If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you might have several questions: Are fibroids dangerous? What are the causes? Can they affect fertility? And do all fibroids need treatment?
The good is that uterine fibroids are very common and aren’t usually cancerous. They develop in or around the muscular wall of the uterus (womb). Sometimes, you have no symptoms and don’t know you have fibroids, while others may experience heavy periods, pelvic pressure, painful periods, frequent urination, or fertility-related problems.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but doctors believe the hormones oestrogen and progesterone play a role. Most small fibroids do not always require treatment. It depends on your symptoms, the size, number, and location of the fibroids, your overall health, and whether you plan to become pregnant.
Think of fibroids like small or large knots that can develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Some remain small and cause no trouble, while others can grow large enough to press on nearby organs or affect menstrual bleeding.
Quick Overview: Uterine Fibroids
Read the table below to get a quick idea of uterine fibroids.
| Quick Answer | What You Should Know |
| Are fibroids cancerous? | Most uterine fibroids are non-cancerous. |
| Do all fibroids cause symptoms? | No. Some women have no symptoms. |
| Can fibroids affect periods? | Yes. They may cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. |
| Do fibroids always need treatment? | No. Treatment depends on symptoms, size, location, and individual needs. |
| Can fibroids affect fertility? | Some fibroids may be associated with infertility or pregnancy complications. |
| Can fibroids be removed? | Yes. Options include myomectomy and other procedures, depending on the case. |
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign (not cancerous) tumours, or growths, in females of childbearing age.
The benign growths happen in or around the muscular wall of the uterus. They are known as leiomyomas or myomas.
Fibroids can happen as a single growth or several growths at the same time. Their size can vary widely, from something as small as an apple seed to a much larger growth that may be comparable to a grapefruit.
Some fibroids remain stable in size, while others may grow over time.
What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
Most small fibroids don’t cause symptoms.
However, larger fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Longer or more painful periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Anaemia due to heavy blood loss
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
- A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Lower back or abdominal pain
- Pain during intercourse
Can Fibroids Affect Fertility or Pregnancy?
Yes.
Fibroids may be associated with reproductive problems. Depending on their size and location, they may be linked with infertility, miscarriage, or an increased likelihood of early labour or C-section.
Important Point to Keep in Mind
Having fibroids does not automatically mean that you cannot become pregnant or have a healthy pregnancy.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn't clear.
But these factors may play roles:
- Age: Fibroids are common during the reproductive years.
- Family history: Having close family members with fibroids may increase your likelihood of developing them.
- Hormonal factors: Hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone may influence fibroid growth.
- Weight: Being overweight or having obesity may be associated with a higher risk.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure has also been identified as a possible risk factor.
- Dietary factors: Certain dietary patterns may influence risk.
- Race or ethnic background: Research has found differences in fibroid occurrence among racial and ethnic groups.
Note: Having one or more risk factors does not automatically mean that you are bound to develop fibroids.
How Are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?
A medical history and pelvic examination are often the first steps that your gynecologist may perform if you experience heavy periods, pelvic pressure, persistent pain, or other concerning symptoms.
Depending on your symptoms, additional tests may be recommended, including pelvic ultrasound, saline infusion sonohysterography, MRI, complete blood count (CBC) blood tests, and hysteroscopy.
When Do Uterine Fibroids Need Treatment?
Most small fibroids don’t cause symptoms or require treatment. The right fibroid treatment can vary from person to person based on the size, number and location of the fibroids, age, whether you want to have children in the future, as well as what symptoms they’re causing.
If a fibroid is not causing symptoms or complications, your doctor may simply recommend monitoring it.
Treatment becomes more important when fibroids cause problems such as:
- Very heavy menstrual bleeding
- Anaemia
- Significant pelvic or abdominal pain
- Pressure on the bladder or bowel
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Fertility-related concerns
- Pregnancy-related complications
Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
A gynecologist in Chandigarh may recommend the following treatment based on your individual factors:
Medicines
Medicines may help control symptoms, particularly heavy menstrual bleeding. But they do not necessarily remove the fibroid itself.
Based on your individual situation, your doctor may recommend hormonal options such as:
- Birth control pills
- Vaginal contraceptive rings
- Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Other medicines approved for managing heavy menstrual bleeding in premenopausal women
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is surgery to remove the fibroids while keeping the uterus in place. It may be considered for women who have symptoms and want to preserve their uterus, including those who may wish to become pregnant in the future.
Other Procedures
Some procedures aim to destroy or reduce fibroid tissue without removing the uterus. But the eligibility for these procedures depends on the individual case, the fibroid's characteristics, symptoms, and future pregnancy plans.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a gynaecological surgery to remove the uterus. It is the only way to cure fibroids because fibroids cannot grow in a uterus that has been removed.
However, it is not suitable or necessary for everyone. Your doctor will discuss whether this approach is appropriate based on your symptoms, health, and reproductive plans.
FAQs About Uterine Fibroids
Are uterine fibroids cancerous?
No.
Uterine fibroids (common growths of the muscular tissue of the uterus) are not cancer, and they almost never turn into cancer.
Can uterine fibroids go away on their own?
No.
They rarely go away completely on their own during your reproductive years. But fibroids can shrink after menopause as hormone levels decrease.
Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?
Yes.
Yes, many individuals with fibroids can get pregnant. But to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy, follow your doctor's advice.
Do fibroids always require surgery?
No.
Not all fibroids need to be surgically removed.
Depending on the symptoms and individual circumstances, monitoring or medicines may be appropriate.
Can fibroids cause heavy periods?
Yes.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. Sometimes, prolonged or heavy bleeding can lead to anaemia.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are common, generally non-cancerous growths that can cause anything from no symptoms to heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, and fertility concerns.
There is no single treatment that is best for every woman. The best thing that you can do is to contact your gynecologist in a timely manner if you are experiencing symptoms to understand what is causing them and where the fibroid is located.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor may recommend an appropriate option depending on your symptoms, fibroid size and location, overall health, and whether you want to preserve fertility. The treatment options can range from monitoring and medicines to a minimally invasive procedure. All you need to do is follow professional advice.
When Should You See a Gynecologist in Chandigarh for Fibroid Symptoms?
You should speak with a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Very heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- Severe or persistent menstrual cramps
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in your abdomen
- Frequent or difficult urination
- Symptoms of anaemia, such as unusual tiredness or weakness
Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine whether fibroids are responsible.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational use. Contact a healthcare provider for accurate information about uterine fibroids.
