Fibroids

Overview of Fibroids

Fibroids Meaning in Urdu

اس بیماری کی وجہ سے عورتوں کے اعضائے مخصوصہ میں تبدیلی واقع ہونا شروع ہو جاتی ہے اور اعضائے مخصوصہ اندر یا باہر سے بڑھنا شروع ہو جاتا ہے۔ بہت سی خواتین کو اس بیماری کا علم نہیں ہوتا کیوں کہ وہ اس کی علامات کے متعلق معلومات نہیں رکھتیں۔ اس بیماری کی وجوہات اب تک معلوم نہیں ہو سکی ہیں۔ یہ بیماری بہت سی علامات کی وجہ بنتی ہے۔ اس کی وجہ سے حیض کے دوران بہت زیادہ خون بہنے لگتا ہے، جسم کے نچلا حصہ درد کا شکار ہو جاتا ہے، اس کے علاوہ اس بیماری کی شکار خواتین کو قبض کا بھی سامنا رہتا ہے۔

Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths developed in the uterus during the years of childbearing. The fibroids, also known as myomas and leiomyomas appear in different sizes. Some cannot be detected by the human eye while other fibroids are seen in bulk that can increase the size of the uterus.

In severe cases, uterine fibroids can increase in abnormal size and can reach the ribcage.

Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids

Fibroids often don’t show symptoms and are detected incidentally by healthcare experts. The most common symptoms however felt by women are given below:

  • Constipation
  • Excessive Urination
  • Menstruation period lasting more than one week
  • Leg pain and backache
  • Pelvic pain and pressure
  • Vaginal Discharge
  • Difficulty in getting pregnant
  • A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
  • Heavy bleeding during periods
  • Unexpected low red blood cells count

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids can differ in size to their appearance and are of different types. The four main types of fibroids include:

Intramural Fibroids

Intramural Fibroids are developed in the muscular walls of the uterus.

Subserosal Fibroids

Subserosal Fibroids are the type of fibroids that are the most common. These can be seen pushing into the pelvis and growing outside the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are sometimes observed growing large and other times observed with a stalk attached to the uterus.

Submucosal Fibroids

Submucosal Fibroids are seen growing in the uterine space, the place where the baby grows during the time of pregnancy. These can extend down to the middle of the uterus where there is space.

Pedunculated Fibroids

Pedunculated Fibroids are mushroom-like fibroids that are the least common ones. These can be seen outside the uterus attached to the uterus with a thin stem.

Causes of Fibroids

Researches and Experiences of doctors say that there is no solid reasoning behind the cause of fibrosis, but there are certain factors that can cause fibroids, these can be,

Hormones

The two most important hormones in the body progesterone and estrogen play an important role in the development of uterine walls. These two play a vital role in the development of fibroids as well. Fibroids, when occurring there, is a higher content of progesterone and estrogen present as compared to the other muscles of the uterus. So, an imbalance can be a cause of the development of fibroids.

Genetic Mutations

A lot of times while examining fibroids, there are changes observed in the genes as compared to typical uterine muscle cells.

Growth Factors

Other growth factors that are helpful in maintaining the body tissues i.e, insulin also impact the growth of fibroids in the uterus.
Doctors and experts say that fibroids develop from stem cells in the muscular tissues of the uterus and then a single cell divides and develops a rubbery mass.

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Risk Factors of Fibroids

Certain factors can increase the risk of uterine fibroids, these include:

Family History

Having a family member with fibroids can increase the risk of developing fibroids in women. The risk of a woman getting affected by fibroids is three times more if the mother has already had fibroids in the past.

Obesity

Being overweight and obese can increase the risk of the development of fibroids in women.

Misplaced Cells

Misplaced cells are observed in the body before birth These cells get attached to the uterus and keep multiplying.

Age

Fibroids are seen developing in women of increasing age. During the 30s and 40s, the chances of the growth of fibroids are increased. It usually stops at the time of menopause.

Ethnicity

People of African descent are more likely to get affected by uterine fibroids and are at a higher risk of getting affected.

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Prevention

There is very little scientific evidence available to support the fact that fibroids can be prevented completely. There is no possible way to stay away from the growth of fibroids, however, there are certain changes in the lifestyle like certain changes in diet, use of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight that can be useful to keep the body fit in order to stay away from such abnormal growths in the body.

Some of the research suggests that fibroids can be avoided if hormonal contraceptives are used.

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Diagnosis

During an abdominal or pelvic checkup, your health care provider might find irregular lumps inside the uterus as the fibroids come with very few symptoms. There are certain scans performed to diagnose fibroids, these are:

Ultrasound

The most common scan to diagnose fibroids is ultrasound. The ultrasound doctor places an ultrasound probe on the vagina or the uterus to scan the fibroids. This is quick and can easily detect fibroids.

MRI

An imaging test called MRI uses magnetic radio waves to form images. This is performed to find the size, location, and number of fibroids. MRI also distinguishes well between fibroids and adenomyosis which is often misdiagnosed as fibroids.

Hysteroscopy

A long instrument with a light is used for the diagnosis of abnormalities in the uterus, cervix, and vagina. This procedure called hysteroscopy helps greatly in the diagnosis of fibroids.

Hysterosonogram (HSG)

Hysterosonogram is used to check the insides of the uterus. A small catheter is used to check inside the uterus while some water is injected inside. Ultrasound images are then taken in order to look for suspected fibroids.

Treatment of Fibroids | When to Consult a Doctor

The treatment varies according to the size, location, and location of the fibroids. Different types of treatments can be used to treat fibroids. These include:

Birth Control

To lessen the symptoms of fibroids, birth control pills can help immensely with heavy bleeding during periods and other menstrual problems. There are a few birth control options that can be opted including oral contraceptive pills, injections, and even IUDs (Intrauterine Devices).

Iron Supplements

In case of anemia due to heavy bleeding, doctors suggest that patients suffering from fibroids take iron supplements.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists

These medications can be used in the form of injections and help in shrinking fibroids. It is most of the time used to shrink the fibroids before surgery, however, the use of this medicine when discontinued can cause the regrowth of fibroids.

Consult a gynecologist if your condition worsens.