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Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growth of muscle and fibrous tissues (uterus) that form in or near the womb. Uterine myomas and leiomyomas are other names. 

Symptoms

Most women are clueless about fibroids because they do not undergo any symptoms.

Women who do have symptoms may experience the following:

  • Lower back pain
  • Heavy periods or painful periods
  • Tummy (abdominal) pain
  • Constipation
  • A frequent need to urinate
  • Pain or discomfort during sex

In certain rare cases, complications can affect pregnancy or cause infertility.

Reason for the development

The exact causes of fibroids are not yet known, but they link to the hormone oestrogen.

Fibroids usually evolve during a woman’s reproductive years (from around sixteen to fifty) when oestrogen levels are more elevated and shrink when oestrogen levels are low; after menopause. 

Types

Fibroids can develop anywhere in the womb and vary in size. The size of fibroids differs from the size of a pea to the size of a melon.

The primary types of fibroids are:

Fibroids
  • Intramural fibroids – the most frequent type of fibroid, develop in the wall of the womb
  • Subserosal fibroids – extend outside the womb’s division into the pelvis and can become huge
  • Submucosal fibroids – develop beneath the womb’s inner muscle lining and grow into the cavity of the womb

In some chances, submucosal fibroids get hooked into the womb with a stalk of tissue, known as pedunculated fibroids. 

Treatments

Treatments are unnecessary if the fibroids are not causing any symptoms. Usually, after menopause, they often shrink. If you undergo any fibroids symptoms, Certain medicine can help relieve the symptoms.

Medications are also available to help shrink fibroids. The doctor may recommend surgery or other less invasive procedures if these prove ineffective.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022