Fibroids are growths that appear on the uterus that range from so small they cannot be seen to large enough that they can obstruct the entire opening to the uterus. While they are noncancerous and are not associated with cancer risks, they can be extremely painful and have other negative effects on your health.
Not all fibroids are the same. Each type forms in distinct positions in and around the uterus, and some have unique properties.
Intramural Fibroids
The most common type are intramural fibroids. These are on the endometrium, or within the lining of the uterus. They sometimes can grow in size and make the womb bigger. Some people will mistake the feeling of having this mass for being pregnant. The pain from this type can go from non-existent to extremely painful, causing many women to feel some immense pressure in their pelvic regions day in and day out. It can also lead to excessive menstrual bleeding.
These fibroids form around the outside of the uterus and can also stretch the womb on one side. Although this particular type does not cause bleeding issues , it can still cause a lot of back and pelvic pain due to the extra pressure being put in the area. It can also push itself against the other organs in the area, like the kidneys.
Pedunculated Fibroids
These are suberosal fibroids that have grown a stem. These stems can cause the fibroid to grow into the uterus further, or push itself out of the wall. The pain from these usually comes from the stalk end of it to twist.
These are the type that grow on the myometrium of your uterus, which is its lining. These cause problems with conceiving and can lead to extreme menstrual bleeding. These are the least common type, but the most painful. If left unchecked, these can lead to issues like anemia, extreme fatigue, pregnancy problems, and could lead to the need of a blood transfusion.
Where do Fibroids Come From?
For the most part, there is no complete picture on where fibroids come from and what causes them. However, medical professionals believe that it could be a combination of hormones, family history and pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone are the main hormones that help the uterine lining regenerate during menstruation, so it is possible that elevated levels of them can promote fibroid growth. There is also a possibility that it is genetic, although they are so common that it is a bit unclear. Nearly 80% of women will experience them before the age of 50, according to the NIH.
What are the Symptoms?
Some women experience no fibroid symptoms at all and are completely unaware of even having them. However, for other women, the symptoms are often severe and painful. Menstrual periods can become extremely heavy and can last longer than the normal length of time.
Sometimes the tumors are so big that they press against other organs, causing extreme pain in the pelvic regions. They can also cause you to have to urinate frequently. Even your sex life can be effected, as they become so large that intercourse becomes painful and uncomfortable. Finally, can lead to complications during childbirth and other fertility issues.
What is the Cure?
Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for the disease. However, several procedures and medicines have been created to help deal with the issue.
A lot of misinformation is out there about fibroids. A lot of women fear that the only way to get rid of the problem is through a hysterectomy. For women who are planning on having kids, this solution is a heavy price to pay. While it is true that a hysterectomy will get rid of the fibroids by eliminating a place for them to grow, it is the most extreme solution and in most cases only the final one. The good news is that there are many other options available before that should ever be considered.
One of the less destructive ways to deal with fibroids is uterine fibroid embolization, also known as UFE. UFE is a procedure that is done by an experienced physician and is an alternative to surgical methods.
Before going in for a UFE, your doctor will give you instructions on when you should stop eating or drinking. They will then give you a sedative and prepare you for the procedure.
A catheter is then inserted into your femoral artery. Contrast material is injected so the physician can see your arteries in real time. They will then guide the catheter around to the arteries leading into the fibroids and then inject a solution that will cut blood flow to the fibroids, which will cause them to shrink and be destroyed.
Uterine fibroids refer to growths in the uterus that typically develop during the childbearing years of a woman. These growths are noncancerous in nature, but can result in a substantial amount of pain as well as other negative side effects for a woman. Since uterine fibroids develop in the uterus, it should be fairly easy to predict that uterine fibroids can have an impact on a pregnancy. While it is known that fibroids have an impact on pregnancy, the exact nature and specifics of this impact is largely unknown and differs from woman to woman.
If you have fibroids, you may worry about the possible effects it could have on your pregnancy. Here is some information about what you can expect to experience when you are pregnant if you have uterine fibroids.
Can fibroids cause infertility?
Many women with fibroids speculate whether uterine fibroids can ultimately lead to infertility. Fibroids do often have an impact on fertility, but this impact varies drastically from case to case.
The main factor that can serve as a predictor of the impact on fertility is the location of the fibroids. If the uterine fibroids are located in certain areas of the uterine cavity, they can actually distort the shape and size of the uterus. This is especially true if the uterine fibroids grow to become incredibly large in size. While fibroids in the wall of the uterus can also have an impact on fertility, this effect is usually far less severe in nature.
Women who believe that they may have uterine fibroids should see a doctor sooner rather than later, especially if they hope to conceive soon or in the future. Those who have a family history of fibroids should definitely see a doctor on a regular basis to check for fibroids.
Unfortunately, fibroids can grow at a fairly rapid rate. Therefore, it is a good idea to have these tumors dealt with before they possibly interfere with your fertility. In some cases, we reccommend that women with fibroids simply conceive as early as possible just in case their fertility changes in the future. While fibroids don’t always have an impact on fertility, it is far better to be safe than sorry.
How do fibroids hurt the ability to have a baby?
Let’s start with the positive part. Many women will have fibroids that won’t hurt their chances of having children. The fibroids may stay small, or occur in areas that don’t affect the reproductive system. But certain fibroids will have a profound effect on the ability to conceive, stay pregnant and carry a baby to term.
Depending on where they are located, fibroids may prevent sperm and egg from meeting for conception. Fibroids can hamper the ability of an embryo to implant. They often grow in places or to sizes that make it challenging for a pregnancy to continue. Fibroids may even affect the health and welfare of the fetus.
How do fibroids hurt the ability to have a baby? The answer has a lot to do with where in the uterus the fibroids are located.
Fibroids can reduce your fertility in these ways:
Fibroids that change the shape of your cervix can affect the number of sperm able to enter the uterus.
Uterine fibroids that block the Fallopian tubes can make the journey of a fertilized egg to implantation difficult or impossible.
Fibroids which change the shape of your uterus may decrease the number of places an embryo can successfully implant or reduce uterine space needed for embryo development.
Fibroids that weaken the lining of the uterine cavity or decrease the blood supply to a growing embryo can cause miscarriage.
You have fibroids. You want children. Now what?
If you are already pregnant, you want to be sure any fibroids present are monitored by your OB/GYN or fibroid surgeon. Sometimes, as the baby grows, so will the fibroids. This can create issues for pregnancy and delivery. It’s important that your pre-natal care includes a sharp medical eye on existing fibroids and their development.
If you have fibroids and are trying to get pregnant, it’s important to discuss with your doctor whether the fibroids are in places that might prevent you from doing so, or are in places that could cause complications in pregnancy. That being said, fibroid treatment is usually recommended.
If my best chance for a successful pregnancy is fibroid treatment, what are the options?
Removing fibroids to improve the chance for conception and pregnancy may be recommended to you. Often, a doctor will suggest a surgery called ‘myomectomy’. Myomectomy cuts out existing fibroids. While this form of fibroid removal is fairly common, it has several drawbacks.
Surgery to the uterus may cause scarring. Uterine scarring can make the successful implantation of an embryo problematic.
If any part, even a few cells, of a fibroid are left behind, that fibroid will have a 50% chance of regrowth within a period of about 10 months. This makes your window of opportunity for conception and pregnancy very limited.
If you have a myomectomy and don’t get pregnant fairly quickly, you could wind up facing multiple surgeries as fibroids repeatedly grow back.
Surgery to the uterine walls can also weaken them. Sometimes, this compromises carrying a baby to term and/or it’s delivery.
Is there a non-surgical approach that ends fibroids and aids my fertility?
Yes. It’s called Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Embolization shrinks fibroids instead of cutting them out. It is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure. It works by blocking the blood supply to each fibroid, ending its ability to thrive and grow. Embolization doesn’t involve cutting or cause any scarring. And embolization is extremely precise. It addresses only fibroids, leaving all other tissue healthy and whole. As the fibroids shrink, so do the fertility problems they create.
Can I Get Pregnant with Fibroids?
The effect that uterine fibroids have on fertility varies from woman to woman. Based on various studies, it is estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of all infertile women have at least one fibroid. However, this does not necessarily mean that the fibroids caused these women to be infertile. In general, the effect uterine fibroids have on fertility depends mostly on size and location. For example, fibroids that occur within the uterine cavity are more likely to result in infertility than fibroids that arise in other areas of the uterus. Also, fibroids in the wall of the uterus that are larger than six centimeters in diameter are also likely to cause infertility. Fortunately, large fibroids and growths that occur in the uterine cavity are uncommon. The vast majority of women will not become infertile due to fibroids. If you suspect that fibroids are impacting your fertility, you and your partner should be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that other issues aren’t the cause of infertility.
What risk do fibroids pose to health of me and my baby?
Another question that many women with fibroids ask is whether the uterine fibroids will pose a risk to the health of themselves or the well-being of their baby. Fortunately, most women with fibroids are able to have a fairly normal pregnancy with vaginal delivery. However, fibroids are known to cause complications in some cases. In general, the likelihood that fibroids will cause complications depends on the size of the fibroid and the location of the fibroid.
Without a doubt, location is the most important factor, even more important than size. For example, a woman may have an incredibly large fibroid at the top of the uterus. Due to the location of the fibroid, it may not impact the pregnancy at all, despite the fibroid’s incredibly large size. Therefore, women should not automatically assume that fibroids, even large fibroids, will surely impact their ability to have a healthy pregnancy. Not all women experience difficulty with pregnancy due to fibroids.
Sometimes, fibroids can raise the risk of a miscarriage in the first or second trimester. This is especially true of fibroids located in the uterine cavity rather than the uterine wall. There are a few studies that suggest fibroids may raise the risk of stillbirths, abnormal fetal position, preterm labor and delivery, and abruption of the placenta. However, there are just as many studies that suggest this is not the case.
In general, the most serious complication that fibroids can cause with a pregnancy is when the placenta grows near the surface of a uterine fibroid. If this occurs, the presence of the uterine fibroid may cause the baby to be deprived of essential nutrients, so the baby might be born at a lower birth weight than normal. In more severe cases, the presence of the uterine fibroid may cause the amniotic sac to rupture too early. Fibroids are also known to be able to block the birth canal, which can complicate both the process of labor and delivery.
Overall, women should realize that it is unlikely that their fibroids will negatively affect their baby in any way. Cases in which a baby is harmed or deformed due to fibroids are incredibly rare. For the vast majority of pregnant moms, fibroids are an annoyance.
What are the symptoms of fibroids in pregnant women?
In many cases, women only find out that they have fibroids in their uterus when they go for their first ultrasound to monitor the development of the baby because fibroids often cause no symptoms. However, in some cases, women will start to experience symptoms of fibroids during and after their pregnancy. The most common symptoms in expecting mothers include pain, fever, nausea, and sometimes an increase in the level of white blood cells in the blood. Pain medication is usually recommended for women to help them cope with pain and discomfort. While fibroids can be removed in a number of ways, a woman cannot have her fibroids removed once she is pregnant. During pregnancy, the uterus is far more prone to bleeding. Therefore, the fibroids can’t be removed from the womb. If a pregnant woman wants to have her fibroids removed from her uterus, she will have to wait until after she delivers the baby. That way, the risk of excessive bleeding or other complications is far lower.
Will fibroids cause pain during the pregnancy?
For some women, their uterine fibroids flare up during pregnancy. Pain is a very common symptom for these pregnant women. Those who experience pain from fibroids during their pregnancy should rest, use heating pads, or use a prescription or pain medication that is safe for use by pregnant women.
If the fibroids of a woman grow exceptionally fast during a pregnancy, this can result in red degeneration. Some of the symptoms of red degeneration include severe pain, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, nausea, and even fever. A woman will feel this pain over the entire area where the fibroid is located. This pain may radiate down the entire back of the woman. While this pain typically appears during the second trimester, it can appear at any time during the pregnancy.
If the pain from the red degeneration is incredibly severe, it might cause the uterus to begin to contract, inducing preterm labor. Women who experience this will likely be hospitalized or asked to rest in bed to wait for the signs of preterm labor to disappear.
Fibroids Pregnancy & Fertility
Many women have concerns about the possible effects of their fibroids on their pregnancy. If you still have any concerns about what to expect when you’re pregnant if you have fibroids, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
A uterine fibroid refers to a growth in the uterus of a woman that is typically in her child-bearing years. While uterine fibroids are not cancerous, they can result in many negative side effects for a woman, such as severe pain. In some cases, uterine fibroids can also impact a woman’s fertility. As a result of all these side effects, many women seek to have these uterine fibroids removed. One option these women have is a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which is generally considered to be one of the less invasive procedures for treating fibroids.
If you’re thinking about undergoing the uterine fibroid embolization procedure or would simply like to learn more about this procedure, here is some vital information you need to know about the UFE procedure.
Why should you undergo a UFE procedure?
Most women choose to undergo a UFE procedure in order to reduce the side effects associated with uterine fibroids. Besides pain, some of the common side effects of uterine fibroids include spotting, irregular menstruation, heavy menstruation, irregular uterine bleeding, cramping, and a distended abdomen. Less common side effects of uterine fibroids include pressure in the pelvis, constipation, frequent urination, and leg pains. Pains from uterine fibroids tend to afflict the abdomen, the pelvis, and the lower back. In some cases, uterine fibroids also result in painful menstruation.
Sometimes, depending on their size and location, uterine fibroids can lead to infertility or pregnancy complications. While these negative effects are fairly rare, many women prefer to be safe than sorry when it comes to their well-being and the health of their unborn child. Women with uterine fibroids who hope to conceive are advised to either treat the fibroids or have children early. This is because uterine fibroids can grow in size throughout a woman’s life. At a later age, the uterine fibroids may be large enough to impact fertility. However, uterine fibroids tend to decrease in size once a women enters menopause.
Benefits of UFE Procedures
The benefits of UFE procedures convince many women to undergo this procedure rather than others that are also designed to serve as treatment for uterine fibroids. Some of the many advantages of UFE procedures are as follows:
No blood loss
Preservation to the uterus organ
Decrease in dysfunction of the urinary system
Decrease in pain
Reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding
Covered by the vast majority of insurance companies
Recovery time is quick, allowing patients to leave the hospital sooner and return to work faster
Results in fewer complications than other procedures, such as a hysterectomy
A safe procedure with minimal risk
Essentially, there are many advantages of UFE procedures and very few disadvantages, which is why this option is appealing for so many women.
How is the UFE procedure performed?
The way the uterine fibroid embolization procedure works is by limiting the blood supply of the uterine fibroids. The lack of a consistent blood supply causes the uterine fibroids to shrink over time. In general, the uterine fibroid embolization procedure takes less than an hour and is performed as an outpatient therapy, which means it is not necessary for the patient to be hospitalized during or after the procedure. The reason the procedure is so short in length is because only one tiny cut into the femoral artery is required in most cases.
UFE procedures are usually performed by Interventional Radiologists (IR), who are medical doctors with great experience in the field of radiology. A woman will likely have to undergo quite a few tests before the procedure is performed in order to determine the size and location of the uterine fibroids. After the procedure, the patient may be asked to stay for up to a day in the care of the medical doctor and nurses.
To begin the UFE procedure, the medical doctor makes a small incision in the femoral artery, which is located in the thigh. The incision will give the IR access to the uterine artery via the femoral artery. This cut will allow the IR to pass a small tube called a catheter into the femoral artery and ultimately the uterine artery. The IR will use specialized X-ray equipment during the process to guide the catheter close to the location of the uterine fibroid. Once the catheter has reached the target location, embolic material will be injected into the blood flow that feeds the uterine fibroids.
This embolic material consists of small spheres that are designed to block the blood vessels that feed the fibroid with nutrients and oxygen. This deprivation of nutrients and oxygen will cause the fibroids to shrink with time. The embolic material will remain at the injection site permanently to prevent the revival of the fibroid.
The IR will then move the catheter to the uterus’ other side using the same incision of the patient’s thigh for access. Once the IR has completed the uterine fibroid embolization process, he will remove the catheter gently and use their finger to apply pressure to the incision in the thigh for a few minutes. This pressure will help slow down the bleeding. If needed, a vascular closure device will be used to close the cut.
Some common side effects after a uterine fibroid embolization procedure include pain and abdominal cramping. However, patients can expect these symptoms to disappear with time as they recover from the procedure. Your IR will recommend or prescribe medications so that you can remain comfortable during your recovery. Skilled nurses and your IR will consult with you and your OB-GYN to determine the post-procedure care you should receive and the post-procedure appointments that should be scheduled.
Without a doubt, the uterine fibroid embolization procedure is one of the least invasive ways to effectively treat uterine fibroids. As a result, more and more women are choosing to undergo the uterine fibroid embolization procedure rather than other more invasive procedures. If you have any questions about the actual procedure and the post-procedure recovery, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a woman’s uterus. This procedure is recommended for a number of reasons, including uterine fibroids. In fact, uterine fibroids is one of the most common reasons to remove the uterus. There are different types of hysterectomies, depending on what is needed for the patient.
A total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, including the cervix.
A supracervical hysterectomy removes the upper part of the uterus, but leaves the cervix. This type of hysterectomy may be performed laparoscopically.
A radical hysterectomy is a total hysterectomy and also includes the removal of surrounding structures, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. This procedure may be recommended for patients who have or may have cancer in order to ensure that all the cancerous tissue is removed.
The process of the hyterectomy depends largely on what is being done and why. The doctor will determine whether it can occur vaginally, laparoscopically, or through the abdomen. However, if the doctor decides to perform the procedure vaginally or laparoscopically, complications may require the surgeon to change the procedure in order to address problems that are detected.
What are the advantages of a hysterectomy?
One of the advantages of a hysterectomy is that it is highly adaptable based on the needs of the patient. For example, if the surgeon is doing a hysterectomy to remove cancer and determines that the cancerous tissue has spread more than originally detected, the surgeon my decide to remove additional structures to remove the rest of the cancer.
Another advantage is that it is comprehensive. Whatever problem is occurring can be taken care of right away and all at once with less risk of having to go through the surgery again later. This is particularly true in total or radical hysterectomies.
What are the disadvantages of a hysterectomy?
One major disadvantage of a hysterectomy is its permanence. When the uterus is removed, a woman is unable to carry children. For many women, this is a serious decision and may even cause women to resist undergoing a hysterectomy to deal with uterine fibroids.
What are the health risks associated with a hysterectomy?
Any type of hysterectomy is invasive, and carries risks. Patients can experience fever or infection following the procedure and have heavy bleeding afterward. The procedure can also cause injuries to the urinary tract or other organs. Afterward, even years later, patients may experience a blood clot that can travel to the lungs or a bowel blockage. There are also risks associated with the anesthesia.
Is there an alternative to a hysterectomy?
When facing the prospect of a hysterectomy to treat uterine fibroids, patients may want to seek an alternative, especially if they are young and/or still want to have children of their own. However, a “wait and see” approach is not always the best option for women. Instead, they should explore all treatment alternatives to make sure their treatment plan really is the best for them. For many women, fibroid embolization may be a valuable alternative to a hysterectomy for uterine fibroids.
What is fibroid embolization?
Fibroid embolization is a process that blocks the blood flow of fibroid in the uterus by injecting embolic agents into the uterine arteries with a catheter. The embolic agents prevent blood flow to the fibroids, which essentially starves them and prevents them from causing harm to the body. This process is completed by an experienced physician.
Fibroid embolization is a procedure used specifically for uterine fibroids, which can cause pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is frequently used as an alternative to surgery for women who want to keep their uteruses or who are too high risk for surgery.
The biggest advantage of this procedure, particularly in comparison to a hysterectomy, is that it is much less invasive. This reduces the risks of complications during the procedure and risks of problems afterward. Patients are able to recover more quickly from the procedure and feel better more quickly.
In addition, this procedure does not remove the uterus, which means women who want to have children may still be able to, even after the procedure.
What are the disadvantages of a fibroid embolization?
A disadvantage of fibroid embolization is that it is a narrow procedure. The process is used to treat uterine fibroids. However, if a patient has uterine fibroids on top of other problems, fibroid embolization may not be the best solution.
What are the health risks associated with fibroid embolization?
There are similar health risks associated with fibroid embolization as there are for hysterectomy. However, these risks are diminished because the procedure is much less invasive. However, patients may still experience infection and damage to other organs. In addition, women may have problems with future pregnancies.
How do I know what is best for my health?
It is best to discuss your treatment options with your doctor to decide the best solution for you. Your doctor understands what is involved in treating your uterine fibroids and any other health problems you have. However, it is important that you ask questions and make sure you know what would be involved in a hysterectomy and a fibroid embolization so that, together, you and your doctor can make a decision.
If you are experiencing bloating, unexplained weight gain, or pain in your abdomen, you may be suffering from an enlarged uterus. The uterus is designed to expand from the size of your fist to the size of a watermelon to accommodate a growing baby. However, if your uterus is expanding and you’re not expecting, you need to see your doctor to make a diagnosis. Many times, an enlarged uterus is not a cause for alarm. However, there are some conditions that will need medical intervention.
What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Uterus?
The symptoms of an enlarged uterus can vary based on the condition. Sometimes women do not experience any symptoms and an enlarged uterus is only detected by a doctor’s examination. However, some or all of these symptoms may be present:
Lower Abdominal Pain – Pain in the lower abdomen may indicate an enlarged uterus, but it could also be due to many other conditions.
Bloating – Because an enlarged uterus may press on the bowels, bloating and excess gas can occur.
Unexplained weight gain – Sudden weight gain often occurs when there are hormonal changes in the body. If the uterus is enlarged, women may have unexplained weight gain in the waist area.
Constipation – Due to pressure on the bowels, some women experience constipation when they have an enlarged uterus, although some experience diarrhea instead.
Headaches – An enlarged uterus has been known to cause or increase the frequency of headaches and migraines.
Problems with menstruation – Having an enlarged uterus can cause various problems with menstruation cycles. There may be heavy bleeding, irregular periods, spotting, and menstrual blood clotting. Because of the heavy bleeding, anemia can be a symptom of an enlarged uterus as well, causing fatigue.
Frequent urination – Pressure on the bladder from an enlarged uterus can cause frequent urination or incontinence issues.
Pregnancy or conception problems – An enlarged uterus can cause complications in women who are already pregnant, or who are trying to conceive. It can lead to premature labor and miscarriage. For those trying to conceive, it can hamper fertility.
What Are the Causes of an Enlarged Uterus?
An enlarged uterus can be caused by several different conditions, some are benign, but some of them require medical attention. The following are some of the common causes of an enlarged uterus.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are the most common cause of an enlarged uterus, with as many as 75% of women developing them in their lifetimes. They are noncancerous tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Some fibroids are very small, but they may grow up to be several pounds. The size of the fibroids determines the severity of the symptoms that accompany them. A woman may only have one fibroid, but there can also be multiple. Some women are more likely to get fibroids – women over 50, overweight or obese women, and African-American women. Genetic and hormonal components play a part in the growth of fibroids.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus starts to grow into its muscular wall. The cause of adenomyosis isn’t known, but it does usually occur in women over 30 who have had children. It is also more common in women who have previously had uterine surgery, including C-sections. This condition can cause long and heavy periods and progressively more painful periods. Adenomyosis typically occurs after a woman’s childbearing years and doesn’t normally require treatment other than pain medication.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs within or on the surface of the ovary. Usually, ovarian cysts are harmless and cause little or no pain. Many ovarian cysts go away with no treatment within a few months of appearing. However, sometimes they do become serious, causing severe pain – especially if they rupture.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer can cause the uterus to become enlarged. Obviously, this can be a very serious condition that may require a woman to have a hysterectomy to remove the uterus. In addition to the symptoms listed above, uterine cancer may cause vaginal bleeding that is not associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Most of the time and the enlarged uterus isn’t related to a serious medical problem, and may even go away on its own. It is important to remember that if you have any of the symptoms above, or if any of the causes are prevalent in the women in your family, you should see a doctor and be examined to determine the cause and the best way to proceed. Because an enlarged uterus doesn’t always cause a woman to be symptomatic, it is also important that regular exams and tests are performed as recommended by your doctor.
Millions of women worldwide struggle with uterine fibroids, and have gone on to successfully receive treatment. If you were just diagnosed with fibroids, or suspect you may have one, don’t panic! Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Are Uterine Fibroids?
A uterine fibroid, also know as a leiomyoma or myoma, is a benign (non-cancerous) mass of muscle and connective tissue found inside, or just outside, the uterus. A fibroid’s size can range widely, from the size of a seed or smaller to – in extreme cases – the size of a grapefruit. Uterine fibroids are extremely common, with 20 to 80 percent of women developing fibroids by the time they reach 50.
Where To Find Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids classify into to three types, depending on the location they’re found in or near the uterus:
Intramural uterine fibroids are the most common, and grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, pack pain or pressure, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Subserosal uterine fibroids form outside the uterus and protrude inward, causing prolonged and heavy bleeding, and even anemia.
Submucosal uterine fibroids, while not as common as other types of fibroids, grow just beneath the surface of the uterus lining and protrude outward. These fibroids are less likely to impact your menstrual cycle, but may cause back pain or bladder pressure.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
The cause of uterine fibroids are still unclear. However, it’s been documented that fibroids are likely associated with a high level of estrogen, and potentially family genetics. Uterine fibroids don’t develop until a women’s reproductive years and disappears or shrinks during menopause when estrogen levels decrease.
Additionally, African-American women, frequent red meat eaters, and women who are overweight are considered to be at higher risk.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
The most frequent uterine fibroid symptoms women experience are:
Heavy bleeding for longer durations
Pelvic pain and pressure, including pain during intercourse
Feeling of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen
Need to urinate more frequently
Weight gain
Constipation
Reproductive issues, including possible infertility
Most women who develop fibroids don’t have any symptoms since they’re small enough to go without noticing them.
However, if you suspect you may have a fibroid, make sure to visit your health provider. An annual pelvic exam can detect and diagnosie if one has fibroids. Other methods of diagnosis may be need an ultrasound, MRI, or hysteroscopy.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options
The good news, is that if you have a fibroid causing symptoms, there are a number of fibroid treatment options available. The size and location of the fibroid(s), as well as your age and desire to bear children, determines the best treatment options available.
Medication can cause them to shrink from blocking the production and secretion of estrogen. Low-dose birth control, for instance, can be be prescribed to control symptoms of fibroids, like heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.
Other medications to treat fibroids include “gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists” (GnRHA), such as Lupron®. GnRHA can help make fibroids easier to remove, or provide temporary relief of symptoms, but are also known to have side effects including decreasing sex drive, hot flashes, and depression.
In more extreme cases, you may require surgery, with the type of surgery depending on the location of the fibroid. There are also non-surgical ways to eliminate fibroids.
Invasive Surgical Procedures
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus or full female reproductive system, which should only be done when you no longer desire to become pregnant. Fibroids account for nearly one-half of hysterectomies performed annually in the United States. While effective in removing fibroids, this is a major operation and has a 30 percent complication rate. Before you jump into getting a hysterectomy, make sure you get a second opinion since there are several alternative options available that aren’t nearly as intrusive. Recovery time from a hysterectomy takes several weeks.
Myomectomy
Unlike the hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus, the myomectomy is a surgical procedure to only remove the fibroids. This procedure is a good option for women who still want to have children, however there are risks involved since this is still considered an invasive surgery. Complications can include blood loss, uterine scaring that impairs fertility, and a higher chance of fibroid regrowth.
Alternative To Surgery
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Uterine fibroid embolization is a much less invasive technique compared to a hysterectomy, and has a higher success rate than myomectomies.
During a uterine fibroid embolization, a small incision (the size of a dot) is made on your upper thigh and a tiny tube is inserted through the incision into the femoral artery. A trained physician locates the blood supply to the fibroid, which is then blocked by plastic or gel particles injected into the blood vessels. Without a steady blood supply, the fibroids begin to shrink.
This non-surgical, out-patient procedure typically lasts under an hour and is performed under local anesthetic and sedation. Patients undering UFE are back at work in a few days, instead of weeks. The procedure also has a very high success rate, with 94 percent of all UFE patients experiencing relief from fibroid symptoms and significant fibroid shrinkage.
Understand Your Options
If fibroids are affecting your daily life, it makes sense to seek medical professional treatment. But remember, invasive procedures, such as a hysterectomy, should be the very last resort to treating fibroids.
If you would like to learn more about nonsurgical treatment for fibroids, call us at (866) 479-1523 to set up a free consultation.
Even though uterine fibroids can affect up to 80% of women by the age of 50, they are generally benign and asymptomatic. Many women are not even aware that they have fibroids. However when uterine fibroids grow large enough, they can cause symptoms which run the range from simply annoying to negatively impacting quality of life. Often, the type and severity of the symptom depends on the size and type of fibroid, determined by where in the uterus they are located. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, uterine fibroids may be the cause.
Prolonged, Heavy, or Painful Periods
This is a symptom which is most common with submucosal fibroids, which grow on the interior of the uterus, and the intramural fibroids which grow imbedded in the muscular uterine wall. Women who suffer heavy periods know how trying annoying that time of month can be. At its extreme, this symptom can drastically impact someone’s quality of life.
Beyond the practical considerations involved in the management of a heavy flow and passage of clots, long term heavy bleeding can lead to anemia related exhaustion and other difficulties. Fibroids can also be a factor if you have painful periods, as intramural fibroids can make cramps much more intense by interfering with the proper function of the uterine muscle.
Bloating, Fullness, or Pain in the Pelvic Area
Even though usually benign, a uterine fibroid is essentially a tumor-like overgrowth of abnormal tissue. It is little wonder then that having fibroids in and on your uterus can cause symptoms such as a feeling of fullness or bloating. Submucosal fibroids in particular can give a feeling of heaviness in the uterus. Fibroids can also cause generalized pain as they take up space meant for your uterus or other organs. Acute pain is rare, but can happen if a fibroid outgrows its blood supply or significantly impedes the proper function of other organs.
Back and Leg Pain
Back and leg pain is most common with Subserosal uterine fibroids, which grow on the outside of the uterus. If the fibroid is located on the back of the uterus, it is very close to the spinal column. If it becomes large enough it can press on or pinch the nerves in that area, causing lower back pain. It can also cause sciatica as the fibroid presses against the sciatic nerve and sends pain down the back of the legs.
Frequent Urination or Constipation
Urinary incontinence is sometimes a sensitive subject, but have you considered that there may be factors at work beyond a lack of bladder control? If a uterine fibroid grows on the top of the uterus, it shares pelvic space with the bladder. This restricts the size available to the bladder, causing the need to go more often as well as contributing to urinary incontinence. At its worst, obstruction of the bladder and urinary tract can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and blood in the urine. Similarly, if the fibroid is located near the colon, it can obstruct normal bowel movement and lead to constipation as well as painful passage of stools. If you are experiencing frequent UTIs, constipation, or discover blood in your urine or stools, promptly seek medical care.
There are many reasons a woman might experience pain during intercourse, but did you know that uterine fibroids could be a contributing factor? Submucosal and intramural fibroids in particular interfere with the normal operation of the uterus, pulling it out of shape and making any contractions or pressure painful. This can cause difficulties during sex, including bleeding if the fibroids are located near the cervix. The imbalance of hormones which fibroids cause can also have a negative effect on a woman’s libido, lowering desire and making intercourse less enjoyable. Sexual symptoms can be especially telling if you have never before had a problem with intercourse, but have recently started to experience a decrease in desire, pain, or bleeding. If you do experience pain or bleeding during intercourse, you should seek out the advice of a doctor right away.
Complications With Pregnancy
While uterine fibroids can cause many complications in day to day life, some of the most heart breaking happen during pregnancy. While the exterior Subserosal fibroids can have little to no effect on a healthy pregnancy, other types can. Interior submucosal fibroids, if located near the middle of the uterus, can make it hard for the fetus to properly imbed in the uterine lining. If it is a large fibroid with lots of blood vessels, it can also interfere with the proper functioning of the placenta by monopolizing blood flow which should be going to the fetus. A study conducted in 2000 suggested that even smaller fibroids located in close proximity to the placenta could cause an increase in bleeding and early pregnancy loss. The same study noted that among women with subserosal and intramural fibroids, the miscarriage rate was 40% in the first trimester and 17% in the second trimester. Intramural and subserosal fibroids can also cause complications with labor and birth, even after an otherwise healthy pregnancy. In fact, the presence of fibroids is associated with a six times greater risk of cesarean section.
The presence of fibroids can also make it difficult to even become pregnant. The same factors which cause early miscarriage in some women can make it difficult to become or sustain a pregnancy at all. In a small but significant percentage of women, fibroids can even be determined to be the exclusive cause of infertility and repeated miscarriage. It is highly recommended that women seeking treatment for infertility have any existing fibroids addressed before attempting IVF or other assisted conception methods.
The good news is that there are many options available for the treatment of uterine fibroids. If the symptoms above manifest, or begin to effect your quality of life, the fibroids which cause them can be easily and safely addressed. Speak to your doctor about available treatments, including non-surgical options such as uterine fibroid embolization.
If you have just been diagnosed with calcified uterine fibroids you are not alone. Experts estimate that a quarter of all women will experience uterine fibroids at some time in their lives. Since fibroids usually occur in women who are of childbearing age, they can be a life-long condition.
How are Calcified Fibroids Different from Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that grow within or in close proximity to the uterus. These benign tumors are made of muscular tissue and can be present without being detected at all. While there are definitive references and categories for the varying types of fibroids differentiating how they grow, etc. the cause of fibroids is not known and is generally attributed to hereditary factors, and estrogen levels.
Fibroids can vary in size, location and ability to grow. Some fibroids do not grow once formed and others can grow from being barely visible to becoming large and weighing many pounds. Some women do not experience any symptoms.
Calcified fibroids are different only because they typically have become larger than the blood supply that was attributed to the growth. Now that the blood supply has been compromised the tumor degenerates and may become smaller. In this process calcium is produced and leaves deposits on the mass. The fibroid is now calcified and has a somewhat grainy texture.
The treatment options for the calcified fibroid do not vary from the treatment modalities that were available to treat the fibroid prior to the calcification. A major factor in treatment is whether or not you want to bear children.
It is necessary to have a gynecologist who is aware of the modern approaches to calcified fibroid treatment as there have been many new additions to the course of symptom relief.
Surgically removes the entire uterus. Child-bearing cannot occur.
Endometrial Ablation
The lining of the uterus is removed with various methods. Women who choose this method can no longer bear children.
Myolisis
Via a needle inserted directly into the fibroid, electric current is emitted destroying the fibroid. Freezing elements can also be used.
There are newer treatments available as well. With calcified fibroids the flow of blood is extremely limited or has been stopped completely. The treatment options are very specific here and understanding your unique health situation is the key to a great decision.
A great resource to learn more about the alternative to fibroid surgeries that are currently available to women who suffer from calcified uterine fibroids can be found at www.fibroids.com. Here you can gather a wealth of information about the subject, see real testimonials, and effectively equip yourself to make an informed decision with your health care professional about what treatment will work best with your particular condition and lifestyle. Our board certified physicians are experts at the many different medical approaches that can be utilized today.
Any fibroid malfunction in a woman is a serious condition; however, a fibroid condition during a potential pregnancy must be taken especially seriously. Here are the facts that you need to know about pregnancy and abnormal fibroid conditions.
Can I Get Pregnant if I Have Uterine Fibroids?
The short answer to this question is yes. Many women with uterine fibroids become pregnant by totally natural means. The science behind fertility treatment and in the treatment of fibroids allows for a much higher chance of a safe conception. However, a woman who is either trying to become pregnant or is pregnant alongside a fibroid condition must stay under the watchful eye of a team of medical specialists.
Are There Any Complications that Fibroids Cause Within a Pregnancy?
Although it is perfectly possible for a woman with a fibroid condition to become pregnant, it is more difficult in some cases. Intramural and submucosal fibroids are the two major types of conditions that seem to affect the ability of a woman to conceive. Both of these fibroid conditions change the size and the overall shape of the cavity in the uterus. These conditions may also negatively affect in vitro fertilization, reducing overall fertility rates in some women by as much as 70 percent. The good news is that a fibroid will release its hold over the pregnancy rate of a woman if it is properly treated.
Fibroids that are not properly treated may also cause other problems after a pregnancy has been initiated. These problems include preterm delivery of the baby, a need for a cesarean section in order to give birth, a miscarriage, or abnormal fetus positioning. A woman that gives birth with a fibroid condition may also experience very heavy bleeding after giving birth.
How Do Fibroids Affect a Pregnancy?
The main problem with becoming pregnant while having a fibroid condition is the fibroid blocking the natural function of the uterus. The embryo is constantly receiving critically important messages from the uterine wall, and a fibroid condition may block or alter these messages. If they are altered or blocked in a serious enough way, the embryo will simply stop its process of development, and a miscarriage will occur.
A medical professional will work under the assumption that even the most silent and asymptomatic fibroid has the ability to cause damage to a growing embryo. Radiology is an essential discipline to include in the process of pregnancy if a fibroid condition has been identified in a pregnant woman. This is especially important for intramural fibroids, a fibroid that develops directly inside of the uterine cavity and competes for space with the embryo, almost like a jealous brother or sister. The result is a chemical interference with the growth of the embryo, and this condition may require a surgery.
Do you have uterine fibroids and want to get pregnant? Call (866) 479-1523 today for a FREE consultation.
Private researchers agree with government-sponsored research: Fibroids are almost three times as likely to occur in the bodies of African-American women than in any other race of woman in the United States. To what social or medical phenomenon we owe this statistic? The truth is that the overwhelming prevalence of fibroids in African-American women likely comes from a combination of social and biological factors.
Medical Study of the Prevalence of Fibroids in African American Women
One of the most referred studies concerning the fibrosis condition was conducted by the Fibroid Relief program of the Charlottesville, Virginia nonprofit Focused Ultrasound Foundation. This particular study surveyed 968 eligible fibroids positive women, 28 percent of whom were African-American women. These women had an outsized and disproportionate incidence of fibroids although they were no different from the other women in the survey when educational level, overall health, employment status and number of children were considered. However, the African-American women had significantly less income, were overwhelmingly single and lived in less inviting geographic conditions.
These factors of differentiation were found to be significant in determining whether fibroids developed in a woman. This study, along with other studies along the same lines, showcased that social conditions were a part of why African-American women developed fibroids at an outsized rate. Basically, the stress that came from the lower quality of life that African-American women experienced created conditions in which fibroids were more likely to occur.
Is It All Environment?
African-American women were also much more likely than other races of women to experience the symptoms of fibroids for longer periods of time before seeking medical help. They were more likely than other races of women to try to control the symptoms using over-the-counter drugs. As a result, most of the African-American women experienced a more serious load of symptoms when reporting their condition to a doctor for the first time.
The study also found that African-American women have a genetic predisposition to develop fibroids more often than white women. However, this genetic predisposition is exacerbated because of a severe lack of vitamin D in the environment of most African-American women. Vitamin D is essential in combating the development of uterine fibroids in all women. In short, various conditions of biology and socioeconomics combine to create a much greater risk to the African-American childbearing female population of developing problems with fibroids.
Facing hysterectomy or myomectomy? Speak with us to learn more about nonsurgical cure for fibroids. Call us at (866) 479-1523 for a FREE consultation.
Not all fibroids are the same. Each type forms in distinct positions in and around the uterus, and some have unique properties.
What are the Symptoms?
What are the Symptoms?
Many women with fibroids speculate whether uterine fibroids can ultimately lead to infertility. Fibroids do often have an impact on fertility, but this impact varies drastically from case to case.
A 
Intramural uterine fibroids are the most common, and grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, pack pain or pressure, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Heavy bleeding for longer durations
Back and Leg Pain
