Fibroids : Introduction, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Management and Prevention - www.genericdrugscan.com

Fibroids : Information

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in or around the uterus (womb). Fibroids are also known as uterine myomas or fibromyomas. Fibroids are made of muscle cells and fibrous tissues that grow in and around the wall of the uterus. The cause of fibroids is unknown. Risk factors include being overweight or obese and is mostly seen in African-American. They can grow anywhere in the uterus and are named according to their origin:

• Intramural fibroids: These types grows within the muscle tissue of the uterus . This is the most common place for fibroids to form.
• Sub serous fibroids: It grows from the outside wall of the uterus into the pelvis.
• Sub mucous fibroids: It is generally seen in the inner wall into the middle of the uterus .
• Pedunculated fibroids: It grows from the outside wall of the uterus or into cavity of uterus and is attached to it by a narrow stalk.

References:
www.nhs.uk
www.health.ny.gov
www.nlm.nih.gov

Many women with fibroids have no symptoms. If symptoms occur , these may include:

• Heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods
• Feeling "full" in the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Reproductive problems, such as infertility, multiple miscarriages or early labor

Reference: www.nlm.nih.gov

Fibroid is an overgrowth of smooth muscle cells. The uterus is mainly made of smooth muscle. The exact cause is still not clear.

• It can be genetic.
• It is seen that fibroids are sensitive to estrogen, the hormone that is made in the ovary. Fibroids tend to swell when levels of estrogen are high as during pregnancy. They also shrink when estrogen levels are low after the menopause.

Reference: www.health.ny.gov

Physical examination: Some fibroids can be felt during an internal (vaginal) examination by a doctor.

Transvaginal ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound scan is sometimes used to diagnose fibroids. It is generally a painless procedure that involves inserting a small probe into the vagina. The probe uses sound waves to create an image of uterus on a TV monitor.

Laparoscopy It is a procedure where a small tube that contains a light source and a camera is inserted into the abdomen. The camera transmits images of the inside of the abdomen or pelvis on a television monitor. The laparoscope can be flexible or rigid, depending on the procedure, but when diagnosing fibroids a rigid laparoscope is most often used.

For accurate diagnosis please consult your physician.

Reference: www.nhs.uk
www.health.ny.gov

Medicines that are used to treat heavy periods are:

• Tranexamic acid is prescribed for 3-4 times a day. It works by reducing the breakdown of blood clots in the womb.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid. These also help to ease period pain. They are taken for a few days at the time of period. They work by reducing the high level of a chemical (prostaglandin) in the lining of the uterus . Prostaglandin seems to contribute to heavy and painful periods.

Medication to shrink the fibroids: Women are given a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. This is a hormonal medicine that leads to low level of estrogen in body. Fibroids shrink if the level of estrogen falls. However, a low estrogen level can cause symptoms similar to the menopause (hot flushes, etc). These medications may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore this treatment is given for a maximum period of six months. GnRH analogues, such as goserelin (eg Zoladex ) or leuprorelin acetate (eg Prostap SR), are often prescribed for three to four months before having an operation, which will make it easier to remove fibroids. Sometimes a low dose of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is also given to reduce the incidence of menopausal side-effects.

A new medication treatment undergoing trials: A medicine called ulipristal acetate (UPA) has shown promise in preliminary research trials. This is currently used as an emergency contraceptive. It works by blocking the effects of the hormone progestogen. Progestogen is thought to play a role in fibroid development and so it was thought that this medicine may help to shrink fibroids. A small research trial has concluded that it does seem to have an effect on shrinking fibroids, with side-effects not being too troublesome. Further larger clinical trials are needed to establish whether this is indeed a good treatment option.

Surgery and other operative treatments: There are several different operations available to remove and treat fibroids.

Hysterectomy: This is the traditional and most common treatment for fibroids. Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus.

Myomectomy: This is a possible alternative, especially in women who may wish to have children in the future. In this operation, the fibroids are removed and the uterus is left. This procedure is not always possible.

Endometrial ablation: This procedure involves removing the lining of the womb. This can be done by different methods for example, using laser energy, a heated wire loop or by microwave heating. This method is usually recommended for fibroids close to the inner lining of the uterus

NHP provides indicative information for better understanding of health. For any treatment purpose you should consult your physician.

References:
www.nhs.uk
www.health.ny.gov