Uterine Fibroids: A Common but Manageable Condition

UTERINE FIBROIDS

Uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyomata.
Uterine Fibroids are benign or noncancerous lesions or tumors of the uterus.

Causes

1. Reproductive and Menstrual Factors
   Early menarche (<10 years old) increases risk.
   Nulliparity (never having given birth) is a risk factor, while pregnancy seems to reduce risk.

2. Hormonal Factors
   From hormones like estrogen and progesterone and menstrual cycle influence, these fibroids tend to grow during reproductive years and shrink after menopause.

3. Growth Factors and Other Biochemical Factors
   Insulin-like growth factors, Extracellular matrix, Inflammatory cytokines may contribute to their development.

4. Racial and Ethnic Factors
   The condition is more common and severe in Black women.

5. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
   Obesity, poor diet and alcohol consumption increases the risk of getting fibroids. Also Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased fibroid risk.

6.Genetic Factors
Family history of fibroids increases the risk of getting it.

Symptoms
The symptoms of uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) depend on their size, number, and location within the uterus.

1. Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
2. Prolonged menstrual periods.
3. Irregular bleeding
4. Pelvic pain or pressure
5. Lower abdominal distension
6. Painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
7. Frequent urination – Due to pressure on the bladder.
8. Urinary retention or difficulty emptying bladder – From large fibroids compressing the bladder outlet.
9. Constipation or difficulty passing stool – If the fibroid presses on the rectum.
10. Infertility
11. Recurrent miscarriages
12. Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) – Especially if the fibroids are big

Treatment

1. Observation
   Monitor the fibroids regularly with ultrasound scan to see if they are getting bigger.

2. Lifestyle changes also needed includes; healthy diet, weight management.

3. Medications
   Hormonal therapy (such as GnRH agonists, birth control, progestins); these medications reduces bleeding and shrinks fibroids.
   Non-hormonal (such as Tranexamic acid, NSAIDs) these control bleeding and pain.
   Iron supplements to treats the anemia caused from heavy periods.

4. Minimally Invasive Procedures (this is to preserves the uterus)
   Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) – Cuts blood supply to fibroids.
   HIFU (Focused Ultrasound) – Uses heat to shrink fibroids.
   Myolysis – Destroys fibroid tissue using heat or cold.

5. Surgery
   Myomectomy – this surgery removes the fibroids and preserves fertility.
   Hysterectomy – this surgery removes the whole uterus, this is the only cure, for severe cases and if the woman doesn't plan on having children.

Best Option?

• For mild symptoms treatment can be the use of only medications.

• For severe symptoms or if the fibroids are causing fertility issues a surgery called Myomectomy or UAE.

• If no future pregnancies planned and ther are severe symptoms then Hysterectomy can be done which isa surgery to remove the whole uterus.

Sources of my pictures
1.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids

2.https://uniqueinterventional.com/best-treatment-for-uterine-fibroids/

3.https://www.astraveinvascular.com/fibroids-causes/

4.https://www.pacehospital.com/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-complications-and-prevention

1. https://www.fibroidfree.com/fibroids/fibroids-overview/

6.https://atlii.com/uterine-fibroid-symptoms/

7.https://eccomedical.com/how-effective-is-uterine-fibroid-embolization-ufe/