Are you aware of uterine fibroids? Let's talk about them in detail!

Do you sometimes experience unbearable bleeding during your period? Or do you just feel a fullness or heaviness in your lower abdomen? Maybe these are due to a type of tumor that develops in the uterus. Today we are going to talk about something that many women develop, but not many people know about. That is uterine fibroids, or as we say in English, `(Uterine Fibroids)`.

What are uterine fibroids?

Simply put, uterine fibroids are growths made of muscle and tissue that form on the wall of your uterus, or inside or outside the uterus. They are also called ``Leiomyomas``. The important thing is that these tumors are usually not cancerous (that is, they are ``benign``). In fact, they are the most common type of non-cancerous tumor found in women.

These uterine fibroids can sometimes cause various symptoms, such as pain, heavy and irregular vaginal bleeding, etc. However, some people can have these fibroids without any symptoms. They may not even know they have them. Whether or not to treat the fibroids is usually determined by the symptoms you have.

Where do these nuts grow?

Uterine nodules can develop as a single lump (`single nodule`) or as a cluster. These lumps can range in size from as small as 1 millimeter to as large as 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) or more. Imagine, they can grow from as small as a seed to as large as a watermelon! They can grow inside the wall of your uterus, inside the main cavity of the uterus, or on the outer surface of the uterus.

What are the types of uterine fibroids?

There are different types of uterine fibroids, depending on where they form and how they are attached to the uterus. The main types are:

• Intramural fibroids: These are the most common type. These fibroids are located within the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Submucosal fibroids: These grow beneath the lining of the uterus. These are often the cause of heavy bleeding.
• Subserosal fibroids: These types of fibroids develop under the outer layer of the uterus. They can sometimes grow very large and extend into the pelvic cavity.
• Pedunculated fibroids: These are the least common type. These fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk-like part. They are also called "mushroom-like" because they have a stalk and a wide part at the top, similar to a mushroom.

Are uterine fibroids common?

Yes, these tumors are very common . It is said that between 40% and 80% of women with a uterus have them. They most often develop in women between the ages of 30 and 50. These tumors usually do not develop in women who have not had their first period. They are also less common in women who have gone through menopause.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Most small cysts do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, no treatment is needed other than regular check-ups with a doctor. However, if you have large cysts, you may experience a variety of symptoms. Some of them include:

• Heavy or painful bleeding during your period.
• Bleeding between menstrual periods.
• A feeling of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen.
• Having to urinate frequently (this can happen when a tumor presses on the bladder).
• Feeling pain during sex.
• Back pain.
• Constipation or a feeling of pressure in the rectum.
• Chronic vaginal discharge.
• Inability to urinate or to completely empty the bladder.
• Abdominal distention, which begins to look like a pregnant belly.

These symptoms usually stabilize or disappear after you go through menopause. This is because the body's hormone levels decrease.

What does the pain from uterine fibroids feel like?

If you have cysts, you may feel a variety of sensations. If you have small cysts, you may not feel anything or even know they are there. But when you have large cysts, you may feel discomfort and pain. These cysts can cause back pain, a stabbing pain in the abdomen, and even pain during sex.

What do these nuts look like?

The fruits usually look like round, smooth lumps. Sometimes, as mentioned earlier, they can be attached to a thin stalk and look like mushrooms.

What causes uterine fibroids?

The exact cause of this is not yet known . However, doctors believe that two hormones called estrogen and progesterone play a role. These tumors often develop in women of childbearing age. Studies have shown that these tumors grow during periods of high hormone levels (such as during pregnancy) and shrink during periods of low hormone levels (such as during menopause).

What are the risk factors for developing uterine fibroids?

There are several risk factors that can affect your chances of developing tumors. Some of them include:

• Obesity and having a high body mass index (`BMI`).
• Having a family history of having cysts.
• Childlessness.
• Early onset of menstruation.
• Late age for menopause.

What are the complications caused by uterine fibroids?

Most uterine fibroids do not cause serious complications. However, the most common complications are:

• Unmanageable pain.
• Swelling in your abdomen or pelvic area.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Anemia.
• Reduced ability to have children (`Infertility`) (this is very rare).

Can tumors cause anemia?

Yes, absolutely. Anemia is a condition that occurs when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body's organs. People who have frequent or heavy periods can develop anemia. These cysts can cause your periods to be very heavy, or you may bleed between periods. If you have symptoms of anemia (especially extreme fatigue) while you have cysts, be sure to talk to a doctor.

How do you find out if you have uterine fibroids?

Most often, a doctor finds uterine fibroids during a pelvic exam. The doctor may also suspect a fibroid because of heavy bleeding and other symptoms. There are several tests that can confirm whether a fibroid is present and to determine its size and location:

• Ultrasonography (ultrasound scan): This is a painless test that uses sound waves to create an image of your internal organs.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your internal organs.
• `(Computed Tomography - CT scan)` (CT scan): A CT scan uses X-ray images to create detailed pictures of your internal organs from different angles.
• Hysteroscopy: In this procedure, the doctor uses a scope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached) to look at the inside of the uterus. The scope is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): This is a detailed X-ray test. The doctor injects a special substance (contrast material) and then takes X-ray pictures of the uterus.
• Sonohysterography: In this test, the doctor inserts a small catheter into the vagina and injects saline solution into the uterus. This extra solution allows for clearer pictures than a regular ultrasound.
• Laparoscopy: In this test, the doctor makes a small incision in your lower abdomen. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the incision to examine the inside of your body.

How are uterine fibroids treated?

Treatment for uterine fibroids can vary depending on the size, number, location, and symptoms of the cysts. If you have no symptoms from the cysts, you may not need treatment. Small cysts can often be left alone without any treatment. Some people never have any symptoms or problems with the cysts. In such cases, your doctor will tell you to have regular pelvic exams or ultrasound scans to monitor the cysts.

But if you have symptoms of a tumor (such as anemia due to excessive bleeding, moderate to severe pain, urinary tract and bowel problems), you may need treatment to help. Your treatment plan will depend on several things:

• How many nuts do you have?
• The size of your nuts.
• Where are your nuts?
• What are your symptoms related to the tumors?
• Your desire to keep your uterus.

When choosing the best treatment option for you, you should also consider your plans for future pregnancies. Be sure to discuss your childbearing goals with your doctor when discussing treatment options.

Treatment options for uterine fibroids may include:

Medications

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications: These medications can help control the pain and discomfort caused by tumors. These include acetaminophen (like Panadol) and ibuprofen.
• Iron supplements: If you have anemia due to excessive bleeding, your doctor may tell you to take an iron supplement.
• Birth control: Birth control can also help control the symptoms of cysts (especially heavy bleeding during and after menstruation, and menstrual cramps). There are a variety of birth control options you can use. For example, oral contraceptive pills, rings, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These drugs shrink tumors. They are sometimes used before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove. However, these drugs are temporary. The tumor can grow back once you stop taking them.
• Oral therapies: Elagolix is ​​a new oral treatment for controlling heavy menstrual bleeding in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who are not yet menopausal. It can be taken for up to 24 months. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of this treatment. Another oral treatment called tranexamic acid is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women with uterine fibroids.

Important: It is very important to talk to your doctor about any medication you take. Always discuss any new medication with your doctor before starting it, and be aware of any potential complications.

Fibroid Surgery

There are several things to consider when considering different types of cyst removal surgery. The size, location, and number of cysts will affect the type of surgery, and your hopes for future pregnancies can also be important factors in developing a treatment plan. Some surgical options preserve your uterus and allow you to get pregnant in the future. While other options may damage your uterus or require the complete removal of your uterus.

Myomectomy: This is a surgery that allows the doctor to remove only the fibroids. There are several types of myomectomy. The best method for you will depend on where your fibroids are, how large they are, and how many of them you have. Myomectomy methods that remove fibroids may include:

• Hysteroscopy: The doctor inserts a scope (a thin, flexible, tube-like instrument) through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The scope is then used to cut and remove the cysts.
• Laparoscopy: In this procedure, the doctor uses a scope to remove the cyst. Unlike hysteroscopy, this procedure involves making several small incisions in your abdomen. The scope is inserted and removed through these incisions.
• Laparotomy (opening the abdomen): In this procedure, the doctor makes one large incision in your abdomen and removes the tumor through that incision.

If you don't plan to have children in the future, there are other options your doctor may recommend. These options can be very effective, but they usually prevent future pregnancies. They may include:

• Hysterectomy: In a hysterectomy, your doctor removes your uterus. A hysterectomy is the only way to cure fibroids. When the uterus is completely removed, the fibroids cannot grow back, and your symptoms will go away. If your ovaries are left in place, you will not go through menopause after a hysterectomy. This surgery may be recommended if you are bleeding heavily from the fibroids or if you have large fibroids. Hysterectomies are minimally invasive procedures that can be performed vaginally, laparoscopically, or using robotic technology.
• Uterine fibroid embolization: An interventional radiologist, with the help of your gynecologist, performs this procedure. They insert a small catheter into your uterine artery or radial artery and inject small particles into it. This stops the blood from flowing to the fibroids . When the blood flow stops, the fibroids shrink and your symptoms improve. This procedure is not suitable for everyone.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): This is a safe and effective method of treating uterine fibroids. It uses microwave (RF) energy. It is recommended for women who have not gone through menopause. It is used to treat small fibroids.

What are the risks of uterine fibroid treatment?

There are risks with any treatment. Medications can have side effects, and some may not be right for you. Before starting a new medication, talk to your doctor about any other medications you take and your complete medical history. If you develop side effects after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor about your options.

There are risks with myomectomy. As with any surgery, you have the risk of infection and bleeding, as well as the risks associated with anesthesia. Another additional risk with myomectomy is the effect on future pregnancies. Some surgical options can prevent future pregnancies. A myomectomy is a procedure that removes only the fibroids, allowing for future pregnancies. However, women who have a myomectomy may need to have a cesarean section (C-section) if they have children in the future.

How big do uterine fibroids have to be to be removed surgically?

There is no set size for a tumor that needs to be removed. Your doctor will decide whether surgery is necessary based on your symptoms. For example, a tumor the size of a small marble may cause excessive bleeding depending on its location. You can talk to your doctor about symptoms that may require surgery.

What happens if cysts are left untreated?

If you don't have symptoms, you may not need to treat your cysts. However, if you have large cysts, or if your symptoms are causing you pain or discomfort, treatment may be the best option. Only you and your doctor can decide what the best treatment option is, or whether treatment is necessary.

Can I get pregnant if I have uterine fibroids?

Yes, you can get pregnant if you have uterine fibroids. If you know you have fibroids when you get pregnant, your doctor will work with you to develop a plan to monitor your fibroids. During pregnancy, your body releases more hormones. These hormones help maintain the pregnancy. However, they can also cause your fibroids to grow larger. Larger fibroids can cause problems during pregnancy, such as:

• The risk of delivering the baby by cesarean section (C-section) increases because the fetus cannot turn head down.
• Labor not progressing.
• Placental abruption.
• Preterm delivery.

Can fruit change over time?

In fact, cysts can shrink or grow over time. They can change in size suddenly, or they can change in size slowly over a long period of time. There can be many reasons for this, but most of the time, the size of these cysts is related to the amount of hormones in your body. Cysts can grow when your hormone levels are high. This can happen during special times in your life (like during pregnancy). Cysts can also shrink when your hormone levels are low. This is common after menopause. In many cases, your symptoms will also improve after menopause.

Do warts go away on their own?

Some women may experience a reduction in their cysts after menopause. This is because hormone levels decrease. As the cysts shrink, your symptoms may go away. If your cysts are small and don't cause any symptoms, you may not need treatment.

Do you feel tired because of the nuts?

Feeling tired is not a common symptom of uterine fibroids. However, it is a common symptom of anemia. Anemia can occur when you are bleeding heavily. If you are feeling extremely tired, talk to a doctor so they can find the cause.

Do tumors make your stomach bigger?

Yes, large uterine fibroids can cause your belly to swell or appear larger.

Can tumors be prevented?

Usually, you can't prevent cysts from forming. But you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular pelvic exams. If you have small cysts, work with your doctor to develop a plan to keep an eye on them.

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, such as:

• Excessive and irregular vaginal bleeding.
• Bleeding between periods.
• Pelvic pain.
• Pain during sex.
• Feeling of pressure or fullness in the stomach.

Because these symptoms are common symptoms of other gynecological conditions, it is very important to talk to a doctor about them.

Are tumors cancerous?

It is very rare for a cyst to become malignant (cancerous). In fact, only about one in 350 people with cysts will develop cancer. There is no 100% accurate test for detecting rare cancers associated with cysts. However, it is important to seek medical attention immediately for women with rapidly growing uterine cysts, or for those who develop cysts after menopause.

Uterine fibroids are a common condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. Sometimes the fibroids are small and cause no symptoms. Other times, the fibroids can cause challenging symptoms, such as pain and heavy vaginal bleeding. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, talk to your doctor. Remember, fibroids can be treated.

The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so, let me simply tell you a few things you need to remember from what we've talked about:

• Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor that occurs in many women and is usually non-cancerous.
• Not everyone will experience symptoms, but be aware if you have symptoms like heavy bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or frequent urination.
• Although the exact cause is not known, it is believed that hormones (`Estrogen`, `Progesterone`) play a role.
• If you have symptoms, don't panic. There are various treatments available, including medication and surgery.
• Don't panic if you find out you have a lump, thinking it's cancer. It's very rare. However, if the lump grows rapidly or gets bigger after menopause, see a doctor right away.
• Talk openly with your doctor about your symptoms and future family plans, and choose the treatment that best suits you.
• It is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and undergo regular medical checkups.

So, I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. Stay healthy!

` Uterine Fibroids, Bleeding, Lower Abdominal Pain, Gynecology, Women's Health, Myomectomy