Uterine fibroids are common, and there is no single cause of them. They’re more common in women who have given birth earlier in life, or who have had more pregnancies. In some cases, the cause isn’t known either. Uterine fibroids occur when tissue inside the uterus develops abnormally and grows excessively to form a small but noticeable growth. They can grow on many sides and may extend beyond the outer wall of the uterus (mucosa). You may experience symptoms when your uterus is compressed by fibroid masses, such as pain during menstruation, constipation or backache. There are different types of uterine fibroids according to their appearance: submucosal fibroids tend to grow under the mucosa layer; subserosal fibroids grow under the serosa layer; and myometrial fibroids can grow anywhere within a healthy uterus wall.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
There are three main types of uterine fibroids. Submucosal fibroids are the most common type. They tend to grow under the mucosa layer of the uterus, and their growth can cause backache, constipation, and pelvic pressure. Subserosal fibroids grow under the serosa layer of the uterus and may cause abdominal pain and bloating. Myometrial fibroids are the least common type, and they can grow anywhere within a healthy uterus wall. They tend to grow in the same direction as the uterine wall, and they can be confused with benign uterine tumors.
Risk factors for uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids can develop in women who have had a large number of full-term pregnancies or who have given birth early in life. They’re also more common in women who have had an extremely heavy or long menstrual period. There are a few factors that may increase your risk of uterine fibroids. Too many cups of coffee? That definitely isn’t a risk factor for fibroids. Many medications you’re taking, like birth control pills and hormonal therapies for menopause? Yep, fibroids are more common in women taking those medications.
Symptoms of Uterine FibroIDs in Pregnancy
You may experience the following symptoms if you have uterine fibroids: – Bloating, abdominal discomfort, and back pain – Pain during menstruation (irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or cramps) – Sexual problems, including reduced lubrication in the vagina and inability to have an orgasm – Bruising more easily, or bleeding between periods – Fatigue or anemia (iron-deficiency anemia, which can be caused by uterine fibroids)
Diagnosing Uterine Fibroids in Pregnancy
A doctor can diagnose uterine fibroids based on your medical history and symptoms, your physical exam and any imaging tests that are performed. There are two common types of imaging used to diagnose fibroids: ultrasound and CT scan. Ultrasound is the most commonly used method, as it’s noninvasive, inexpensive, and can easily identify submucosal and subserosal fibroids. It’s a safe and effective way to identify uterine fibroids. There are certain conditions that might make it difficult to see an ultrasound image clearly, including severe anemia or pelvic inflammatory disease or infection. In those cases, CT scan is a better choice. Many women are concerned about the risks associated with radiation associated with a CT scan, so magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now more commonly used.
Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Pregnancy
The treatment of choice for uterine fibroids is laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the belly and suturing the fibroids to prevent them from growing. The fibroids might also be removed. Endometrial ablation is another treatment option for uterine fibroids. It involves implanting a device called a hysteroscope that heats the uterine wall. This causes the fibroids to shrink, and treatment can be completed in one visit. In cases where the fibroids aren’t causing symptoms, medical treatment might be enough. However, if you have severe symptoms, you may want to consider surgery.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are common, and there is no single cause of them. They can occur on any part of the uterine wall and can cause a variety of symptoms. They can be hard to diagnose because they don’t cause any pain or other symptoms in most women. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor. These fibroids are often found in women who have had a number of full-term pregnancies or who have given birth early in life. Certain medications or conditions such as polyps in the uterus, increased pressure from polyps, or excess weight may also increase your risk of developing fibroids. Uterine fibroids are not cancerous and there is no need for women to worry about dying from having these fibroids. They tend to grow larger during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, if you notice any signs of your fibroids during pregnancy, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.