Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that can develop during a woman’s childbearing years.

They can range in size from a pea to a large grapefruit and may cause a variety of symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. While many women have fibroids without even being aware of them, others may require treatment to alleviate their symptoms. In this article, we’ll discuss what fibroids are, their symptoms and causes, and the various treatment options for their removal.

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus. They are made up of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue, and can range in size from tiny (smaller than a pea) to very large (larger than a grapefruit).

They’re often referred to as uterine leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids can grow anywhere in the uterus, including the outer surface, within the uterine muscle, or inside the cavity of the uterus.

What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

In many cases, fibroids don’t cause any symptoms. However, when they do, the most common symptoms are:.

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pain or pressure
Enlarged abdomen or bloating
Pain during sex
Urinary frequency or urgency
Constipation

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the location, size, and number of fibroids present.

What Causes Fibroids?

It is unclear what causes fibroids to develop, but several factors can increase your risk of developing them, including:.

Age (most common in women between the ages of 30 and 40)
Family history of fibroids
Obesity
High blood pressure
Early onset of menstruation
Use of birth control pills

While some studies have suggested that certain dietary factors may play a role in the development of fibroids, more research is needed to confirm this link.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Not all fibroids require treatment. If your fibroids are small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend a “watchful waiting” approach. This means monitoring your symptoms and fibroid size over time to see if any changes occur.

If treatment is necessary, there are several options available:.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy, such as the use of birth control pills or a hormonal IUD, can help relieve the symptoms of fibroids by regulating your menstrual cycle. These treatments are typically only effective on small to medium-sized fibroids.

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting tiny particles into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus, cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid and causing it to shrink.

UAE can be effective in treating multiple fibroids at once, but it may not be suitable for women who want to have children in the future.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy involves surgically removing fibroids from the uterus while leaving the uterus intact. This surgery can be performed laparoscopically or through an abdominal incision, depending on the size and location of the fibroids.

Myomectomy is a good option for women who want to preserve their fertility.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire uterus, and in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes, are removed.

This is typically only recommended for women who are approaching menopause or who have completed their families, as it renders them unable to bear children. Hysterectomy is the only guaranteed way to cure fibroids, as it removes the source of the problem.

Conclusion

Fibroids are a common condition that can cause a range of symptoms. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or other fibroid-related symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor to discuss your treatment options.

Depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids present, hormonal therapy, uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, or hysterectomy may be recommended.