Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are predominantly benign tumors that develop in the uterus. They can form on both the interior and the exterior of the uterus. These growths vary in size and number and can produce uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms.
Fibroid symptoms include the following:
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Women with fibroids often experience excessively heavy periods, which can lead to anemia and fatigue. This symptom can be particularly challenging and disruptive to daily life.
- Abdominal Pain: Fibroids can cause discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen. The degree of the pain can vary according to the size and location of the fibroids.
- Bloating: Fibroids can cause swelling and bloating in the abdomen. This bloating can make women feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about their appearance.
- Fertility Challenges: Fibroids can disrupt the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus, making it difficult for women to conceive. In some cases, fibroids can also increase the risk of miscarriage.
The size and number of fibroids can directly impact the level of discomfort. Larger and more numerous fibroids tend to cause more significant pain and complications.
Types of Fibroids
Subserosal Fibroids
Subserosal fibroids are a type of uterine fibroid that develops on the exterior of the uterus, specifically underneath the serosa. These fibroids, also known as subserosal myomas, grow on the outer layer of the uterus and develop into small, pencil-eraser-sized nodules to softball-sized masses.
Subserosal fibroids protrude outward and can sometimes attach to nearby organs, such as the bladder or the intestines. The extent of the growth and location of the fibroids can determine the severity of the symptoms.
Intramural Fibroids
Intramural fibroids are a type of fibroid that grows within the uterine muscle wall. They are characterized by their location inside the uterine wall, unlike other fibroids that develop outside or within the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids have three main categories: anterior intramural fibroids, fundal intramural fibroids, and posterior intramural fibroids.
- Anterior intramural fibroids: These are located on the front wall of the uterus. Anterior intramural fibroids can sometimes affect fertility or contribute to complications during pregnancy.
- Fundal intramural fibroids: These are found in the upper portion of the uterus, known as the fundus. They can grow into the uterine cavity or the outer surface.
- Posterior intramural fibroids: These are found on the back wall of the uterus. Posterior intramural fibroids may also pressure the rectum, leading to constipation or discomfort during bowel movements.
Pedunculated Fibroids
Pedunculated fibroids are a specific type of fibroid that form with a stalk attached to the wall of the uterus. These fibroids are characterized by their growth pattern, distinguishing them from others.
These fibroids can vary in size and shape. Some may be small and barely noticeable, while others can grow significantly larger and cause discomfort or other symptoms. The stalk that attaches the fibroid to the uterine wall allows it to move more freely within the uterus, which can sometimes lead to twisting or torsion of the fibroid. This phenomenon can cause severe pain, requiring medical intervention to resolve.
Calcified Fibroids
Calcified fibroids are a specific type of fibroids that have reached the end of their lifecycle. They typically develop due to uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a procedure that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids. This deprivation of blood leads to the degeneration of the fibroids, resulting in their calcification.
Who is at Risk for Uterine Fibroids?
The medical community has not yet provided a conclusive answer as to why women develop fibroids. However, certain factors could increase the likelihood of experiencing fibroids. It has been found that fibroids tend to occur more frequently among the following:
- Women of childbearing age
- Women with high blood pressure
- Women who have never been pregnant
- Women with a family history of fibroids
Additionally, Black women have a higher risk, with an estimated 25% of Black women experiencing fibroids.
Houston Fibroids: Providing Advanced, Non-Surgical Treatment for Symptomatic Fibroids
If you are experiencing symptoms related to uterine fibroids, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team at Houston Fibroids. We can provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Don't let uterine fibroids control your life any longer – experience the relief you deserve. Contact our team today.