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Uterine Fibroids
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths on the uterus that women in the childbearing age group sometimes get. These are not cancerous and do not increase the risk of getting uterine cancer. The fibroids vary in size and there may be one or multiple. Many women have uterine fibroids at some time in their lives, and may not know about them, as they do not always cause any symptoms.
Possible Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign growths which may appear in your uterus, uterine wall, or on its surface. They are made up of muscle and connective tissue. Fibroids may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm in diameter.
The exact causes of fibroids are not known yet, but two factors probably contribute:
- Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone seem to affect fibroid growth. When hormone production reduces, with menopause, fibroids usually shrink.
- Genetics: Research has found genetic differences between fibroids and normal cells in the uterus.
Risk Factors of Uterine Fibroids
A number of factors increase the risk of developing uterine fibroids:
- Age: The risk of developing uterine fibroids is higher among women of childbearing age - generally between 30 and 40 years old.
- Obesity.
- Nulliparous Women i.e. women who have never conceived.
- Diet: Not eating enough green vegetables, fruit, or dairy products but eating excess of red meat.
Signs & Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Some fibroids may not cause any symptoms and discomfort, so you may discover that you have them only due to a routine exam or ultrasound.
Sometimes fibroids cause symptoms, such as:
- Heavy and/or painful periods.
- Bleeding between periods – intermenstrual bleeding.
- Mass/Swelling felt per abdomen.
- Urinary symptoms like difficulty in passing urine.
- Painful intercourse.
- Miscarriages or infertility.
Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are often discovered when the gynaecologist conducts a pelvic exam, as the shape of the uterus may have changed. Your doctor will recommend other tests in order to get more information.
These tests could be:
- Ultrasound – to determine the number, size and location of fibroids.
- Blood tests – specially to rule out anaemia due to prolonged heavy blood loss.
- MRI.
- Hysterosonography, hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy are some diagnostic procedures that may be used if the doctor requires to check the inside of the uterus or the fallopian tubes for abnormalities.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Dubai & Sharjah
You may not even know that you have uterine fibroids because they often don’t show any symptoms. Treatment plans are based on the number, size, location of the fibroids, their symptoms, and your plans for future pregnancies.
- If your menstrual cycle is irregular or you experience heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure, your gynaecologist may put you on a course of medications.
- Other minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic myomectomy & hysteroscopic myomectomy are commonly practised.
- Traditional surgical procedures such as abdominal myomectomy or hysterectomy may be necessary in some cases.
- Hysterectomy ends your ability to bear children, so your doctor will discuss your fertility options before suggesting a treatment plan.
Medications usually don't eliminate fibroids but may shrink them. However, on discontinuation of hormonal therapy they may grow again.
Uterine Fibroids FAQs:
Uterine Fibroids FAQs:
Inclusions:
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Are there ways for me to prevent fibroids?
A: You can reduce your risk of developing fibroids by eating plenty of fruits like apples, vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and tomatoes, and whole-grain foods. Managing your blood pressure and stress is important.
Always check with your doctor before taking supplements, as some of them may increase certain hormone levels. Avoid eating a lot of red meats and processed foods.
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I’m worried that my fibroids may cause me to get cancer.
A: Don’t worry, it is extremely rare for a fibroid to become malignant or cancerous. While there is no test with 100% accuracy to predict whether this will happen, you should watch for fibroids that grow very rapidly, or grow even after menopause.
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If I have fibroids, is it important to exercise regularly?
A: Yes, regular exercise regulates your hormone levels, so it will benefit your fibroids.
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What are the symptoms of fibroids in the uterus?
A: The most common symptoms of fibroids include irregular or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty in emptying your bladder and constipation. Unexplained anaemia can be another reason to check for fibroids.
Some less common symptoms of fibroids can be experiencing pain during intercourse, labour problems, fertility issues and even repeated miscarriages. If the fibroids are large, there may also be swelling and weight gain in the abdominal area.
Since fibroids are formed during a woman's reproductive years when estrogen levels peak, they can continue to grow until menopause, i.e. when estrogen levels fall.
Need an accurate diagnosis for fibroids? Book an appointment with a Medcare uterine fibroids specialist today.
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Can fibroids go away on their own?
A: Many women usually remain unaware of fibroids in their uterus and the cause behind them.
However, once you have been diagnosed with fibroids, it is sometimes possible for these to go away on their own. This is most commonly observed after pregnancy. It has also been shown that nearly 70% of women find that their fibroids have shrunk after pregnancy.
This condition tends to run in families, so if anyone in your family has suffered from fibroids before, it is essential that you take care of your diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing fibroids. Getting a regular checkup done for early diagnosis is also recommended.
Need an accurate diagnosis for fibroids? Book an appointment with a Medcare uterine fibroids specialist today.
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Should I have a hysterectomy for fibroids?
A: Fibroids are non-cancerous or benign growths that are known to line the wall of the uterus.
Women who experience symptoms of fibroids can opt to undergo a hysterectomy, which is a surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus. This is usually recommended for women who are facing multiple issues due to fibroids and require a permanent solution to treat the condition. This treatment is usually the recommended option only if all previous treatments have shown effective results.
Keep in mind, though, that after undergoing a hysterectomy, a woman will be unable to conceive. Hence, it is best to exhaust all your options before deciding to go ahead with a hysterectomy.
Need treatment for fibroids? Book an appointment with a Medcare uterine fibroids specialist today.
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What happens if fibroids go untreated?
A: Uterine fibroids are usually not known to cause any harm. However, if left untreated, then fibroids may cause side-effects such as painful periods, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding during periods and many others.
The degree to which a person experiences these symptoms can vary, but seeking medical aid is crucial when the fibroids are diagnosed. Many women might delay treatment, thinking the symptoms are manageable and will disappear with time. But keep in mind that fibroids can interfere with various things such as the probability of becoming pregnant, the chances of a miscarriage and even infertility.
Need treatment for fibroids? Book an appointment with a Medcare uterine fibroids specialist today.
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How do you remove fibroids?
A: The first line of treatment which is recommended is usually natural and includes things like losing weight, eating a regulated diet, exercising and even massage therapy.
For the second line of treatment, patients are recommended more targeted treatments, such as hormone balancing medication, progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD), uterine artery embolisation, myolysis or cryomyolysis, etc.
Lastly, if all else fails, we suggest surgical options to remove your fibroids. Depending on your eligibility, you can opt for treatment options such as endometrial ablation, myomectomy or a hysterectomy.
Need treatment for fibroids? Book an appointment with a Medcare uterine fibroids specialist today.
