|  | Family Health | Womens Health

Define Fibroids

According to uterine-fibroid.org, approximately 25 percent of fibroid tumors will need medical treatment and can cause symptoms. Fibroids are tumors that are found mainly in the uterus. However, fibroids can develop in organs with smooth muscle cells. These tumors develop in women in their reproductive or childbearing years. The cause of fibroids is unknown. Although fibroids are categorized as tumors, they aren't cancerous.

  1. Fibroids

    • Fibroid tumors are linked to estrogen production. These tumors can grow rapidly during pregnancy because extra estrogen is produced. However, the tumors stop growing and actually shrink during menopause. Once menopause begins, loss of estrogen occurs. Fibroid tumors vary in number and shape. They are solid tumors made of fibrous tissue, and they grow slowly. For instance, fibroids can range from greater than 20cm to as little as 1mm in diameter. Although fibroid tumors are referred to as fibroid cysts, they are not.

    Types

    • There are three types of fibroids, categorized by their location in the uterus. Subserosal or subserous fibroids can grow to be large and develop a stalk. Women with subserous fibroids do not have many symptoms. These tumors develop outside the uterus. With intramural fibroids, which develop on the uterine wall, the uterus can bulge. Submucous or submucosal fibroids are located within the uterine lining. These tumors can be the most problematic. For instance, submucosal fibroids can cause prolonged menstrual bleeding.

    Symptoms

    • There are several symptoms associated with fibroid tumors. Women can have repeated miscarriages, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, fatigue and frequent urination. They can experience infertility when fibroids block the fallopian tubes. There may be lower back pain during menstrual periods or sexual intercourse. In addition, abdominal swelling, constipation and bleeding between periods can occur.

    Diagnosis

    • If women have no symptoms or do not connect the above symptoms to the possibility of fibroids, then a diagnosis can take a long time. However, the tumors are usually discovered during a prenatal care visit or routine gynecologic exam. To confirm the diagnosis, the gynecologist will perform one or more tests. A laparoscopy can be inserted into the belly so the doctor can look for the tumors. In a pelvic ultrasound, the gynecologist will insert a wand-like instrument inside the vagina or move it around the lower abdomen to see images of the pelvic organs. A gynecologist can also perform an x-ray or a hysteroscopy.

    Treatment

    • When women are not suffering from symptoms, doctors will take a "if they don't bother you, we won't bother them approach". However, if women are affected by fibroids they can take medication to control unusual bleeding or shrink the tumors. Fibroids can be removed surgically if they become too large, cause significant problems or interfere with a woman's chance of conceiving.

Womens Health - Related Articles