتین اپنی زندگی میں کسی نہ کسی موقع پر ان کا تجربہ کرتی ہیں۔

Here’s some information about fibroids:

1. Causes: The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but several factors may contribute to their development. Hormonal imbalances, particularly high levels of estrogen and progesterone, can play a role. Genetic factors, such as a family history of fibroids, may also increase the risk. Other factors like obesity and certain racial backgrounds (African-American women are more prone) have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing fibroids.
2. Symptoms: Fibroids can vary in size, number, and location, which influences the symptoms experienced by affected individuals. Some women may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience the following:
   • Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
   • Pelvic pain or pressure
   • Frequent urination
   • Difficulty emptying the bladder
   • Constipation
   • Backache or leg pain
   • Enlarged abdomen or a feeling of fullness
   • Pain during sexual intercourse
3. Diagnosis: A doctor may suspect fibroids based on the symptoms reported and perform a pelvic examination to check for the presence of an enlarged uterus. Additional diagnostic tests may include:
   • Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, helping to identify the presence, size, and location of fibroids.
   • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI may be used to provide more detailed images of the uterus and fibroids.
   • Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted instrument is inserted through the vagina and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus.
   • Endometrial biopsy: This test involves taking a small tissue sample from the uterine lining to rule out other conditions.
4. Treatment: The treatment for fibroids depends on the severity of symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and the individual’s preference for preserving fertility. Treatment options include:
   • Watchful waiting: If the fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, a doctor may recommend regular monitoring without intervention.
   • Medications: Certain medications, such as hormonal birth control or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, can help manage symptoms or shrink the fibroids.
   • Minimally invasive procedures: Procedures like uterine artery embolization, myomectomy (removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus), or laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery can be considered.
   • Hysterectomy: In severe cases or when fertility is not a concern, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be recommended.

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Fibroid Causes

Fibroids can cause various symptoms and complications depending on their size, location, and number. While some women with fibroids may experience no symptoms at all, others may experience the following:

1. Menstrual problems: Fibroids can lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual periods (menorrhagia). Women may experience excessive bleeding, passing of blood clots, or the need to change sanitary pads frequently.
2. Pelvic pain and pressure: Fibroids can cause pelvic pain, discomfort, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. The pain may be constant or intermittent and can range from mild to severe.
3. Urinary and bowel problems: Large fibroids can press against the bladder, leading to increased frequency of urination, a sensation of urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder completely. Fibroids can also exert pressure on the rectum, causing constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.
4. Enlarged abdomen: As fibroids grow larger, they can cause the uterus to expand, resulting in an enlarged abdomen or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.
5. Pain during sexual intercourse: Fibroids located near the cervix or within the uterine wall can cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
6. Fertility and pregnancy complications: Depending on their location, size, and number, fibroids can interfere with fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or disrupting the implantation of a fertilized egg. Fibroids may also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, preterm labor, or the need for cesarean delivery.

Fibroids Treamtment

The treatment for fibroids depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and the individual’s preference for preserving fertility. Here are some common treatment options for fibroids:

1. Watchful waiting: If the fibroids are small, not causing significant symptoms, and not affecting fertility, a doctor may recommend regular monitoring without immediate intervention. This approach is often considered for women who are close to menopause when fibroids tend to shrink on their own.
2. Medications: Medications can be prescribed to help manage symptoms or reduce the size of fibroids. These may include:
   • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help alleviate pelvic pain and cramping associated with fibroids.
   • Hormonal birth control: Oral contraceptives, hormonal patches, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones can help regulate menstrual bleeding and relieve pain.
   • GnRH agonists: These medications temporarily induce a menopausal state, reducing estrogen and progesterone levels and causing fibroids to shrink. However, they are typically used for a short period due to potential side effects and bone density loss.
3. Minimally invasive procedures: Several minimally invasive procedures can be performed to treat fibroids while preserving the uterus. These include:
   • Uterine artery embolization (UAE): In this procedure, tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids, blocking the blood flow and causing them to shrink.
   • Myomectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. It can be performed through various techniques, including laparoscopy (using small incisions and a camera) or hysteroscopy (through the vagina and cervix).
   • Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS): This noninvasive procedure uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy the fibroids while sparing the surrounding tissues.
4. Hysterectomy: In severe cases, or when fertility is not a concern, a hysterectomy may be recommended. A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus and is a definitive treatment for fibroids.

Fibroids Symptoms

Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, can cause a range of symptoms in affected individuals. However, it’s important to note that not all women with fibroids will experience symptoms. The symptoms can vary depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Here are some common symptoms associated with fibroids:

1. Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods (menorrhagia): Fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, often leading to the need to change sanitary pads frequently or experiencing prolonged periods.
2. Pelvic pain or pressure: Fibroids can cause pain or discomfort in the pelvic region. The pain may range from mild to severe and can be constant or intermittent. Some women may experience a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.
3. Painful sexual intercourse: Fibroids located near the cervix or within the uterine wall can lead to pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
4. Frequent urination: Large fibroids can put pressure on the bladder, resulting in increased frequency of urination or a sensation of urgency to urinate.
5. Difficulty emptying the bladder: In some cases, fibroids can obstruct the normal flow of urine, making it difficult to empty the bladder completely.
6. Constipation: Fibroids that press against the rectum can cause constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.
7. Abdominal enlargement: As fibroids grow larger, they can cause the abdomen to appear enlarged or distended, giving a feeling of fullness.
8. Backache or leg pain: Fibroids can exert pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves, leading to back pain or pain in the legs.