Definition
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop within or attach to the wall of the uterus, a female reproductive organ.
Symptoms
- Sensation of fullness or pressure in lower abdomen
- Pelvic cramping or pain with periods
- Abdominal fullness, gas
- Increase in urinary frequency
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), sometimes with the passage of blood clots
- Sudden, severe pain due to a pedunculated fibroid
Note: There are often no symptoms.
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Definition
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop within or attach to the wall of the uterus, a female reproductive organ.
Causes
Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor .
The cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown. Oral contraceptives and pregnancy lower the risk of developing new fibroid tumors.
Fibroids may be present in 15 - 20% of women in their reproductive years -- the time after starting menstruation for the first time and before menopause. Fibroids may affect 30 - 40% of women over age 30. Fibroids occur 2 to 3 times more frequently in African-American women than in Caucasian women.
The growth of a fibroid seems to depend on the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, the fibroids will probably continue to grow, usually slowly.
Fibroids rarely affect females younger than 20 or who ...
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Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the patient's age, whether or not she is pregnant, the desire for future pregnancies, her general health, and characteristics of the fibroids. Some women may just require monitoring of the fibroid. This requires pelvic exams or ultrasounds every once in a while.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naprosyn may be recommended for women who have cramps or pain with menstruation. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may be used to help control heavy periods and to stop the fibroid from growing. Iron supplements may be given to prevent anemia in women with heavy periods.
In some cases, hormonal therapy involving drugs such as injectable Depo Leuprolide is prescribed to shrink the fibroids. This medicine reduces the production of the hormones ...
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Other Names
Leiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids
Possible Complications
Fibroids may cause infertility . They may also cause premature delivery.
Severe pain or excessively heavy bleeding with fibroids may require emergency surgery.
In rare cases, cancerous changes may occur. These usually take place after menopause. The most common warning sign is rapid growing of a fibroid. A definite diagnosis is usually not made until the time of surgery.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Prior to menopause, fibroids are likely to grow slowly.
As a general rule, fibroids don't interfere with fertility. However, a tumor sometimes blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs. In some cases, fibroids may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine lining. However, proper treatment may restore fertility.
After a pregnancy is established, existing fibroids may grow due to the increased blood flow and estrogen levels. These usually return to their original size after the baby has been delivered.
Most women are able to carry their babies to term, but some of them end up delivering prematurely because there is not enough room in the ...
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Exams and Tests
A pelvic examination may reveal an irregularly shaped, lumpy, or enlarged uterus. Frequently, this diagnosis is reliable. In some cases, diagnosis of fibroids is difficult, especially in obese women. Fibroid tumors have been mistaken for ovarian tumors, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, and pregnancy.
A transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may be performed to confirm the findings.
A D and C or a pelvic laparoscopy may be necessary to rule out potentially cancerous conditions.
Support Groups
National Uterine Fibroid Foundation - www.nuff.org
References
L Speroff, M Fitz. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility . 7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.
Casini ML, Rossi F, Agostini R, Unfer V. Effects of the position of fibroids on fertility. Gynecol Endocrinol . 2006 Feb;22(2):106-9.
