Uterine Fibroids

When should you consider seeing our experts?

Many women with fibroids have no symptoms, but when these develop, they can be severe and have an impact on their quality of life.

You should consider seeing our experts, at Surya Hospital, if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeds
• Unusual pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent and uncontrollable urge to urinate
• Abdominal and lower back pain that worsens during or after sex
• Spotting, in between periods
• Constipation

What causes Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine Fibroids do not have a specific cause that can be pinpointed.

These are thought to emerge from an aberrant proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the uterus and have been linked with an abnormal increase in estrogen levels, which is quite common during pregnancy. Certain genetic factors may also play a role in this.

Risk factors that have been associated with increased incidence of fibroids include:

• Age (With risks being higher in women in their late 30s and 40s)
• Increased intake of red meat
• Family history of fibroids
• Being obese

Fibroids and Cancer

Despite being the most common types of tumours that develop within the uterus, uterine fibroids are benign and have nothing to do with uterine cancer.

Yes, it is important to seek expert medical intervention as these can give rise to unpleasant symptoms and complications like intermittent bleeding, severe pain, pelvic discomfort, spasms and constipation. Yet, it is important to seek expert medical intervention as these can give rise to unpleasant symptoms and complications like intermittent bleeding, severe pain, pelvic discomfort, spasms and constipation.

Fibroids and Fertility

Although not all, some types of fibroids can make it difficult for you to conceive. The problem may be experienced by nearly 5 to 10 per cent of women with fibroids.

The size of the fibroids may be a determining factor as fertility issues are likely to affect women with fibroids that are larger than 6 cm in diameter.

Fibroids and Pregnancy

The significant increase in estrogen and progesterone levels, which is common during pregnancy, can boost the growth of fibroids.

As far as the development of fibroids is concerned, pregnant women are less likely to develop these, with an incidence of only 0.1 to 3.9 per cent.

How we diagnose you

Our experts generally start by asking questions, evaluating your medical history and conducting a normal pelvic exam.

Based on the type and severity of the symptoms, if we suspect that you have Uterine Fibroids, further tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the size and location of the fibroids.

Common diagnostic modalities used by our team include:

• Lab tests for blood analysis
• Ultrasound

All these facilities are available in our diagnostic unit, to ensure a hassle-free experience for you.

Treatments

At Surya Hospital, our experts curate personalized treatments depending on the severity of the symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and whether or not you desire to have children in the future.

Common treatment strategies used by us include:

• Regular monitoring for women with asymptomatic fibroids and treating them if symptoms emerge or worsen.
• Medications like birth control pills, progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, to shrink fibroids and relieve discomfort.
• Surgery may be required if fibroids are causing serious symptoms or interfering with fertility. There are a number of surgical options available, including:
• Myomectomy: A surgical technique that removes fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, making it an option for women who want to have children in the future.
• Hysterectomy: A surgical operation to remove the uterus that provides a permanent solution to fibroids but is not an option for women who want to have children in the future.
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): It is a procedure used to treat Uterine Fibroids. It is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting tiny particles into the blood arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.