Uterine fibroma, also known as uterine fibroid, is a benign tumor formed by muscle tissue, which is located in the uterus and can take on different sizes. Fibroids are usually asymptomatic, but in some cases they can cause abdominal dr, heavy bleeding and problems during pregnancy.
Treatment varies widely from person to person, and can be carried out with drugs that relieve pain and reduce bleeding and / or with surgery that consists of the removal of fibroids or the uterus, depending on whether the woman intends to become pregnant or not.
What symptoms
The symptoms of uterine fibroma are not always noticeable, but when they appear, they manifest themselves through:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding; Vaginal bleeding between periods; Pain, pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area during menstruation; Need to urinate frequently; Infertility; Abdominal distension.
In addition, in pregnant women, fibroids can, in some cases, cause complications in childbirth.
Possible causes
It is still unclear what causes uterine fibroids, but it is thought to be related to genetic, hormonal factors, since estrogens and progesterone promote their development, and growth factors produced by smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, that promote the growth of fibroids.
In addition, some risk factors may contribute to the development of fibroids, such as age, family history, obesity, diet rich in red meat, alcohol and caffeine drinks, early menarche, being black, suffering from high blood pressure and never get pregnant.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of fibroma can be made through physical examination, which in some cases makes it possible to palpate the fibroids, pelvic ultrasound, magnetic resonance and hysteroscopy, for example. See how the hysteroscopy exam is done.
What is the treatment
The treatment of fibroids must be individualized taking into account the symptoms, the size and location, as well as the person's age and whether or not they are of childbearing age.
The doctor may recommend the administration of medication and / or advise surgery. The most used remedies for the treatment of fibroids are estrogen and progesterone inhibitors, use of an IUD or other contraceptive, which can help control bleeding, tranexamic acid, anti-inflammatories to relieve pain, such as ibuprofen or nimesulide, for example and vitamin supplements, to compensate for blood loss. Learn more about pharmacological treatment.
In some cases, it may be necessary to resort to surgery that consists of removing the uterus, or fibroids, if it is performed on women who still intend to become pregnant.
