What are the uterine fibroids?
The fibroids (also called leiomyomas) are benign non- cancerous growths of the uterus. They are very common -up to 75% of women have at least one fibroid- and they grow with age. They are not dangerous but depending on the location and size can affect fertility.fertility.
What are the cause of fibroids?
There are no concrete causes for the fibroids.
What are the symptoms?
Many women remain unaware of their condition as fibroids often show no symptoms and are discovered during routine check-ups. Fibroids can vary greatly in terms of number (ranging from single to multiple), size (ranging from small to larger than 10 cm), and location (subserosal, intramural, submucosal, and pedunculated).
In women who have symptoms the most common are:
- Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Frequent urination
- Infertility
Can fibroids affect fertility?
The impact of fibroids on fertility is heavily influenced by their size and location within the uterus. Submucosal fibroids, situated on the inner lining of the uterus, can potentially obstruct the uterine cavity or block the fallopian tubes, significantly affecting implantation. In such cases, removal of these fibroids is often recommended. Additionally, if the fibroids are excessively large and distort the uterine lining, their removal may be necessary to optimize fertility.
How to treat fibroids?
The specific approach for treating fibroids is determined by their size and location. Submucosal fibroids are typically best addressed through hysteroscopic removal using a resectoscope. On the other hand, laparoscopic removal is often recommended for large subserosal fibroids.
In certain cases, if the symptoms are severe or the woman has completed her family planning, a hysterectomy may be considered as an option.
Feel free to watch two videos featuring our patients. One showcases the hysteroscopic removal of a submucosal fibroid, while the other demonstrates the laparoscopic removal of a subserosal fibroid.
