Uterine Fibroid
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. They are also known as leiomyomas or myomas. These growths vary in size, ranging from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit.
Fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and backache. In some cases, they may also lead to reproductive problems such as infertility or recurrent miscarriages.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but factors such as hormonal imbalances, genetics, and estrogen levels are believed to play a role in their development.
Treatment options for uterine fibroids depend on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s reproductive plans. They can include medication to control symptoms,
TREATMENT
Uterine Fibroid treatment depends on
Medication: Treatment is not always necessary especially if there are no symptoms or they do not affect your everyday activities. In such conditions medication can suffice. The medication can be aimed towards two results a) recess the effect of symptoms or b) shrink the fibroids.
Surgery : If medication is ineffective & the symptoms do not recede in severity thus surgery should be considered. Hysterectomy & Laparoscopy the two main procedures are discussed below.
Hysterectomy(laparoscopic,open,vaginal) : A hysterectomy should be considered if you have large fibroids or severe bleeding and you don’t wish to have any more children since it involves removal of the womb. It’s an effective way of preventing fibroids coming back. The side effects of this procedure can include early menopause and a loss of libido (sexual drive). But the later only occurs when ovaries are removed.
Myomectomy : If you wish to have children then the suitable option would be myomectomy. It is surgery where the fibroids are removed from the wall of the womb. But it is important to note that a myomectomy may not be the answer to all types of fibroids. Your gynecologist can evaluate the suitability based on the size, position & number of fibroids. You will require to spend few days in the hospital to recover after the surgery.