Fibroids – Best Medical Care at Nyle Hospital

Fibroids are nothing but tumours found mostly in the reproductive system (uterus) of woman. They are smooth and soft muscle cells as well as connective tissues growing in the womb. It is generally estimated that about 20 – 50% of women at their reproductive age are influenced by fibroids. This noncancerous kind of tissue growth ranges in size from small to quite large.

Causes of Fibroids

It is unpredictable to know the real cause of fibroids because it may be due to several factors. Possible factors assumed by researchers include:

Hormonal Effect – may be due to fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone

Genetic in Nature – may be transferred genetically from blood relations

Since exact cause is unknown, managing and treating of fibroids is still under studies. However, it has been proven that hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can be used for controlling fibroid growth. It was found that fibroid growth was rapid during pregnancy due to very high hormone levels. They tend to shrink upon usage of anti-hormone therapy. The growth is stopped or shrunk when woman attains menopause stage.

Symptoms of Fibroids

The worst thing is most fibroids never cause any signs or symptoms, but few women detected with fibroid growth can have:

Heavy or painful bleeding during menstruation (heavy bleeding may sometimes lead to anaemia)

High-risk pregnancy and delivery

Bulging of lower abdomen

Sensation of fullness throughout the pelvic region, especially in the lower abdomen

Back pain (lower back)

Frequent urination

Pain during sexual activities

Rarely leads to reproductive problems, including infertility

Fibroid and Cancer

Most of the women have a doubt whether fibroids turn into cancer. Fibroids are mostly benign (non-cancerous; very rarely, 1 out of 1000 may have cancerous fibroid called leiomyosarcoma. However, it was suspected that already grown fibroids do not cause cancer. The risk of existing fibroids developing into cancerous fibroid is very less. In addition, they do not create the possibility for getting other type of uterus cancer.

Pregnancy and Fibroids

Fibroid during pregnancy is a common problem and such women are at the risk of complications during pregnancy and labour. However, most women having fibroids end in normal pregnancies. Some of the commonly occurring problems in women seen with fibroids include:

Caesarean Section Delivery: The intensity of having a c-section delivery is 6 times greater than women without fibroids.

Breech Baby: The position of baby is not suitable for normal vaginal delivery.

Labour Issues: If labour occurs, it may stop without progressing.

Placental Abruption: Sometimes, the placenta may break and detach from the uterus wall before delivery of baby. During such situation, the foetus suffocates without oxygen.

Preterm Delivery: The nutrients of mother are shared by the fibroids and baby. The woman may experience preterm labour or deliver a baby with less weight.

It is important to talk to the obstetrician, if the mother has fibroids while knowing her pregnancy. Obstetricians are capable of handling fibroids and pregnancy with their experience.