Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, care@sunmedhospital.com
Uterine Fibroids Treatment
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, and pelvic pain. These symptoms can impact a person’s daily life, often leading to frustration and discomfort.
At SunMed Hospital, a trusted name for uterine fibroid treatment, we understand the challenges these conditions bring. Our team of skilled gynecologists employs advanced medical technologies to deliver effective solutions for managing fibroids and their related complications. Our goal is to alleviate symptoms and enhance our patients’ overall well-being.
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are muscular and fibrous tissue growths that form in or around the uterus. They can develop within the uterine wall, inside the cavity, or on the outer surface.
While these growths are usually gentle, their size can vary significantly—from as small as 1 mm to over 20 cm. Small fibroids that do not cause symptoms often require no treatment, but larger fibroids typically need medical intervention to manage their effects.
There are four primary types of uterine fibroids:
Intramural Fibroids: These are the most common and grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. In some cases, they can grow large enough to stretch and distort the uterus.
Submucosal Fibroids: This rare type forms in the myometrium, the middle muscle layer of the uterus. They may affect the fallopian tubes, potentially hindering fertilization and increasing the risk of miscarriage or birth defects if present during pregnancy.
Subserosal Fibroids: Found on the outer layer (serosa) of the uterus, these fibroids can enlarge, making one side of the uterus appear swollen. While they typically do not interfere with reproduction, they can press against nearby organs like the bladder or bowel, causing discomfort.
Pedunculated Fibroids: These fibroids grow on long stalks that extend either inside or outside the uterine wall. If the stalk twists, it can cut off the blood supply to the fibroid, may cause significant pain.
Although the exact cause is not fully understood, hormones and genetics are believed to play a crucial role. Estrogen and progesterone, produced by the ovaries, are thought to stimulate fibroid growth as they promote the regeneration of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle.
Certain factors raise the likelihood of developing uterine fibroids:
Family history of fibroidsAge above 30 yearsObesity or a high Body Mass Index (BMI)Early onset of menstruation or delayed menopauseNot having childrenDeficiency in vitamin DWhile smaller fibroids often do not cause noticeable symptoms, larger fibroids may lead to:
Heavy or painful menstrual bleedingIrregular menstrual cyclesBlood clots during menstruationAbdominal bloatingFrequent urinationLower back painConstipationPainful intercourseAccurate diagnosis involves several steps to identify fibroids, their size, and location:
MRI/CT Scan: These imaging techniques produce detailed cross-sectional views of the uterus.
Ultrasonography: This procedure uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, helping confirm the presence of fibroids.
Hysteroscopy: A thin telescope with a camera is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. A saline solution expands the cavity, providing a clear view of the fibroids.
Hysterosalpingography: A dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to highlight these structures on X-rays, particularly useful for detecting submucosal fibroids.
The choice of treatment is affected by factors like age, the size of the fibroids, and overall health. Several approaches can be combined to address individual cases.
If the symptoms are mild or absent, doctors may recommend monitoring the fibroids and adopting a healthy lifestyle, including routine exercise and a balanced diet. In some cases, non-cancerous fibroids may shrink naturally.
Birth Control Pills: Reduce heavy bleeding.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Relieve pain.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists: These medications shrink fibroids by suppressing the hormones that promote their growth.
By offering tailored treatment plans, we aim to address individual needs and improve the quality of life for patients dealing with uterine fibroids.
Surgery is often the most effective method to treat fibroids and offers long-term relief.
Myomectomy: This procedure involves removing fibroids while preserving the uterus. It can be done using various methods:
Laparotomy: A larger incision is made in the abdomen to remove the fibroids.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy: This minimally invasive technique uses a laparoscope for precise fibroid removal.
Robotic Myomectomy: Advanced robotic technology makes this a less invasive option, reducing recovery time.
Fibroids can sometimes lead to complications, but many of these can be managed effectively:
Anaemia: Heavy menstrual bleeding may cause a drop in red blood cells, leading to anemia. Iron supplements are a simple way to address this.
Infertility: In some cases, fibroids may interfere with conception.
Abdominal or Pelvic Swelling: Larger fibroids can cause noticeable swelling or discomfort.
While you cannot entirely prevent fibroids, healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk and improve overall well-being:
Include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower in your diet.Make daily exercise a priority to boost fitness and hormonal balance.Schedule regular pelvic exams to catch fibroids early and manage them effectively.Submucosal fibroids can block fallopian tubes, making conception harder. During pregnancy, larger fibroids might increase the risk of preterm labor or miscarriage, depending on their size and location.
Fibroids: These are firm, benign growths of muscle and fibrous tissue in or on the uterus. They may cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure.
Polyps: These soft, smaller growths develop from the uterine lining and often cause irregular bleeding.
Menopause lowers hormone levels, causing fibroids to shrink. Many symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pain improve or disappear. However, fibroids can grow in women on hormone replacement therapy.
While scientific evidence is limited, lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, using herbal medicines, and practicing stress-relief techniques such as yoga or acupuncture may help. Always consult a doctor to ensure these approaches work alongside medical treatments.
Almost all fibroids are non-cancerous and do not lead to uterine cancer. Rarely, a cancerous fibroid (leiomyosarcoma) can occur, but it is unrelated to existing benign fibroids.
With proper care, understanding your options, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can effectively manage uterine fibroids and improve your quality of life!
