Fibroids are benign tumors that appear in the uterus and range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Fibroids usually develop during a woman’s reproductive years or in perimenopause.
Although experts do not know fibroids causes, studies link this condition to “female hormones”, such as estrogen. Fibroids usually shrink after menopause.
Fibroids: Symptoms
- Pain
- Greater than normal blood loss
- Dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation)
- Frequent urination, urinary tract infections or difficulty urinating
- Gastrointestinal disorders (constipation)
- Fertility problems
Fibroids in pregnancy and birth
Studies have shown that fibroids, depending on their location, may create an obstacle to normal pregnancy and also make it difficult for embryos to be implanted into IVF. In short, fibroids can disrupt the uterine anatomy. If the endometrium is affected, there is an increased risk of autoimmune discharges in the first trimester of pregnancy. Fibroids can also occlude the fallopian tubes.
Fibroids: Treatments
The size of the fibroids, their number, their location and the age of the woman determine the treatment that the specialist doctor will choose. After the gynecological examination and the genomic ultrasound, the doctor may choose not to remove the fibroids, if they do not give symptoms or affect the fertility of the woman.
Removal is surgical, either laparoscopic or hysteroscopic (ie via the vagina) or classic surgery.
The classic surgery is done either by incision from the abdomen or transvaginal (ie through the vagina). Many doctors prefer this method when there is evidence that it doesn’t leave external scarring to women, nor it has the consequences of open surgery.
Dr Konstantinos Kostaras
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