Fibroids: What are they, Causes, Treatment, and More

Women's reproductive organs have different complexities. It cannot only affect pregnancy but also have a negative impact on general health. So, for complete well-being, a complete regular checkup is important. Fibroids are common issues in the reproductive system and are identified in small and large sizes. Sometimes, they do not show any symptoms, which makes it difficult to understand.

For those who are facing fibroids issues, let's understand in detail Uterine fibroids:

What are Fibroids?

A fibroid is a tumor or abnormal growth in the uterus. They can be small in size, causing no symptoms, or large in size, leading to abdominal pain. The fibroids can be found in various locations and may or may not have symptoms. Fibroids are seen among almost 40% of women. Some of these fibroids do not even need treatment as they are minor and don't have any effect. The cause of fibroids is generally unknown. They begin to grow as benign or are generally non-cancerous.

The fibroids are as small as seeds. The main cause is unknown, but mostly, they occur due to hormones in the body. Usually, they occur anytime during reproductive age. The fibroids are non-cancerous most of the time. There is a rare chance of having leiomyosarcoma, which is a cancerous fibroid. There is a chance that you might not have uterine fibroid symptoms. However, in certain cases, there are some symptoms and treatment options. Let's understand in detail.

How do Fibroids Grow?

Fibroids grow from the muscle of the uterus. Sometimes, they can be single or cluster. The size of fibroids can vary; they can be small or large and grow inside the walls of your uterus. Since there may or may not be uterine fibroid symptoms, the fibroids are difficult to identify unless there is pain or you are visiting a doctor for fertility issues.

Symptoms of Fibroids

Now that you know about uterine fibroids, there are some symptoms that you need to know about.

• There might be heavy bleeding between or during your periods. The periods might be more painful than usual for you.
• Menstrual clots.
• Menstruation may last longer than usual.
• Increased menstrual cramping.
• Pain in the pelvis or lower back.
• The pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen. You might also have bloating or swelling in your belly.
• The swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.
• The increased urination.
• There might be pain during intercourse.
• You may have difficulty in passing poop.
• You may feel pressure with frequent urination.

Types of Fibroids

There are different types of fibroids that may be affected during pregnancy or IUI treatment. Here are various fibroids to check out:

• Intramural fibroids: These are the most common types of fibroids developed in the wall of the uterus. They usually grow within the muscular walls of the uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids: The outside of the uterus is called serosa, where the fibroids can grow. It's called subserosal. Subserosal fibroid can grow larger in size and can stretch outside the uterus.
• Pedunculated fibroids: This type of fibroid develops a stem and a slender base that supports the tumor. When they develop the stem to support the tumor, it's called pedunculated fibroids. These are often defined as mushroom-like fibroids as they have a stem and top.
• Submucosal fibroids: When the tumor develops in the cavity of the uterus, called myometrium, the submucosal fibroids are developed. These are the most common causes of fertility issues.
• Cervical fibroids: These types of uterine fibroids develop on the cervix, which is the mouth of the uterus. This type of fibroid is also rare among women.

Causes of Uterine Fibroids

There are no definite reasons for what causes fibroids or any direct cause. However, when there are fibroids, the estrogen levels are high in your body.

Here are some of the causes or reasons behind fibroids:

• Hormones: When you are facing reproductive issues, you visit fertility clinics for hormone checks. The ovaries produce progesterone and estrogen. These are the hormones that cause the degeneration of the uterine lining in every menstrual cycle. It also stimulates the growth of fibroids.
• Ethnicities: Fibroids have high chances of growth in certain ethnicities.
• Family History: If your mother, grandmother, or family history has fibroids, you may develop fibroids.
• Substances: Sometimes, substances in your body become a part of your fibroid development. Such as insulin-like growth can cause fibroids.
• Extracellular Matrix (ECM): ECM causes your cells to stick together, forming clusters. The fibroids have high ECM in them. So, ECM can be a growth factor for fibroid development in your body.

In addition to the causes, there are certain people who are more prone to fibroids. Due to lifestyle or other reasons, women with these factors have high chances of fibroids:

• Age: Women above 30 are highly at risk for fibroids.
• Weight: Heavy weight can become a cause of fibroids.
• History: Family history of Uterine fibroids.

When to See a Doctor for Fibroids

There are the indications mentioned above; in addition to those, here are some of the situations when you can see a doctor:

• There is constant or long-lasting pelvic pain.
• You have a difficulty in emptying your bladder.
• You can't control your urine flow.
• Very heavy and painful periods.
• You have a lump or heavy mass in your belly area.
• Bleeding-like periods, even after menopause.

Uterine Fibroids Treatment

Fibroids treatment may not be required in some cases. However, some fibroids need treatment. There are basically two different types of treatment such as:

Surgical: Sometimes, medications do not work on fibroids, so surgery is the best option. Doctors can suggest some clinical procedures, which include:

• Myomectomy(Keyhole Surgery): This procedure is used to remove Uterine fibroids from the muscular wall of the uterus. The procedure is recommended for those who still want to have children. However, it is suitable for some fibroid size only. Large-size fibroids and fibroids in some positions in the uterus may not benefit from this type of surgical procedure.
• Hysterectomy: This procedure is called removal of the uterus. It is used for excessive bleeding and large size of fibroids to get rid of them. A total hysterectomy can also prevent fibroids from forming. If the surgeon suggests removing the ovaries' fallopian tubes, the fibroids can be prevented. However, it can also have some side effects, such as reduced libido and early menopause.
• Uterine fibroid embolization: This process includes the removal of cutting blood supply to the area, which helps shrink fibroids. By injecting a chemical into arteries, doctors stop the blood supply to the uterus.

Medications: Some fibroids can shrink and disappear with medications. Doctors will suggest medications to you depending on the diagnosis and other details. Medications such as GnRH agonists and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. GnRH agonists will shrink fibroids, and non-steroidal will help in subsiding pain.

Fibroids and Pregnancy

There are many people who have a healthy and safe pregnancy with fibroids. However, there are chances that some fibroids can cause issues in your pregnancy. Depending on the size of fibroids, it can affect before and during pregnancy. There are chances of complications in 10 to 40% of pregnancies in the case of fibroids. So, when you visit a fertility clinic for your infertility treatment, doctors conduct a fibroids checkup.

Bloom IVF- Your Fertility Clinic

Fibroids and other issues with the reproductive system need immediate consultation. These issues may affect your health as well as pregnancy. Bloom IVF is one of the best fertility clinics for the reproductive system and pregnancy. We have excellent technology and treatment facilities; we are able to remove large-sized fibroids to help in fertility treatment. Whether you need genetic testing, or hydrosalpinx, or endometriosis treatment, Bloom IVF can help you. Our clinic has all the technology and latest equipment to diagnose and treat. From experienced experts to supportive staff, our team helps you. We at Bloom IVF provide support at every step and ensure you get the best treatment. We offer affordable treatment for various fertility issues and reproductive organs. Our fertility clinic is well known for treatment of thin endometrium, azoospermia, and IUI treatment, PCOS treatment, laparoscopic surgery, and more.

Reach out to Bloom IVF for your fertility treatment!