Our Medical Experts
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Find a DoctorDelhi/NCR:
MOHALI:
Dehradun:
BATHINDA:
BRAIN ATTACK:
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are benign tumours of the uterus. These are generally non-cancerous (benign) and comprise muscle and connective tissues. The uterus is an upside-down pear-shaped organ the size of a lemon.
Uterine fibroids can be smaller than a seed or more than 20 cm in diameter and larger. They may grow as a single nodule or in a cluster. Fibroids can develop within the uterus walls, on the outer surface, or inside the main cavity of the organ. Uterine fibroids occur in women of childbearing age, and the cause of this condition is unknown by medical researchers.
Uterine fibroids can be categorised into four different types based on the location of the fibroids in the uterus. These include:
Up to 50 per cent of women suffering from uterine fibroids can be asymptomatic. Women suffering from small fibroids do not require treatment apart from regular observation. Women with larger uterine fibroids can exhibit the following symptoms:
The cause of uterine fibroids is not known at the moment. However, researchers believe the following points may influence the growth of uterine fibroids, including:
Uterine fibroids are generally found incidentally during a routine pelvic examination. However, if the doctor suspects this condition, they may order the following tests to confirm it, including:
If the uterine fibroid is asymptomatic and the size of the fibroid is small, the patient is kept under observation with regular follow up with the doctor. However, if the size of the fibroids is large, the doctor may suggest the following treatment:
The doctor might prescribe some medicines to shrink the fibroids. They can also help treat the symptoms of the conditions. Drugs like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, tranexamic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and more may be prescribed by the doctor.
The surgical procedure is done to remove the uterus. The surgery is done to eliminate large uterine fibroids. It can also be performed to treat excessive bleeding.
This surgery is done to remove fibroids without removing healthy tissues of the uterus. This is the best treatment for women who want to conceive a baby in the future. This surgery can be performed in multiple ways, including laparoscopy or major abdominal surgery.
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision near the abdomen and inserts a slim viewing instrument with a camera at the tip. The surgeon locates the fibroids using an ultrasound tool and inserts a probe into the catheter that emits radio frequency energy. This destroys the fibroids and changes their consistency immediately.
In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin tube into the blood vessels that supply blood to the uterine fibroids. The surgeon then inserts tiny plastic or gel particles into the blood vessels to block the supply to the fibroid, which causes it to shrink.
The following factors may increase the risk of uterine fibroids, including:
Uterine fibroids are generally benign and don’t cause many problems. However, they can cause complications like anaemia or heavy blood loss in some cases. They may also cause discomfort and certain complications during the pregnancy, like placental abruption, preterm delivery, and foetal growth restriction. However, there is a 0.5 per cent chance of cancer in the fibroid. The bigger the size of the fibroid, the bigger the risk. Moreover, a sudden increase in size also suggests the risk of malignancy.
The prognosis of uterine fibroids depends on their size and location. In most cases, uterine fibroids may not need treatment apart from watchful waiting. Additionally, fibroids don’t usually cause any problems during pregnancy. However, there may be a need for treatment to treat its symptoms in some cases.
Reviewed by Dr. Anuradha Kapur, Senior Director & Head of Unit (Institute of Obs & Gynae), Obstetrics And Gynaecology on 01-May-2023.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Find a Doctor