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Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms & Treatment

Uterine myomas, also known as fibroids, are benign tumors that develop in the muscular walls of the uterus. While the exact cause is unknown, their growth is linked to the hormone estrogen. Fibroids can vary significantly in size from tiny growths only visible microscopically to large tumors weighing several pounds. Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, and reproductive issues. Treatment options range from birth control pills and NSAIDs for mild symptoms, to procedures such as uterine artery embolization or myomectomy to remove fibroids, and hysterectomy as a last resort.

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482 views2 pages

Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms & Treatment

Uterine myomas, also known as fibroids, are benign tumors that develop in the muscular walls of the uterus. While the exact cause is unknown, their growth is linked to the hormone estrogen. Fibroids can vary significantly in size from tiny growths only visible microscopically to large tumors weighing several pounds. Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, and reproductive issues. Treatment options range from birth control pills and NSAIDs for mild symptoms, to procedures such as uterine artery embolization or myomectomy to remove fibroids, and hysterectomy as a last resort.

Uploaded by

Karlo Bartolome
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Uterine Myoma

Myomas are benign, monoclonal tumors of the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium. They are composed of large amounts of extracellular matrix containing collagen,bro-nectin, and proteoglycan.

Pathophysiology
The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. However, their growth has been linked to the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly. Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. However, they can grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus, and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there is more than one. Fibroids are often described by their location in the uterus:

Myometrial -- in the muscle wall of the uterus Submucosal -- just under the surface of the uterine lining Subserosal -- just under the outside covering of the uterus Pendunculated -- occurring on a long stalk on the outside of the uterus or inside the cavity of the uterus

Signs and Symptoms


The most common symptom of uterine myoma (fibroids) is:

Heavy and prolonged bleeding This may also involved clotting and pain. Anemia may result from this extensive bleeding. Abnormal bleeding is the primary uterine myoma symptom requiring women to seek medical advice.

Other uterine myoma (fibroid) symptoms may include:

Pain in the back of legs This uterine myoma (fibroid) symptom appears as the fibroids press on nerves that extend to the pelvis and legs. An abnormally enlarged abdomen--this may be mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy. Pelvic pain or pressure This symptom may appear as a result of the bulk or weight of the myoma (fibroids) pressing on other structures in the pelvic area. Pressure on the bladder This uterine myoma (fibroid) symptom can cause frequent urination, urinary incontinence or urine retention.

Pressure on the bowel This can lead to constipation or bloating. The constipation may be exacerbated by iron supplements taken for the anemia caused by excessive bleeding. Lower back pain Pain during sexual intercourse Reproductive problems can also be another uterine myoma (fibroid) symptom. Infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or premature labor during pregnancy can be caused by uterine myoma.

Treatment
Treatment for the symptoms of fibroids may include:

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) to help control heavy periods Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release the hormone progestin to help reduce heavy bleeding and pain Iron supplements to prevent or treat anemia due to heavy periods NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naprosyn for cramps or pain Short-term hormonal therapy injections to help shrink the fibroids

Surgery and procedures used to treat fibroids include:


Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids: Women who have fibroids growing inside the uterine cavity may need this outpatient procedure to remove the fibroid tumors. Uterine artery embolization: This procedure stops the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to die and shrink. Women who may want to become pregnant in the future should discuss this procedure with their health care provider. Myomectomy: This surgery removes the fibroids. It is often the chosen treatment for women who want to have children, because it usually can preserve fertility. More fibroids can develop after a myomectomy. Hysterectomy: This invasive surgery may be an option if medicines do not work and other surgeries and procedures are not an option.

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