Uterine fibroids are very common and affect millions of women each year. In addition, uterine fibroids are a fairly common problem among women of reproductive age, causing a slew of bleeding and discomfort symptoms that may negatively influence many areas of their daily lives.
If you are one of the women who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may be wondering what causes them and what is the best fibroid treatment. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for uterine fibroids.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors in or on the uterus walls. They are quite common, affecting up to 70 percent of women by reaching menopause. While most uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous), they can cause various symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and infertility.
There is no definitive cause of uterine fibroids, but several factors may include genetics and hormones. Treatment options vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids and the symptoms they are causing.
Here’s How It Occurs:
Uterine fibroids are growths of smooth muscle and connective tissue that can form inside the uterus. While they are most commonly found during childbearing years — when estrogen levels are highest — they can occur at any age.
Fibroids range in size from tiny seedlings, undetectable without a microscope, to massive tumors that can distort and enlarge the uterus. A fibroid can be as tiny as an apple seed or grow to the size of a grapefruit — or larger.
Pregnant women with fibroids may also experience more miscarriages, bleeding during pregnancy, and preterm labor.
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
1) Hormonal Imbalance: An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone can lead to the development of fibroids. It happens for various reasons, such as taking birth control pills during pregnancy and perimenopause.
2) Family History: If your mother or any other close female relative has had fibroids, you’re at an increased risk of developing them.
3) Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of fibroids.
4) Ethnicity: African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than any other ethnicity.
5) Diet: A diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of fibroids.
6) Alcohol: Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of fibroids.
Symptoms of Fibroids
Some of the symptoms are explained below:
A) Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
It is normal to experience cramps and heavy bleeding when you get periods. However, if you suffer from fibroids, you will experience heavy menstrual bleeding, lasting for more than a week. It can also lead to anemia due to the loss of blood.
B) Prolonged Menstrual Periods
If you have fibroids, your periods may last for more than a week.
C) Pain In The Pelvic Region
You may have pain and discomfort in your pelvic region due to the pressure exerted by the fibroids on the nearby organs.
D) Frequent Urination
The pressure exerted by some fibroids on the urinary bladder can cause frequent urination.
E) Constipation
Fibroids can press against the rectum. It will cause constipation.
F) Pain During Sexual Intercourse
The pain during sexual intercourse is caused by the pressure exerted by the fibroids on the nearby organs.
G) Infertility
Fibroids can lead to infertility in some women. It happens because the fibroids can block the fallopian tubes or change the position of the uterus.
H) Miscarriage
Fibroids can also lead to miscarriage in some cases.
Common Treatment Methods
Surgery is the most common treatment for uterine fibroids. It can be performed through a myomectomy or hysterectomy, depending on the severity of symptoms and size of the fibroid. The doctor removes the tumor during surgery without harming any other organs.
Myomectomy may also refer to surgical removal of only one or more uterine fibroids, but not an entire uterus, if there are no complications with your health after removing a certain number of them. In this case, you will need to continue taking oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy until all fibroids have been removed by surgery.
Hysterectomy refers to surgical removal of both the uterus and ovaries in women. It is considered a last resort when all other treatment options have failed. It is vital to talk with a board-certified surgeon if you consider surgery. They will be able to fully assess your case and recommend the best fibroid treatment for you.
The doctors will also prescribe medication to help with pain and bleeding associated with the fibroids.
Common side effects of these medications include:
- nausea
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
- headache,
- dizziness, and
- fatigue.
Final Thoughts
Fibroids are a common condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. While there is no one definitive cause, certain risk factors have been identified. In addition, treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the size and location of fibroids.
