Uterine Fibroids Treatment
At FERTY9 Fertility Centre, we believe in empowering our patients with clear and comprehensive information. This page will clear your doubts through everything you need to know about uterine fibroids, a common condition that can sometimes impact your fertility. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, providing expert care and personalized treatment options to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are muscular growths that develop in the wall of the uterus (womb). These growths are almost always benign (they are not cancerous). Fibroids can range in size from very small, to too large. You can have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids. They are very common, affecting many women during their childbearing years.
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system, occurring in 20–30% of females, most often in women aged 30–50. While many women with fibroids have no symptoms and experience no issues with fertility, for some, the size and location of fibroids can interfere with their ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
The type of fibroid is determined by its location in the uterus. This is important because the location often influences the symptoms you might experience and how it could affect your fertility.
- Intramural Fibroids: These are the most common type and grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Subserosal Fibroids: These fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. They are less likely to affect your menstrual flow but can cause pressure on surrounding organs like the bladder or bowel.
- Submucosal Fibroids: These fibroids grow just underneath the lining of the uterine cavity. Even small submucosal fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and may impact fertility by interfering with the implantation of an embryo.
- Pedunculated Fibroids: These fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk-like stem. They can grow either outside the uterus or within the uterine cavity.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but their growth appears to be linked to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones, which are at their highest levels during your reproductive years, can stimulate the growth of fibroids. After menopause, when hormone levels decline, fibroids often shrink and may disappear.
What Are the Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids?
Certain factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing uterine fibroids. These include:
- Age: Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s.
- Family History: If your mother or sister had fibroids, you have a higher chance of developing them.
- Ethnic Origin: Women of African-Caribbean descent are more likely to develop fibroids.
- Lifestyle: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk.
- Diet: A diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables may be a contributing factor.
What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Painful periods
- Bleeding between periods
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pains
- Pain during intercourse
For those trying to conceive, fibroids can sometimes lead to:
- Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
- An increased risk of miscarriage
How Are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest you may have uterine fibroids, our specialists at FERTY9 will conduct a thorough evaluation. The most common and effective ways to diagnose fibroids include:
- Pelvic Exam: Your doctor may be able to feel the fibroids during a routine pelvic exam.
- Ultrasound Scan: This is the most common imaging test used to confirm the presence of fibroids. It uses sound waves to create a picture of your uterus and can show the size and location of any fibroids.
- Other Imaging Tests: In some cases, a more detailed imaging test like a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may be used to get a clearer picture of the fibroids, especially if you are planning for fertility treatment.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment
At our fertility centre, our primary goal is to help you build your family. The treatment for uterine fibroids depends on several factors, including your age, the size and location of your fibroids, the severity of your symptoms, and your desire for future pregnancies.
For women with fibroids who are trying to conceive, our approach is focused on preserving and enhancing fertility. Treatment options may include:
- Watchful Waiting: If your fibroids are small and not causing any symptoms or fertility issues, we may recommend monitoring them without immediate treatment.
- Medications: While some medications can help manage symptoms like heavy bleeding, they are not a permanent solution and are often not suitable for women trying to conceive.
- Myomectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. It is the preferred treatment for women with fibroids who wish to become pregnant. A myomectomy can be performed in several ways:
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure where the fibroids are removed through the vagina and cervix, with no incisions. It is ideal for submucosal fibroids.
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy: This involves small incisions in the abdomen to remove the fibroids. It is a good option for intramural and subserosal fibroids.
- Abdominal Myomectomy: This is a traditional open surgery that may be necessary for very large or multiple fibroids.
Our experienced team at FERTY9 will discuss all the suitable options with you and create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and help you on your path to parenthood. If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids or are concerned they may be affecting your fertility, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our fertility specialists.
FAQ's
How to check for fibroids at home?
You cannot definitively check for fibroids at home. The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. However, you can watch for symptoms like very heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or a firm feeling in your lower abdomen. If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Can I get pregnant if I have uterine fibroids?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with fibroids. Many women with fibroids conceive and have healthy pregnancies. However, certain types of fibroids—especially those located inside the uterine cavity—can interfere with conception or increase the risk of miscarriage. A fertility evaluation can help determine any potential risks.
Can uterine fibroids eventually lead to uterine cancer?
No, uterine fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and do not turn into cancer. Cancerous fibroids are extremely rare and are classified as a different condition called leiomyosarcoma. Regular medical checkups can help monitor fibroids for any unusual changes.
What is the difference between fibroids and polyps?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths made of muscle tissue that develop in the wall of the uterus. In contrast, polyps are soft growths made of endometrial tissue that form on the uterine lining. An ultrasound or hysteroscopy is usually required to distinguish between them and determine appropriate treatment.
How to remove fibroids without surgery?
While fibroids cannot be completely removed without a procedure, they can be reduced or destroyed through non-surgical treatments. Options include Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), which blocks blood flow to fibroids, and MRI-guided focused ultrasound. These methods may not be suitable for women planning pregnancy, so consult your doctor for the best approach.
