Fibroids are benign growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus they become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The cause of fibroids is unknown.

Causes

It’s unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formati on.

Hormones

Fibroids are mainly esrogen dependent. Hence, they are seen to appear or grow during the reproductive life of a woman. (15 to 45 years).

Family history

Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you’re pregnant. However, many fibroids do remain silent during pregnancy.

Are you at Risk?

Women are at greater risk for developing fibroids if they have one or more of the following risk factors:

A family history of fibroids

Age of 30 or older

African-American

A high body weight

Symptoms :

Heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots

Pain in the pelvis or lower back

Increased menstrual cramping

Increased urination

Pain during intercourse

Menstruation that lasts longer than usual

Pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen

Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen

Diagnosis

We advise pelvic exam to check the condition, size, and shape of your uterus. You may also need other tests, which include: Ultrasound & Pelvic MRI

Surgery

It is indicated when the fibroids are large in size, or causing problems or causing infertility. Surgery to remove very large or multiple growths may be performed. This is known as a myomectomy. An abdominal myomectomy involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. The surgery can also be performed laparoscopically, using a few small incisions into which surgical tools and a camera are inserted. Fibroids might grow back after surgery.

If your condition worsens, or if no other treatments work, your physician may perform a hysterectomy. However, this means that you won’t be able to bear children in the future.

What can be expected in the long term ?

Fibroids may not need treatment if they’re small or don’t produce symptoms. If you’re pregnant and have fibroids, or become pregnant and have fibroids, we will carefully monitor your condition. In most cases, fibroids don’t cause problems during pregnancy.

How are fibroids treated?

Usha being a laparoscopic surgeon develops a treatment plan based on age and the size of your fibroids, and your overall health. Or you may receive the combination of treatments.

Medications

To regulate your hormone levels medications may be prescribed to shrink fibroids. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) such as leuprolide will cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This will eventually stop menstruation and shrink fibroids.

GnRH antagonists, such as cetrorelix, also help reduce fibroids. They work by stopping your body from producing FSH & LH hormone.

Other options that can help control bleeding and pain but wont shrink or eliminate fibroids include: