Conditions we treat
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are a muscular tumour that grow in and around the uterus. They are often referred to as leiomyoma and are almost always benign (not cancerous). Fibroids develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus and can grow as a single tumour or in a cluster. They vary in size and in unusual cases they can become very large.
Risk Factors
Unfortunately, we don’t know definitively what causes uterine fibroids, though there are risk factors that can impact your likelihood of developing fibroids. These risk factors include:
- Family history: There may be a higher risk if your mother or grandmother has fibroids.
- Age: Women are increasingly likely to develop fibroids if they are over the age of 40.
- Early onset of menstruation: Getting your period at a young age.
- Diet: Vitamin D deficiencies, a diet high in red meat and low in vegetables, dairy, and fruit may increase the risk of developing fibroids.
- Obesity or being overweight: Some studies have found that women who are overweight are at higher risk.
- Pregnancy: Hormone changes appear to promote the growth of fibroids.
Symptoms
Fibroids are common and affect up to 70-80% of women during their reproductive years. Generally, fibroids aren’t dangerous and not all women with fibroids have symptoms. However, for some women fibroids can negatively impact their lives causing significant discomfort.
- Heavy, painful, or long periods
- Enlarged lower abdomen
- Leg or lower back pain
- Frequent urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Infertility
- Having the feeling of pressure on your pelvis
- Constipation
Often due to the lower levels of hormones in your body after menopause, symptoms often stabilise or go away.
Fibroids are traditionally classified by their location within the uterus (see diagram).
There are three major types of uterine fibroids:
- Intramural Fibroids grow within the muscle wall of the uterus
- Submucosal Fibroids grow into the uterine cavity
- Subserosal Fibroids grow on the outer layer of the uterus
Diagnosis
The first step to take towards getting a diagnosis is seeing your doctor, either book in with your GP or for a consultation with a specialist. It is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Persistent or chronic pelvic pain
- Prolonged, painful, or heavy periods
- Spotting between periods
- Anaemia or low red blood cell count that is unexplained
- Difficulty emptying bladder
If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, your doctor may order these tests:
- Ultrasound: Useful for detecting abnormal growths in the uterus.
- MRI: An MRI provides a full picture regarding uterine fibroids including the size, number, and location of fibroids. MRI confirms the diagnosis and can help determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment
There are a number of different treatment options for those that suffer from fibroids.
Medication: This can be an option to help manage pain, bleeding and pressure associated with the fibroids, however, they do not provide a cure. Medication may be an effective option for some sufferers. However, it may not be the best course of treatment in all cases.
Surgery: In some cases, having fibroids surgically removed by hysterectomy or myomectomy may be the preferred option
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation: An image-guided, minimally invasive procedure that treats fibroids and preserves your fertility.
Click here for more information on this treatment.
Whether or not you are planning pregnancy, your menopausal status and symptoms will be a guide in choosing the best course of action.
We are happy to discuss Uterine Fibroid Embolisation as a treatment option. You can book a consultation to discuss this treatment option with Dr McConnell.