Empowering Women: Breakthroughs and Options in Uterine Fibroids Treatment

Introduction: Uterine Fibroids Treatment

Uterine fibroids, benign smooth muscle tumors in the uterus, affect approximately 20% of women of reproductive age. Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, these growths are not associated with an elevated risk of uterine cancer. With advancements in uterine fibroid treatment, empowering women with informed choices regarding their health and well-being has become paramount.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids:

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, common tumors of the reproductive tract, are often discovered during routine pelvic exams. While many women with fibroids exhibit no symptoms, others may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or bleeding between periods. Treatment options vary based on the severity of symptoms and individual patient preferences.

Types of Uterine Fibroids:

1. Subserosal: Located on the exterior wall of the uterus, constituting 55% of cases.

2. Intramural: Found within the muscle layers of the uterine wall, representing about 40% of cases.

3. Submucosal: Rare fibroids that grow into the uterus, accounting for only 5% of cases.

Causes of Uterine Fibroids:

While the exact cause of fibroids remains unknown, factors such as family history, race, age, obesity, and hormonal influences contribute to their development. Understanding these factors aids in both prevention and treatment strategies.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids:

Symptoms of uterine fibroids vary but may include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, frequent urination, pelvic pressure or pain, difficultly emptying the bladder, back or leg pain, and constipation. Early diagnosis and symptom management are crucial for improving quality of life.

Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids:

Uterine fibroids are typically detected during routine pelvic exams. Additional tests such as ultrasound scans, lab tests, and imaging tests confirm the presence of fibroids and rule out other underlying conditions. These diagnostic measures inform treatment decisions and ensure personalized care.

Diagnosing Fibroids With Ultrasound:

Ultrasound, particularly 3D transvaginal ultrasound, serves as the gold standard for diagnosing fibroids due to its accuracy and minimally invasive nature. Classifying fibroids based on size and location guides treatment plans, emphasizing patient-centered care.

Read More : Choosing A Fibroid Treatment: Factors To Consider

Advances in Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options:

Uterine fibroids treatment has evolved significantly, offering a range of options tailored to individual needs and preferences. Below are detailed explanations of various treatment modalities:

Medication:

• Medications play a crucial role in managing uterine fibroids, especially for women experiencing symptomatic relief without invasive procedures.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These medications induce a temporary menopause-like state by blocking estrogen and progesterone production, resulting in fibroid shrinkage.
• Progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs): IUDs placed inside the uterus help alleviate heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure by releasing progestin locally.
• Other medications: Contraceptives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and provide symptomatic relief.

Fibroid Surgery:

Surgical interventions are recommended for women with larger fibroids or those experiencing infertility or pregnancy complications.

• Hysterectomy: This procedure involves the complete removal of the uterus and is recommended for women who do not wish to conceive.
• Myomectomy: Myomectomy involves the surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, making it suitable for women desiring fertility preservation. It can be performed through different approaches:
  •  Abdominal Myomectomy: Accessing the uterus through an abdominal incision to remove fibroids.
  •  Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions through the abdomen to access and remove fibroids.
  •  Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: Removing submucosal fibroids using a hysteroscope inserted through the cervix into the uterus.

Nonsurgical Procedures:

Nonsurgical options offer minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery, preserving fertility and reducing fibroid-related symptoms.

• Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA): This procedure utilizes ultrasound guidance to deliver heat energy to fibroids, leading to their shrinkage while preserving surrounding tissue.
• Uterine artery embolization: Embolization involves blocking the blood supply to fibroids using a catheter, leading to their shrinkage and symptom relief.

Each treatment option has its benefits and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as fibroid size, location, and patient preferences. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most suitable treatment approach for individual needs.

The Role of Ultrasound in Fibroid Treatment:

Ultrasound technology plays a crucial role in guiding fibroid treatment, from diagnosis to nonsurgical interventions like RFA. Its precision and accessibility ensure accurate assessment and targeted therapy, promoting optimal patient care and satisfaction.

Uterine Fibroids and Infertility:

Fibroids can impact fertility by altering the shape of the cervix and uterus, blocking fallopian tubes, and affecting embryo implantation. Understanding the relationship between fibroids and infertility informs fertility preservation strategies and treatment plans for women seeking to conceive.

Conclusion:

Uterine fibroids, though benign, can significantly impact women’s health and fertility. Empowering women with comprehensive information and personalised treatment options is essential for improving outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and technology, we can empower women to make informed decisions and take control of their fibroid journey, promoting health and well-being. If you are looking for uterine fibroid treatment and don’t know what is the best option for you, schedule an appointment today with Dr.Deepti Asthana – Director at Kalosa Gynae and senior consultant at Fortis Gurgaon