Fibroids in uterus
Fibroids and Pregnancy: Fibroids in uterus
fibroids in uterus
A fibroid is a benign tumor coming from the myometrium, a smooth muscle layer, and the connective tissue of the uterus. Fibroids are most prevalent in women who are in the middle or in the later part of their reproductive years. Fibroids are asymptomatic but when they grow, they can cause painful and heavy menstruations. It as well makes sexual intercourse painful and set off frequent urinary tendencies with urgency. In rare cases, fibroids in uterus may interfere with birth, making fibroids and pregnancy not a good match.
Fibroids Symptoms and Diagnosis
Uterine fibroids symptoms are entirely unnoticeable when they are small. The size and the location of the lesion determine the symptoms which can be painful and heavy periods, abnormal gynecologic hemorrhage, bloating or discomfort in the abdomen, back ache, painful defecation, frequent urinary tendencies and in some cases, infertility. Depending on the location of the fibroids in uterus, there can also be pain during intercourse. They can be the cause of miscarriage during pregnancy, interferences with the fetus position and premature labor.
Although fibroids in uterus are common, they do not account for being the main cause of infertility. But in such cases, a fibroid is placed in the sub-mucosal position and it is believed that this location could interfere with the capability of the embryo to implant. Larger fibroid tumors may also block the fallopian tubes or the entrance to the cervix. That is why fibroids and pregnancy becomes a very important issue for women.
Bimanual examination can detect the presence of larger fibroids in uterus. Though, ultrasound or gynecologic ultrasonography is deemed to be the standard tool in evaluating the uterus for fibroids. Sonography will represent fibroid tumors like lumps that have a heterogeneous consistency which will only create shadows when hit by the ultrasound beam. Through this, you can measure how big the fibroid is and detect where it is located. Another method used in finding uterine fibroids is magnetic resonance imaging or MRI.
Fibroids in uterus were also known to cause coexisting disorders. Fibroids that cause heavy vaginal bleeding can lead to iron deficiency or anemia. It can also put pressure on the gastrointestinal organs that can cause constipation and the feeling of being bloated. It can also compress the ureter which can lead to hydroneprosis or the wasting away of the kidney.
Though, most women who have uterine fibroids go on to have normal pregnancies. A large number of women who have given birth also found their fibroids in the same size without all the bad conditions.
If you find out that you have fibroids in uterus, even if they are small and you can hardly feel any symptoms, it is best to consult with your gynecologist. You might not need any treatment but it is worth telling so that your physician can monitor your fibroids and pregnancy.
Fibroids Treatment
Unless the fibroids in uterus cause symptoms, there is no need to undergo treatment. Fibroids shrink after delivery and menopause and it is very unlikely for it to cause any problems. Fibroids in uterus can be treated in different ways depending on how acute the case is. To control the symptoms, women usually take medication. Women with larger fibroids take medication that aims to shrink the tumors. However, women who stopped medication find out that their fibroids grow back.
Oral contraceptives with lower dosages are also given to cure abnormal bleeding linked with fibroids. Contraceptives do not actually shrink the fibroids but decreases the risks of developing them.
Technology such as ultrasound fibroid destruction can also be applied as well as other traditional surgical methods such as:
Myomectomy removes the fibroids to leave only the healthy areas of the uterus. This is recommended for women who want to retain their capability to bear children and is recommended when other conservative methods of fibroid treatment fail.
Uterine Artery Embolization – this approach cuts off the blood supply of fibroids to make them shrink. Though, this method is not incorporated if the fertility of the woman is to be preserved.
Radio frequency ablation – this is one of the newest methods that shrinks the fibroids through inserting a needle-like tool into them. This device enters through the abdomen and is heated by radio frequency that causes necrosis of fibroid cells. This less invasive procedure removes the fibroids and pregnancy is safe from negative effects.
Fibroids and pregnancy
fibroids and pregnancy
Treatment of fibroids and pregnancy do not happen at the same time – fibroids monitored and controlled to preserve the fertility of the woman. After pregnancy, surgical operations and other treatments can be done. During pregnancy, estrogen levels of a woman significantly rise, and this can cause the fibroids to grow as much as ten times its size. Because of it, fibroids in uterus can give false measurements of the fetus size, especially if the measurement is based only on the size of the mother’s abdomen. But since technology has advanced, expecting mothers do not need to worry too much because their fibroid can be closely monitored. Doctors assure that fibroids and pregnancy is not a dreadful phenomenon.
Fibroids and pregnancy is known to cause pain. That is when the fibroid outgrows its supply of blood, as the size of the uterus increases, and bleeds into itself. Another condition is when the portions of fibroid cells die, turns into liquid and becomes cystic. Though, the pains are always temporary and can be cured by oral pain medicines. It is very rare for the pain to become severe and require hospitalization.
Fibroids and pregnancy stages
Only large, submucosal fibroids can badly affect the early stages of pregnancy. That is when the fibroid disrupts the uterus lining and prevents normal pregnancy implantation or the current placenta growth. In late pregnancy, the main problems that are caused by fibroids are early and prolonged labor, unusual detachment of the placenta, or restricted fetal growth. The risk of early labor is higher if the fibroid is large or is not alone. Placental abruption occurs if the fibroid grows in the area where the placenta is connected. It is not clear though, what restricts fetal growth.
During delivery, a large fibroid can hinder progressive labor and may cause post partum hemorrhage. It can also block the ejection of the placenta and may cause improper uterus contraction after delivery. Due to these problems, your doctor might decide to perform a caesarian section. Though, it is important to note that removal of the fibroid will not be attempted to prevent additional bleeding. After all, the fibroids might shrink upon the recovery of the uterus which occurs within six weeks.
