Uterine Fibroids: Cause, Symptoms, Complications & More

What are Uterine fibroids?

How do uterine fibroids form?

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Types of Uterine Fibroids

• Intramural fibroids: This is the most common type of uterine fibroids that grow within the uterine muscular walls (myometrium). They can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pressure.
• Subserosal fibroids: Located on the outer surface of the uterus, subserosal fibroids press the surrounding organs, resulting in bloating and frequent urge to urinate.
• Submucosal fibroids: These types of fibroids develop just beneath the inner lining of the uterus and often lead to heavy bleeding and fertility issues.
• Pedunculated fibroids: Fixed to the uterus with a stalk, these fibroids grow inside or outside the uterus. This particular fibroid type have a tendency of causing sharp pain if they twist or cause knots in uterus. 

Causes of Uterine Fibroids

• Hormonal imbalance can disturb period cycle and cause uterine fibroid growth
• In case of family history of uterine fibroids, you are at higher risk to suffer from the condition.
• Vitamin D deficiency also causes fibroids in uterus.
• Eating too much red meat and lesser fruits and green veggies can trigger fibrous lump inside uterus.
• High blood pressure (hypertension) also contributes to the risk of fibroid growth in uterus.
• Obesity also affects hormonal balance and increases the risk of uterus problems like fibroids.
• Pregnancy related hormonal changes cause fibroids to grow or become symptomatic.
• Frequent alcohol consumption also adds to the risk of uterine disorders like fibroids, polyps, etc.
• Other factors like getting your first period before the age of 10 can also lead to leiomyoma of uterus.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

• Persistent or recurring lower back or belly pain that makes you feel drained
• A constant pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region
• Irregular periods that cause constant worry
• A noticeably larger lower belly that makes your clothes feel tighter or uncomfortable
• Heavy and painful periods that leave you exhausted and hamper daily activities
• Unexpected spotting between periods that often make you anxious
• Discomfort or pain during sex (dyspareunia) that affects your intimate bonding with the partner and emotional wellbeing
• A burning or painful feeling while urinating that adds to daily discomfort

Severity of Uterine Fibroids

• Grade 1 –
  This is the initial stage where the fibroids are entirely within the uterine cavity. In this grade, the fibroids might cause mild symptoms and are easily removable.
• Grade 2 –
  This is the stage where the fibroids are 50-90% between and within the uterine cavity. Grade 2 uterine fibroids might cause certain problems but are mostly easily removable.
• Grade 3 –
  This is the stage where the leiomyoma of uterus becomes a bit complicated. Grade 3 uterine fibroids are between 0 and 49% within the uterine cavity. The superficial blood vessels that fibroids contain may rupture during period cycle and result in severe bleeding that may require hospitalization and even blood transfusions.

Risks & Complications of Uterine Fibroids- if Left Untreated

If you leave uterine fibroids untreated for a long time, they can keep growing, both in size and number. Gradually, these fibroids spread inside the uterus and the symptoms get worse with time, causing severe pain, cramps, and heavy bleeding that leads to anemia. They exert excessive pressure on the bladder resulting in incontinence or frequent urination, ultimately leading to infertility.

Uterine Fibroid Prevention

Uterine fibroids are extremely common among women. In certain cases, these fibroids may not cause any symptoms or complications and can be left untreated. However, in some cases, they might cause problems such as irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroid pain during periods or pressure, and discomfort during urinary or bowel movements. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consider seeking medical assistance and consult a doctor in order to prevent the condition from escalating into a severe medical complication.

When to Consult a Doctor for Uterine Fibroids?

Questions to ask your gynecologist.

Q1. How many fibroids do I have?

Q2. What is/are the size of the fibroid/fibroids?

Q3. Are the fibroids located on the inside or outside of my uterus?

Q4. What are the treatment options available to me?

Q5. Do I have any alternative treatment options other than a surgery?

Q6. Will I need any medications before or after the treatment?

Q7. What are the chances of my fibroids returning back after surgery?

Q8. What are the side effects I can expect from the use of medications?

Q9. Will the fibroid growth in uterus affect my ability to get pregnant?

Q10. Can the treatment improve my fertility?