Hysterectomy - Uterine Fibroids

Uterine growths can be either innocent or serious. innocent growths or benign growths are non-cancerous and do not pose a menace. One such uterine growth is a polyp of the cervix. Another benign growth is a uterine fibroid though it can still cause annoying problems such as bleeding or they can grow so big that your doctor might even diagnose you as being pregnant.The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown and has been a mystery for decades. It appears that Family history may be involved as there is often a history of women in the same family developing these fibroids. Another unknown thing is why fibroids are three times more common in non-Caucasian women. Another factor currently being considered is that heavy women are more likely to develop fibroids. A fibroid is an unusual growth of smooth muscle tissue. Uterine fibroids arise from the tissue in the muscle layer in the wall of the uterus. They are benign.For most women with fibroids, there are generally no troubles and they usually only become aware of their presence when they are discovered during other diagnostic procedures.Fibroids often cause no symptoms. However, larger fibroids may cause pressure, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder, trouble in passing urine, and pressure on the rectum causing pain during bowel movements.Abnormal bleeding is a usual indication of a fibroid. This may be in the form of heavy or painful periods, lengthy periods or spotting between periods. If there is severe localised painfulness, it generally means that the uterine fibroids are deteriorating.Although uterine fibroids are benign, they are commonly the reason for hysterectomy because of the bleeding and sometimes size. Sometimes the bleeding can be so substantial as to cause anaemia. Fortunately, there are numerous non-surgical means available to treat fibroids. Although not all fibroids need treatment, ramifications may develop. These include repeated miscarriages, infertility, and complications in childbirth. However, these are usually only if there is unusual deformation of the uterus.So how do you know if you have fibroids? Fibroids are detected through manual pelvic examination and any worries are confirmed by ultrasound. It is very similar to a pregnancy examination and the doctor only orders more complex screening if he or she is unsure of the exact nature of the uterine growth found.There are a number of available treatments subject on severity of the symptoms, age of the woman, pregnancy, general health and type of fibroids. For some women, it is simply a case of regular routine monitoring.If the fibroids are causing cramps or painful periods, basic drugs such as Ibuprofen may be recommended. In some cases, birth control pills may be used to control the heavy periods and stop the fibroid from growing any bigger. Because of the blood loss, iron tablets or a change in diet may also be required.Hormonal therapy in the form of an injection is sometimes prescribed to shrivel the fibroids. This drug and others like it, reduce the production of hormones. This puts the hormones in a state similar to menopause and may cause similarly severe side effects such as hot flushes, loss of bone density, and vaginal dryness. Surgical treatments available.Hysteroscopic resection may be used when the fibroids are growing inside the uterine cavity. This is performed as an outpatient operation and involves a small camera and instruments being inserted through the cervix into the uterus to remove the fibroids.Another procedure is uterine artery embolisation where the blood supply to the fibroids is blocked off. However, long term effects are yet to be determined and safety of pregnancy following this procedure is unsure.A myomectomy is a surgical procedure where only the fibroids are removed. It is frequently the chosen treatment women who still wish to have children, because it does not generally affect fertility.

Visit your doctor if you notice changes in your menstrual pattern such as increased blood flow, more frequent cramping and spotting between periods, feel the presence of a lump. You may also experience fullness or heaviness in your lower abdomen. There may also be pressure which affects normal urination and bowel movement. Although benign growths are not cancerous the bigger they grow the more difficult the treatment may be so always go to the doctor sooner than later