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All You need to Know about Uterine Fibroids

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that start in the uterus. They are usually round. They may grow slowly, fast, or can remain the same size. If these fibroids are present during pregnancy, they can shrink or go away after pregnancy. This condition develops during a woman’s child-bearing years. The fibroids are diagnosed by pelvic exam and an ultrasound.

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Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

The most common symptoms are pain, pressure and abnormal bleeding. However, the exact cause of why this condition happens is unknown. Genetic changes, estrogen and progesterone hormones that trigger the development of the uterine lining could be the factors involved in occurrence of these fibroids.

Let’s discuss in length about this medical condition. Who are more prone to getting uterine fibroids? When and how it is treated? Does it affect fertility?

Risk factors for Uterine Fibroids

Women who have a family history of fibroids, who are obese, are more at risk of getting uterine fibroids. Early onset of puberty is also a risk factor. The symptoms of a uterine fibroid depends on its size, location inside the uterus and how close it is to the nearby pelvic organs. Large size fibroids cause discomforts like pressure on the bladder with frequent urination and on the rectum with painful defecation. It can also cause pelvic pain and pain during sex. Other symptoms are heavy menstrual bleeding, periods lasting more than a week, backache, leg pain.

Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

The need for treatment arises when the fibroids start to bother you causing pain and other discomforts. Otherwise, they don’t need to be treated or removed. A yearly routine exam by your doctor is all that is needed. To diagnose the fibroid, the options available are MRI, CT scan and ultrasound. Of all, ultrasound is the simplest, cheapest and excellent technique for imaging the pelvis and finding the fibroid. Once the presence of uterine fibroid is confirmed, the doctor can either suggest medicines or surgery as mode of treatment.

Uterine Fibroids and Fertility

Uterine fibroids usually don’t cause fertility problems. However, if the fibroid blocks the fallopian tube or cervical canal, conceiving can be difficult. It is for the doctor to decide whether removing the fibroid will increase the chances of getting pregnant or not. These fibroids may also hinder pregnancy by causing miscarriage, preterm labour, low birth weight issues. These issues increase the chances of caesarean.

From the above, we can conclude, these non cancerous fibroids are not dangerous and can very well be treated if they cause discomfort. The fibroids usually shrink after menopause when estrogen levels decrease and fibroids can’t grow further.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

 

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