Uterine fibroids are considered one of the most common types of abnormal growths in the pelvis. For the majority of women, uterine fibroids are small and do not cause any problems, but for some, the fibroids will grow and can cause problems with organs that are nearby. This is a very common complaint that a Houston Gynecologist will hear in their practice. These uterine fibroids develop out of muscle tissue, due to this they are called myomas. The “myo” prefix pertains to muscle. Uterine fibroids can be found inside the uterus, within the wall or attached to the outside of the uterus. Their size will vary from the size of a pea to large enough to take up the entire pelvic area. The number of fibroids a women will have varies also from one to many.
Causes of Fibroids
Women between the ages of 30 and 40 are most commonly affected, but uterine leiomyomas can occur in any female regardless of age. African American women are affected more often than others. Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of fibroids. There are studies that suggest that it may be due to cells that were misplaced during development. What experts do know is that the level of hormones, estrogen and progesterone, have a direct impact on uterine leiomyomas and their growth rate. These myomas tend to shrink in women that are going through menopause, when the hormone levels drop. They have also been found to grow larger in women who are taking hormonal birth control pills.
Symptoms of uterine leiomyomas
It is worth noting that the symptoms that are present with uterine fibroids can also be indicative of other serious health problems. If you notice any symptoms it is important to consult your Houston Gynecologist so that you can be evaluated.
Pain during sex, in the pelvis or the lower back
Abdominal cramps
Changes in your menstrual cycle
Problems with bowel movements or urination
Multiple miscarriages
Infertility
Enlarged abdomen and uterus
How Are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed
There is a variety of diagnostic tools that can be used to provide your Houston Gynecologist with more information about your fibroids such as size, location and so on:
Ultrasonography: uses sound waves to create a picture of the organs in the pelvis
Hysteroscopy: uses a hysteroscope, a slender device with a fiber optic camera at its tip, to see the inside of the uterus. It is inserted via the vagina.
Hysterosalpingography – this is a special type of X-ray and it can find abnormalities in the fallopian tubes and the uterus.
Sonohysterography – uses fluid that is inserted into the uterine cavity and then uses a ultrasonography to look at the lining of the uterus.
Laparoscopy: uses a laparoscope, which uses a fiber optic camera at its end, to visualize the inside of the abdomen. A small cut is made below the navel, and it is through here that the laparoscope is inserted.
Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
For women that are near or going through menopause and are not experiencing any symptoms no treatment is required. For women that have uterine leiomyomas that are causing problems there are couple different treatment options available, including medications and surgery.
The medications that are most often used are:
Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) – these help to decrease blood flow and lessen pain associated with the monthly period. Women who have fibroids that are not affecting the interior of the uterus may use this.
Hormonal birth control, including pills – these are used to decrease the blood flow and lessen the pain that is experienced during menstruation, however they may also cause more fibroids to develop.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist – used frequently prior to surgery to decrease bleeding, it will stop the menstrual cycle and may help decrease the size of fibroids.
Surgical Options
The medications will only treat the symptoms you are experiencing; they will not treat the fibroids. Typically surgery is needed at some point to remove the fibroids. Here are some of the surgical options available:
Myomectomy: removes the fibroids but leaves the uterus in place
Endometrial ablation: ideal for small uterine myomas, less than 3 cm in diameter. Involves inserting a heated balloon into the uterus. The heat disrupts the uterine lining, and also destroys the fibroids
Uterine artery embolization – this procedure entails cutting the blood supply to the uterus, which will also stop the fibroids from growing.
Hysterectomy – surgical removal of the uterus
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided ultrasound surgery – uses sound waves to destroy fibroids and is done under the guidance of a MRI.
As you can see, most of the surgical options will leave you unable to have children in the future. If you are considering getting pregnant in the future it is important that you communicate this with your Houston Gynecologist so that the two of you can create an acceptable treatment plan.
Want to find out more about fibroids, then go to Dr. Lisa Otey’s website on how this Houston Gynecologist can provide a personal consultation with you.