Summary about Disease
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are also known as leiomyomas or myomas. These fibroids can vary in size, number, and location within the uterus. Many women have uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, but often are unaware of them because they cause no symptoms.
Symptoms
Many women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged menstrual periods (lasting more than a week)
Pelvic pain or pressure
Frequent urination
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation
Backache or leg pain
Enlargement of the abdomen
Pain during intercourse
Causes
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but several factors are believed to play a role:
Genetic changes: Uterine fibroids may contain genetic mutations that differ from those in normal uterine muscle cells.
Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate the development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause, when hormone levels decline.
Growth factors: Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.
Medicine Used
Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on factors such as the size and location of the fibroids, severity of symptoms, and a woman's desire to have children. Medications may include:
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These medications shrink fibroids by blocking the production of estrogen and progesterone, effectively putting the patient into a temporary menopausal state.
Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD): Can help control heavy bleeding but doesn't shrink fibroids.
Tranexamic acid: A nonhormonal medication to reduce heavy bleeding.
Other hormonal medications: Birth control pills or other progestins can help control heavy bleeding.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain.
Is Communicable
No, uterine fibroids are not communicable. They are not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from one person to another.
Precautions
There are no definitive precautions to completely prevent uterine fibroids. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk or slow their growth. This includes:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced diet
Managing stress
Regular exercise
How long does an outbreak last?
Uterine fibroids are not an outbreak in the traditional sense, more like a growth. They persist until treated or until menopause, when they typically shrink. Symptoms can fluctuate depending on the size and location of the fibroids and hormonal changes.
How is it diagnosed?
Uterine fibroids are typically diagnosed during a pelvic exam. Further testing may include:
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides a more detailed image of the uterus and can help determine the size, number, and location of fibroids.
Hysterosonography: Uses saline solution to expand the uterus and make it easier to see the lining.
Hysteroscopy: Involves inserting a thin, lighted scope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to examine the uterine lining.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms vary greatly. Some women have fibroids for years without experiencing any symptoms. For others, symptoms may develop gradually over time:
Early Stages: No symptoms or mild symptoms like slightly heavier periods.
Progression: As fibroids grow, symptoms become more pronounced, such as heavier bleeding, longer periods, pelvic pain, and pressure.
Advanced Stages: Symptoms can become severe and interfere with daily life, leading to anemia, frequent urination, constipation, and infertility in some cases.
Post-Menopause: Fibroids often shrink, and symptoms may subside.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy: Fibroids can sometimes cause complications during pregnancy, such as increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, and cesarean delivery.
Infertility: Fibroids can interfere with fertility, especially if they are large or located near the fallopian tubes or uterine lining.
Anemia: Heavy bleeding associated with fibroids can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
Cancer Risk: Although rare, fibroids can sometimes be mistaken for cancerous tumors.
Individualized Treatment: Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and preferences.