Introduction to Uterine Fibroids
Even if they are non-cancerous, uterine fibroids cause major discomfort and health complications that make it difficult for women to lead a pain-free routine. While their exact cause is still unclear, it is supposed to be hormonal fluctuations or genetic predisposition.
In the USA, 75% of women are living with uterine fibroids, making them extremely common in females. Looking up to this fact, you should shred your fears away if you are a woman diagnosed with this medical condition recently. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatment options allows women to manage their health effectively.
Quick Facts on Uterine Fibroids
- Fibroids often develop in the female’s body in childbearing age.
- These fibroids are detected with a physical examination or ultrasound tests.
- Most fibroids don’t require treatment unless they are causing discomfort.
- By the age of 45, around 7 in 10 white women and 8 in 10 black women could have one or more fibroids.
- The size of these can be tiny or as large as a basketball.
- At times, surgeries could be required if fibroids are causing difficulties in conception.
- It is more common among obese women.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
The types of uterine fibroids are classified according to the part of the uterus they develop:
- Intramural fibroids – The most common one developing in the muscular wall of the uterus and causing pelvic pain with heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Subserosal fibroids – It grows outside the uterine wall and could be large, often causing frequent urge for urination or bloating because it presses against other organs.
- Submucosal fibroids – This type is located inside the uterine cavity under the endometrium causing severe bleeding and fertility issues.
- Pedunculated fibroids – Such fibroid is attached to the uterus in a stalk-like structure. It may trigger sharp pain whenever twists or shifts.
When a female reaches out to the gynaecologist or a healthcare professional with fibroids, they will determine its type first and then suggest a relevant treatment option.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact uterine fibroids cause remains unknown. However, here are a few causes assumed to be responsible as its risk factors:
- Genetic factors – Females with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop one.
- Hormonal imbalance – The female hormones (Estrogen and progesterone) are responsible for developing fibroids during any phase of life except the post-menopause phase when their levels drop.
- Pregnancy and childbirth – During pregnancy, Estrogen levels spike. Due to the hormonal fluctuations ongoing at this phase, women are at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids as the Estrogen levels are high.
- Origin – Women of African American origin are more likely to experience fibroids with severe symptoms.
- Lifestyle choices – Low vitamin D levels, sedentary lifestyle, excessive red meat intake, obesity, etc are some of the lifestyle factors promoting growth of fibroids in women.
Although uterine fibroids are common in females, the responsible cause could still be different as per their age, overall medical conditions & lifestyle.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
How do you know the uterine fibroids symptoms? Some of them don’t even have any signs. However, when the tiny ones grow bigger, they create a significant impact on the routine life of females.
Here are the common signs of uterine fibroids varying among women according to the size, location & number of fibroids they have:
- Difficulties in conception
- Persistent lower back pain
- Severe pelvic pain or heaviness
- Increased urination
- Troubles in emptying the bladder
- Bloating or constipation
- Painful intercourse
- Abnormality in menstrual bleeding pattern (heavy or prolonged)
Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
The uterine fibroids treatment is influenced by the symptoms described, severity levels, size of the tumour, and reproductive plan of the female. For most fibroids that are tiny in size and have no symptoms, they require minimal medical intervention. On the other hand, those big in size and triggering unbearable pain or discomfort require prompt attention. If non-treatable by medicines, surgery could be advised too.
Here are the former treatment options indicated accordingly:
- Medicines:
Thanks to medical advancements, innovative medicines are available these days. They aid in shrinking fibroids while easing the management of their symptoms. The former medications could be NSAIDs (for minimizing pain and discomfort), birth control pills or hormonal IUDs (that control heavy bleeding), GnRH agonists (that work by lowering female hormone levels for shrinking tumours temporarily), etc.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures:
Medical procedures with minimal invasion are trending too. For instance, MRI-guided focused ultrasound which helps in destroying fibroids entirely using heat-wave technology. Another popular method is uterine artery embolization which shrinks fibroids by blocking blood flow reaching the tumours and contributing to their growth.
- Surgery:
Surgical options like myomectomy are successful in removing fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. In severe cases when the fibroid cannot possibly shrink and cause other health issues, a hysterectomy is suggested for removing the uterus completely to subside associated symptoms.
Shop for Uterine Fibroid Medications on Arrowmeds
At arrowmeds.com, we have top-tier prescription medicines for uterine fibroids. Some of them are as below:
- Lupride Depot injection in strengths - 1mg, 3.75mg, 11.25mg, and 22.5mg. It helps in lowering Estrogen levels to shrink the tumour.
- Ulitas 5mg is a selective progesterone receptor modulator. It controls the growth of fibroids and prevents heavy bleeding, thus making the symptoms more manageable.
Order this and more uterine fibroid medicines online with 100% guaranteed quality and pocket-friendly prices (plus exciting discounts!) with us. We are shipping worldwide. Get assured delivery within 6 to 15 days only.
Natural and Lifestyle Approaches
While medicines will do their thing, making certain lifestyle modifications can ease fibroid management and prevent symptoms from worsening. Here are the top suggestions for making a natural, lifestyle approach towards this medical condition:
- Manage stress – Engaging in stress management techniques helps in regulating cortisol levels (the stress hormone) which influences growth of fibroid.
- Maintain hydration – Staying well-hydrated enables detoxification and ensures hormonal balance.
- Ideal body weight – As obesity is often linked to fibroids, reaching your ideal body weight can regulate Estrogen levels.
- Exercise regularly – Doing daily physical activities helps regulate hormone levels while improving blood circulation throughout the body.
- Eat fibroid-friendly diet – Eat more of leafy greens, vitamin-D rich foods, and whole grains which relieve discomfort linked to fibroids.
Complications and When to Seek Medical Help
Mostly, fibroids are non-cancerous tumours. Still, they can lead to several health complications like:
- Chronic pain and pressure in the pelvic area
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Severe anaemia (because of heavy bleeding)
- Complications during pregnancy (in the conception phase, miscarriage, etc)
Seek medical attention right away whenever you feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Suffering from uterine fibroids is an overwhelming experience. It is however a manageable condition with the right approach and medical guidance. Consult your doctor or gynaecologist if you experience any abnormality with menstrual cycles or severe instances of pelvic pain that happen frequently. Follow the treatment plan, as indicated, and use high-quality medicines available at arrowmeds.com to improve wellness.
FAQs
Can fibroids shrink naturally?
Yes, certain types like uterine fibroids after menopause could shrink due to dopped Estrogen levels at this phase. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help in shrinking them naturally.
Do fibroids cause cancer?
No, fibroids are less likely to cause cancer as they are benign tumours. In rare instances, cancer of uterine sarcoma is assumed to be fibroids. If you suspect fibroids or cancer, seek medical help right away.
What is the best treatment for large fibroids?
Several treatment options are available for large fibroids, namely Myomectomy, hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization. The best treatment is recommended only after examining overall health conditions and size of fibroids.
Can uterine fibroids affect pregnancy?
Yes, uterine fibroids could affect conception and cause complications during labour. In some cases, they could be responsible for miscarriage too.
What is the fastest way to relieve fibroid symptoms?
Reliable medications like Lupride Depot Injection could be indicated for faster relief. Such drugs shrink fibroids while preventing heavy bleeding, thus allowing women to lead a better quality of life.