What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths arising from the muscular tissue of the uterus. They are among the most common tumors in the female reproductive system and can significantly reduce the chances of natural conception, especially when untreated.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
While many women may not experience any symptoms, others may notice:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Lower back discomfort
- Heavy, irregular, or painful periods
- Infertility during reproductive years
- Palpable lump in the abdomen
- Urinary or bowel issues
Nearly 60% of women in India may experience fibroids at some stage of life.
What Causes Fibroids?
Though the exact cause isn’t fully understood, contributing factors include:
- Hormonal imbalances (estrogen and progesterone)
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy (due to increased hormone levels)
Fibroids tend to grow during the reproductive years and often shrink after menopause.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on factors like age, severity, location, size, and fertility goals:
For Symptom Relief:
- Hormonal medications
- Birth control pills
- Pain relievers
For Fertility Preservation:
- Myomectomy – surgical removal of fibroids
For Those Not Planning Pregnancy:
- Uterine artery embolization
- Progestin-releasing IUD
- Hysterectomy – surgical removal of the uterus
Surgical options often have higher success rates than medical management.
