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Understanding Fibroids: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

Uterine fibroids, commonly referred to as growths or lumps within the uterus, are a condition many women encounter. The term “fibroid” itself can be daunting, as many patients associate it with cancer. However, Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, from Sahyadri Hospital in Pune, offers clarity on the nature of fibroids, their types, symptoms, and impact on pregnancy. Here’s a closer look at fibroids, providing essential information to help demystify this common diagnosis.

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or on the uterus. While they are generally harmless, they can cause various symptoms depending on their type, size, and location. The word “lump” or “growth” associated with fibroids may alarm patients, but it’s essential to understand that fibroids are typically not cancerous.

Dr. Chaudhary explains that there are three primary types of fibroids, each located in different regions of the uterus:
Subserosal Fibroids: These fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus and are often asymptomatic. They usually do not interfere with normal uterine functions or cause significant discomfort.
Intramural Fibroids: These are located within the uterine muscle wall. While some women may not experience symptoms, larger intramural fibroids can cause pain, bleeding, and may exert pressure on surrounding organs like the bladder and intestines.
Submucosal Fibroids: Found inside the uterine cavity, submucosal fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and severe cramps. These fibroids often have the most direct impact on uterine functions and can affect a woman’s quality of life more significantly than the other types.

The presence and severity of symptoms depend on the size and location of the fibroids. Here’s what patients may experience based on different types:

• Asymptomatic Cases: Many women with subserosal fibroids remain unaware of their presence until they undergo routine ultrasound scans, revealing fibroids that may be as large as 6-7 cm.
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Pain: Submucosal fibroids, situated within the uterine cavity, are known for causing excessive bleeding during menstruation and intense cramping.
• Pressure on Neighboring Organs: Larger intramural fibroids can exert pressure on nearby organs, potentially causing symptoms like frequent urination, constipation, or discomfort.

A common concern among women diagnosed with fibroids is whether these growths can interfere with conception or pregnancy. According to Dr. Chaudhary, the effect of fibroids on pregnancy depends on their type and location:

• Subserosal Fibroids: Since they grow on the outer surface of the uterus, subserosal fibroids rarely impact pregnancy or interfere with implantation.
• Intramural Fibroids: These fibroids may have an impact if they are located near the uterine cavity and restrict blood supply to the endometrial lining, where embryo implantation occurs. This is typically assessed through ultrasound imaging to determine if intervention is necessary.
• Submucosal Fibroids: These can obstruct the uterine cavity, posing potential challenges to conception. In such cases, surgical removal is often recommended to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

While some women might wonder if medications can dissolve fibroids, Dr. Chaudhary clarifies that fibroids do not typically respond to medication alone. Fibroids are solid growths, and it is unlikely for them to shrink or disappear with medicinal treatment alone. Surgical intervention is often the most effective option, especially in cases where fibroids cause discomfort or impact fertility.

Laparoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique allows for the safe removal of fibroids without requiring an open surgical procedure. Laparoscopic surgery is now widely preferred due to its precision, faster recovery time, and less postoperative pain.
Hysteroscopic Surgery: For fibroids located within the uterine cavity, hysteroscopic surgery is often recommended. This procedure involves removing fibroids via the vaginal route, especially helpful for submucosal fibroids affecting fertility.

Dr. Chaudhary emphasizes that uterine fibroids are treatable, and patients can overcome fertility challenges with the right intervention. While fibroids are common, the decision to treat them depends on symptoms, impact on fertility, and personal preference. Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries offer women options for fibroid removal without extensive downtime, allowing many to pursue their reproductive goals.

If you have questions about uterine fibroids, treatment options, or other women’s health concerns, you can reach out to the Sahyadri Hospitals Pune team. Their experienced professionals are available to provide guidance and address any doubts.

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