What are Fibroids? Symptoms & Treatments

In today’s era, we often hear about Fibroids. There are many reasons for infertility and having a Fibroid is one of them. Fibroid can happen even to one-time mothers. Latha has been married for a year now and has been trying to conceive but success was at par. Failing to conceive Latha was worried about planning a family, it was then they got to know she was dealing with Fibroid. Latha decided to understand fibroids to the roots and get treated. Now let’s understand fibroids and all the pros-n- cons of it. Let us understand fibroids in depth.

According to research published in Contemporary OB/GYN, women who have fibroids in their uterine cavity (submucosal) had decreased pregnancy and live birth rates. Women who have intramural fibroids (growths that form inside the uterine walls) have a reduced fertility rate. As a result, the researchers recommend that women treat their fibroids if they want to conceive a baby. Nonetheless, they point out that fibroids are the sole cause of infertility in just 2-3% of women.

The most common problem in this era is Fibroids. Let’s first understand what a Fibroid is. Fibroids are smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue cancers. They grow in the uterus. It is expected that 70 to 80 percent of women may acquire fibroids at some point in their lives; however, not everyone will have symptoms or require treatment. The fact that fibroids are nearly typically benign, or noncancerous, is the most essential feature. However, whereas some fibroids develop into cancer, benign fibroids cannot. Cancerous fibroids are quite uncommon. Because of this, it is fair for women without symptoms to choose observation over therapy.

According to research, fibroids develop at varying rates, even if a woman has more than one. They can range in size from a pea to (on rare occasions) a watermelon. A family history of fibroids, obesity, or early puberty is a risk factor. Heavy menstrual blood, lengthy periods, and pelvic discomfort are among the symptoms. In rare circumstances, there are no symptoms. Medication and fibroid excision are common treatments.

• Uterine fibroids are the most frequent reproductive tract tumor.

• Women approaching menopause are most vulnerable to fibroids.

• Fibroids are most commonly discovered during a normal pelvic exam.

• Heavy and lengthy periods, bleeding between periods, and pelvic discomfort are all possible symptoms.

• There are several therapy methods available.

The kind, in addition to the size and quantity of fibroids, might influence treatment recommendations. Fibroids are classified into three types:

• The most prevalent type of fibroids is subserosal fibroids. They have the ability
to push through the uterus and into the pelvis. Subserosal fibroids can get big
and have a stalk that connects to the uterus (pedunculated fibroid).

• Intramural fibroids: These fibroids form in the uterine muscle wall.

• Submucosal fibroids: These are unusual fibroids. They can expand into the open area inside the uterus and may have a stalk.

According to research, fibroids develop at varying rates, even if a woman has more than one. They can range in size from a pea to (on rare occasions) a watermelon. A family history of fibroids, obesity, or early puberty is a risk factor. Heavy menstrual blood, lengthy periods, and pelvic discomfort are among the symptoms. In rare circumstances, there are no symptoms. Medication and fibroid excision are common treatments.

• Uterine fibroids are the most frequent reproductive tract tumor.

•  Women approaching menopause are most vulnerable to fibroids.

•  Fibroids are most commonly discovered during a normal pelvic exam.

•  Heavy and lengthy periods, bleeding between periods, and pelvic discomfort are all possible symptoms.

• There are several therapy methods available.

The kind, in addition to the size and quantity of fibroids, might influence treatment recommendations. Fibroids are classified into three types:

• The most prevalent type of fibroids is subserosal fibroids. They have the ability
to push through the uterus and into the pelvis. Subserosal fibroids can get big
and have a stalk that connects to the uterus (pedunculated fibroid).

• Intramural fibroids: These fibroids form in the uterine muscle wall.

• Submucosal fibroids: These are unusual fibroids. They can expand into the open area inside the uterus and may have a stalk.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of having fibroids:

• Age: Fibroids grow increasingly frequently as women become older, especially in their 30s and 40s and up until menopause. Fibroids are far less likely to occur after menopause and, if present, generally diminish.

• Family history: If you have a family member who has fibroids, you are at a higher risk. If a woman's mother has fibroids, she is three times more likely to get
them herself.

• Origin: African-American women are more prone than other ethnicities to acquire fibroids.

• Obesity: Overweight women are more likely to get fibroids. The risk is two to three times higher in extremely obese women than in the general population.

The majority of women with fibroids will have no symptoms at all. Large or many fibroids, on the other hand, might produce the following symptoms:

• Heavy or extended durations

• Bleeding between menstrual periods

• Pelvic discomfort and pressure

• Urine frequency

• Pain in the lower back

•  Intercourse discomfort

• Obstacles to pregnancy

Fibroids are most commonly discovered during a physical examination. During an abdominal or pelvic exam, your doctor may feel a solid, irregular (often painless) bump.

Scans can help to confirm a diagnosis. These are the two primary options:

• Ultrasound: The most widely utilized scan for fibroids is ultrasound. It diagnoses fibroids using sound waves at frequencies (pitch) significantly higher than the human ear can hear. To scan the uterus and ovaries, a doctor or technician puts an ultrasound probe on the abdomen or into the vagina. It is quick, easy, and typically correct. However, successful outcomes are dependent on the doctor's or technician's expertise and ability. Other tests, such as MRI, may be more effective for some disorders, such as adenomyosis.

• MRI: This imaging technique creates pictures using magnets and radio waves. It provides your physician with a map of the size, quantity, and location of the
fibroids. We can also tell the difference between fibroids and adenomyosis, which is commonly misdiagnosed. MRI is used to confirm a diagnosis and to help us decide which therapies are best for you. MRI may also be a superior alternative for other disorders including adenomyosis.

In rare cases, or if doctors are unable to pinpoint the source of your discomfort, you may require further testing:

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): A HSG is often used by doctors for women who are having difficulty getting pregnant. It examines the uterus (uterine cavity) and fallopian tubes. After inserting a catheter (small tube) into the uterus, the doctor gently injects a specific contrast dye and obtains X-rays.

Hysterosonogram: A hysterosonogram allows doctors to view the uterus. They inject water into the uterus after inserting a tiny catheter and collecting a series of ultrasound photos. The test can detect uterine polyps or intracavitary fibroids, which can cause severe bleeding.

Laparoscopy: A doctor creates small incisions in or around the navel for laparoscopy. A long, thin tool (laparoscope) is then inserted into the belly and pelvis by the doctor. The laparoscope features a camera and a powerful light. It enables your doctor to examine the uterus and associated tissues. The image can help your doctor identify if you have a disease that causes pelvic pain, such as endometriosis.

Hysteroscopy: A doctor uses a long, thin tool with a camera and light to examine possible problems inside the uterus. The tool is passed via the vagina and cervix into the uterus by the doctor. No incision is required. Using this method, the doctor can examine for fibroids or endometrial polyps within the uterine cavity. During this treatment, your doctor may also remove some forms of fibroids.

Because most fibroids cease to develop and may even decrease as women approach menopause, your doctor may first advise monitoring. Some fibroids, however, may necessitate more aggressive treatment, depending on:

• The severity of the symptoms

• Your age is

• Your fertility objectives

• The number and size of fibroids

• Previous treatments for fibroids

• Other health issues are prevalent.

It is unusual for fibroids to have serious health implications. Women, on the other hand, might have severe bleeding, which can result in hazardous anemia, or a shortage of red blood cells.

Large fibroids can occasionally push on the bladder and the tube (ureter) that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder. This pressure can harm the kidneys. Infertility and frequent pregnancy loss are two more issues.

However, Latha decided to get her fibroids removed but unfortunately, she did not succeed in getting pregnant and her fibroids grew back. So, she along with her husband decided to consult a fertility clinic and came to Garbhagudi IVF center. 

Finally, Latha became pregnant after four unsuccessful interventions, despite the fact that her fibroids had reappeared. As a result of her fibroids encircling her placenta and one beneath her uterus, her pregnancy was tough. "I was on bed rest for the first 14 weeks and went to the doctor three times a week for the whole pregnancy," said Latha.

There was, however, a light at the end of the tunnel. Reyna, the couple's healthy bundle of joy, was born. "I felt inadequate while going through this," she says. "But I had to accept that we are human, that we are fallible, and that not everything will function flawlessly every time." I have to forgive myself."

Thanx to GarbhaGudi for bringing a smile in Latha’s life and delivering a reason to smile, her complete family!

GarbhaGudi is a Bangalore-based reproductive centre franchise that is well-known for its high success rates, ethical objectives, and humanitarian touch. We have aided in the completion of over 8500 families via our innovative and scientific treatment.

We have a staff of highly competent fertility specialists, embryologists, and paramedical professionals to address all of your needs. "Every couple who comes in should leave with a smile and a healthy baby," is our motto.