Fibroid : Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Fibroid : Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Uterine fibroids are a common type of noncancerous tumor that can grow in and on your uterus. Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination and pain during sex. Small fibroids often don’t need treatment, but larger fibroids can be treated with medications or surgery.

The three main types of fibroid are:

• Subserosal fibroids: These are the most common type. They grow on the outside of the uterus.
• Intramural fibroids: These grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Submucosal fibroids: These grow into the open space inside the uterus.

Symptoms

Most fibroids do not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some can cause significant discomfort.

The symptoms of uterine fibroids can include:

• heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, which can lead to anemia
• painful periods
• lower backache or leg pain
• constipation
• discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, especially in the case of large fibroids
• frequent urination
• pain during sexual activity, also known as dyspareunia

Treatment

GnRH agonists

A drug called a GnRH agonist causes the body to produce less estrogen and progesterone. This shrinks fibroids. GnRH agonists stop the menstrual cycle without affecting fertility after the end of treatment.

Hormonal birth control

Oral contraceptives help regulate the ovulation cycle, and they may help reduce the amount of pain or bleeding during periods. Low dose hormonal birth control does not

Surgery

Severe fibroids may not respond to more conservative treatment options. In these cases, surgery may be the best treatment option.

Endometrial ablation

Removing the uterine lining may help if fibroids are near the inner surface of the uterus. Endometrial ablation may be an effective alternative to a hysterectomy for some people with fibroids.

Myomectomy

This is the removal of fibroids from the muscular wall of the uterus. It can help people who still want to have children.

Sources: medicalnewstoday.com,clevelandclinic.org