Uterine Fibroids

Content of This Page

1- Introduction

2- Causes

3- Symptoms

4- Stages of The Disease

5- Treatment

6- What Should You Avoid

Introduction

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. They are composed of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size. Fibroids are common and may cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or frequent urination, but many women experience no symptoms at all. Treatment may be necessary if fibroids cause significant problems or discomfort.

Causes

  • Hormonal Factors: Estrogen and progesterone can stimulate fibroid growth.
  • Genetic Factors: Family history of fibroids may increase risk.
  • Age: More common in women in their 30s and 40s.
  • Race: Higher prevalence in African-American women.
  • Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk.
  • Other Conditions: Early onset of menstruation and having no children may contribute.

Symptoms

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Lower back pain
  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Constipation or bowel pressure

Stages of The Disease

  1. Intramural Fibroids

    • Located within the muscular wall of the uterus.

  2. Subserosal Fibroids

    • Grow on the outer surface of the uterus, often causing abdominal swelling.

  3. Submucosal Fibroids

    • Grow just beneath the inner lining of the uterus and can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

  4. Pedunculated Fibroids

    • Attached to the uterus by a stalk (peduncle) and can be either subserosal or submucosal.

Treatment

  1. Medications:

    • Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills, progestin, or GnRH agonists to manage symptoms.
    • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): For pain relief.
    • Iron Supplements: For anemia due to heavy bleeding.

  2. Non-Surgical Procedures:

    • Uterine Artery Embolization: Blocking blood flow to the fibroids to shrink them.
    • MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound: Using high-frequency sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.
    • Endometrial Ablation: Removing or destroying the uterine lining to reduce bleeding.

  3. Surgical Options:

    • Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.
    • Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, considered for severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective.

What Should You Avoid

  • Excessive caffeine
  • High-sugar and processed foods
  • High-sodium foods
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Lack of exercise
  • Skipping meals or unhealthy dieting
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