Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors of the wall of the uterus. Fibroids in women are relatively frequent. Neoplasms can be very small or can grow up to 15 cm or more in diameter. A majority of uterine fibroids are the inside of the uterus. But sometimes fibroids can reach such proportions, they do not fit in the uterus, it stops, and it affects neighboring organs.
Signs and Symptoms
- Symptoms of uterine fibroids may include:
- Pelvic pain;
- The feeling of pressure in the pelvis;
- Heavy menstrual bleeding;
- Blood clots during menstruation;
- The extended periods of menstruation;
- Bleeding between periods;
- Increased cramps during periods of menstruation;
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Frequent urination;
- Constipation;
- Abdominal distension;
- Pain in back or leg pain;
- Sterility, due to obstruction of the uterine fallopian tube;
- Involuntary abortion.
If the bleeding is heavy, they can develop iron deficiency anemia, causing a decrease in the level of red blood cells.
Causes
The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown.
- The growth of fibroids is stimulated by exposure to female sex hormones.
- Fibroids grow during pregnancy, and decrease after delivery;
- Fibroids become less during menopause. But, by treatment with hormone replacement therapy (AFE), the symptoms of uterine fibroids are amplified.
Risk Factors
- The risk of uterine fibroids increases with age (before menopause);
- The family history of uterine fibroids.
Diagnosis
Most of the cases of fibroids detected during the inspection of the pelvic area.
For an accurate diagnosis of uterine fibroids, they may need to make pictures of the uterus and surrounding organs. For these purposes:
- Abdominal ultrasound;
- Transvaginal ultrasound;
- CT or MRI;
- Hysteroscopy
Treatment and Management
Most women with uterine fibroids do not experience any symptoms and do not need treatment. The doctor may recommend regular exams to monitor the condition of the uterus. Then, if the need arises, the therapy can be administered.
- Mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid, which can reduce menorrhagia and pain, are safe and generally well tolerated. Since they should only be taken during menstruation, the main side effects are rare.
- Selective modulators of the progesterone receptor offer an alternative in the medical treatment of fibroids.
- Radiological treatment
- Surgical treatment