What are fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are also known as uterine leiomyomas. Fibroids are very common, affecting up to 70% of women by the time they reach menopause.
Fibroids can vary in size from a pea to a grapefruit. They can grow singly or in clusters. Fibroids can be located inside the uterus, on the outside of the uterus, or within the uterine wall.
Symptoms of fibroids:
Many women with fibroids do not experience any symptoms. However, some women may experience the following:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Long or painful menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Infertility
- Miscarriages
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Pain during intercourse
Causes of fibroids
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, are thought to play a role in the development of fibroids.
Diagnosis of fibroids
Fibroids may be palpated during a routine pelvic exam. If your doctor suspects that you have fibroids, they may order additional tests, such as an ultrasound or an MRI.
Treatment of fibroids
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for fibroids. The best treatment for you will depend on your individual circumstances, such as the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as your symptoms and fertility goals.
Treatment options for fibroids include:
- Watch and wait: If you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend a watch-and-wait approach. This means monitoring your fibroids for changes over time.
- Medications: There are medications that can be used to shrink fibroids or relieve symptoms. These medications include birth control pills, progestin-only contraception, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and aromatase inhibitors.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Minimally invasive procedures can be used to treat fibroids. These procedures include uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and cryoablation.
- Surgery: Surgery is the most definitive treatment for fibroids. There are a few different surgical options available, depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as your fertility goals. Surgical options for fibroids include myomectomy and hysterectomy.
If you have fibroids and are considering treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about all your options.