Causes
Typically, women of childbearing age are at the most risk for uterine fibroids. Up to 30 percent of women during their childbearing years will experience uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous and grow on the inner and outer walls of the uterus. The fibroids can be small lumps or one large tumor.
It is unknown what causes uterine fibroids. Physicians speculate that several factors come into play that interact with one another. Factors can be genetic, environmental or hormonal. Prevention or cures are not available until a cause for uterine fibroids is discovered.
Symptoms
Uterine fibroids do not interfere with pregnancy or fertility. One type of uterine fibroids, sub mucosal, may have an impact on infertility, but studies are unconfirmed. Sub mucosal fibroids are located inside the uterus. Symptoms include bleeding between menstrual periods, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pain and pressure, low back pain, cramping, pain during intercourse and frequent urination.
Uterine fibroids may be discovered during a gynecological exam. In a gynecological exam, a physician determines the size and shape of the uterus and, if needed, a sonogram is given to view the uterus. Uterine fibroids will show up if they are large enough.
Treatments
For those that do not have symptoms or the fibroids are small, a physician might recommend no treatment, or he may prescribe mild pain medications for pain as well as hormone-blocking medication as an alternative to surgery. Keep in mind that fibroids can grow back. The only sure way to prevent fibroids is to have a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy removes the entire uterus and fallopian tubes, either through the abdominal wall or vagina.
If the tumor or fibroid is very large, a vaginal hysterectomy may not be an option. A procedure called a myomectomy leaves the uterus intact while removing only the fibroids. For women who still want children, this is the better option. Another option is to have a uterine artery embolization, which cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, thereby making them shrink. This treatment is not advisable for women wanting children.
Tags: uterine fibroids, fibroids discovered, fibroids small, gynecological exam, menstrual periods, uterine fibroids