Uterine Fibroids

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign growths or tumors in the uterus. They are a common occurrence and can develop within and outside of the uterus. Made up of mostly of dense muscle, they can cause problems such as abdominal swelling, painful and extended menstruations, urinary problems, and complications to pregnancy. These growths are usually not cancerous (benign) and are the most common non-cancerous tumors in women.

The growth of fibroids is linked to estrogen, the higher the estrogen level, the larger the fibroid. One or more fibroids can be present in the uterus at a time.

What are symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine Fibroids can cause a number of symptoms such as heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding. Sometimes, a person may not be aware that they have Fibroids and treatment of your Uterine Fibroids will depend on your symptoms.

Some signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Constipation
• Frequent or difficult urination
• Painful and prolonged menstruation periods that last for more than 7 days
• Pelvic pain
• A feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Constipation or pressure on your rectum

What causes Uterine Fibroids?

While the exact cause of uterine fibroids isn't clear, some of these factors may play a part:

• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone cause the tissue lining the inside of the uterus to thicken during each menstrual cycle. These hormones also seem to support the growth of hormones, and it has been notice that fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a drop in hormone levels.
• Other growth factors: Growth factors such as insulin-like growth factors may affect fibroid growth by promoting cell proliferation.

What are the risk factors of Uterine Fibroids?

There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing Uterine Fibroids, including:

• Early menstruation
• Late menopause
• Not having children
• A family history of Fibroids
• Obesity or having a high BMI

What are the complications of Uterine Fibroids?

Most Uterine Fibroids do not cause severe complications. Some common complications include:

• Unmanageable pain
• Swelling of your pelvic of abdominal area
• Excessive bleeding
• Anemia due to heavy periods

What are the complications may Uterine Fibroids cause?

Uterine fibroids are typically not dangerous but they can cause pain and may lead to complications. Such as anemia and fatigue from heavy blood loss during menstrual periods. 

Fibroids often do not affect pregnancy or getting pregnant but some fibroids may cause infertility or pregnancy loss. It may also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications such as placental abruption ehich causes the placenta to separate from the inner wall of the uterus, or a pre-term delivery where the baby is born too early.

How are Uterine Fibroids diagnosed?

Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound or MRI to check the location and size of the tumor in the uterus.