Fibroids Treatment

Fibroids Treatment & Diagnosis in Tardeo, Mumbai

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are muscular growths in the uterus or on its surface. They are common in women over 50, but can occur at any age. Most fibroids have no symptoms, and you may not even be aware of them until you see a specialist. Fibroids vary in size, shape and location. Small fibroids do not need to be treated, but larger fibroids are treated with medication or surgery.

You can visit any of the gynaecology clinics in Mumbai for diagnosis. Alternatively, you can also search online for a gynaecologist near me.

What do you need to know about fibroids?

Fibroids are abnormal growths of the muscular and fibrous tissue of the uterus. Uterine fibroids have no risk of developing into cancer. They can grow as a single bud or as a lump. In rare cases, fibroids can dilate the uterus. Myoma nodules can range in diameter from 1 mm to more than 20 cm or even larger. Based on the location of the fibroids, they are classified as intramural, subserosal, pedunculated and submucosal.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Most women do not have symptoms, and if they do, symptoms differ from one individual to another.

• Excessive bleeding between or during menstruation
• Prolonged menstrual periods
• Menstrual cramps
• Pelvic pain and back pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Enlargement of the abdomen
• Infertility or miscarriage

What are the causes of fibroids?

There is no specific reason behind fibroids' development. The following are some factors that may influence the development of fibroids.

Hormones: There is a link between the hormone estrogen and the growth of fibroids. Fibroids tend to develop during a woman's reproductive years when estrogen levels are high and shrink slowly when estrogen levels drop, such as after menopause.

Genetic differences: Fibroids can develop when genes in normal uterine cells change.

Extracellular matrix: Fibroids are associated with increased production of extracellular matrix. Excessive deposition of the matrix contributes to fibroids enlarging and causing abdominal pain.

When do you need to consult a doctor?

As mentioned earlier, you may not even know the existence of fibroids until you consult a gynaecologist for specific treatment. Consult a doctor if you have severe pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding and painful periods. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Tardeo, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

To properly diagnose the condition, your gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam to check for any uterus abnormalities. For further confirmation, the doctors may perform the following tests:

Ultrasound examination: This test helps in examining your internal organs and any fibroids that may be present. The ultrasound may be performed over your abdomen (transabdominal) or your vagina (transvaginal) to obtain images of the uterus.

Hysteroscopy: A small, thin and flexible tube with a camera at one end, called a hysteroscope, is inserted into the abdomen to get a clear picture of fibroids inside the organs.

MRI: This test uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of fibroids.

What type of treatment is necessary for fibroids?

Treatment depends on age, size, number, location and cause of fibroids. Small fibroids do not require treatment. However, if you have fibroids that need treatment, you should consider the following options.

Medications

• Over-the-counter painkillers can relieve pain and discomfort, but they do not reduce bleeding. Therefore, doctors suggest taking vitamins and iron supplements for anemia, a result of excessive bleeding.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists treat fibroids by blocking estrogen. These medications are used to shrink fibroids before surgery or to help you reach menopause. 
• Progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUD) can help in relieving heavy bleeding. Moreover, some oral therapies, such as elagolix, are indicated to manage uterine bleeding and tranexamic acid for menstrual bleeding.

Surgery

Surgical options for the treatment of fibroids should only be considered if all other medications are ineffective. Consult your specialist and get detailed information about each procedure as some of the surgeries can affect your chances of getting pregnant.

• Uterine Artery Embolisation: In this procedure, tiny particles like embolic agents are injected into the arteries to block blood flow to the uterus, causing fibroids to shrink and die.
• Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation: In this procedure, a laparoscope is used to identify the exact location of the fibroids, and the radiofrequency destroys the fibroids by shrinking the blood vessels.
• Hysterectomy: In this surgery, the uterus is removed. It is the most effective procedure if you have large fibroids or heavy bleeding.
• Myomectomy: This operation removes fibroids without damaging the uterus.

What are the complications from fibroids?

Some of the complications associated with fibroids are:

• Problems during pregnancy: abdominal pain, preterm labor, miscarriage and fetal growth restriction.
• Infertility
• Anemia or severe blood loss

Conclusion

Fibroids are benign uterine tumors that occur in many women during their lifetime. In some cases, fibroids are small and cause no symptoms. In other cases, you may need surgery. Large fibroids can be treated with surgery and small fibroids can shrink with age.