What are uterine Fibroids?
A uterine leiomyoma, better known as uterine fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. It is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that originates from the smooth muscle layer (myometrium) and the accompanying connective tissue of the uterus.
Although they are composed of the same smooth muscle fibers as the uterine wall (myometrium), they are many times denser than normal myometrium. Uterine fibroids are usually round or semi-round in shape.
They are most common tumor found in the female reproductive system, uterine fibroids are seen in 20-25% of all women and are estimated to occur in 40% of menstruating women older than 50 years which range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a melon. In addition, uterine fibroids occur twice as frequently in black women as in either white or Asian women. Uterine fibroids can occur at any time between menarche and menopause but are most common in women 35-49 years of age. They typically resolve after menopause.
While most fibroids are asymptomatic, they can grow and cause heavy and painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, and urinary frequency and urgency. Some fibroids may interfere with pregnancy although this appears to be very rare.
Uterine fibroids are often described based upon their location within the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroids are the least common. Because they are in the submucosa and near the endometrial cavity, they are associated with heavy and prolonged menstrual periods and an increased miscarriage rate. Submucosal fibroids may be pedunculated and may prolapse into the cervix.
- Intramural fibroids grow within the uterine wall. Their growth may be associated with mass-related symptoms such as abdominal distention due to mass or urinary frequency due to bladder compression.
- Subserosal fibroids develop in the outer portion of the uterus. They may be pedunculated, can potentially grow into the abdomen or in the ligaments of the uterus, and are associated with bladder compression and abdominal
What causes fibroids?
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The exact causes for uterine fibroids are not known. But certain predisposing factors have been suggested like:
- Genetic abnormalities,
- Alterations in growth factor (proteins formed in the body that direct the rate and extent of cell proliferation) expression,
- Abnormalities in the vascular (blood vessel) system,
- Tissue response to injury
- Family history is a key factor, since there is often a history of fibroids developing in women of the same family.
- Race also appears to play a role. Women of African descent are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races.
- Fibroids have not been observed in girls who have not reached puberty, but adolescent girls may rarely develop fibroids.
- Other factors that researchers have associated with an increased risk of developing fibroids include having the first menstrual period (menarche) prior to age 10, consumption of alcohol (particularly beer), uterine infections, and elevated blood pressure (hypertension).
- Estrogen tends to stimulate the growth of fibroids in many cases. During the first trimester of pregnancy, up to 30% of fibroids will enlarge and then shrink after the birth. In general, fibroids tend to shrink after menopause, but postmenopausal hormone therapy may cause symptoms to persist.
- Overall, these tumors are fairly common and occur in up to 50% of all women. Most of the time, uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms or problems, and a woman with a fibroid is usually unaware of its presence.
What are the signs and symptoms of uterine fibroid?
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Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. But fibroids can also cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the uterus, and how close they are to adjacent pelvic organs. Large fibroids can cause:
Symptoms of fibroids may include:
- Heavy Vaginal Bleeding — Some women experience excessive menstrual bleeding. Some women describe soaking through sanitary protection in less than an hour, passing blood clots and being unable to leave the house during the heaviest day of flow. If this blood loss occurs, you may develop anemia, or a low blood count, that can cause fatigue or lightheadedness.
- Pelvic Pressure or Discomfort — Women with large fibroids may have a sense of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. This discomfort is similar to pregnancy when the enlarging uterus presses against surrounding structures.
- Bladder Changes — The most frequent bladder symptom is the need to urinate more frequently. You may awaken several times during the night to urinate or you may be unable to urinate despite the sensation of a full bladder. Bladder symptoms are caused by fibroids pressing against the bladder, reducing its capacity to hold urine or blocking the urine from flowing.
- Pelvic Pain — A less common symptom is severe pain. This occurs when a fibroid goes through a process called degeneration, usually because it outgrows its blood supply. The pain is usually localized and subsides within two to four weeks.
- Low Back Pain — Fibroids that press against the muscles and nerves of the lower back can cause back pain.
- Rectal Pressure — Fibroids also can press against the rectum and cause a sense of rectal fullness, difficulty having a bowel movement or pain with bowel movements. Occasionally, fibroids can lead to the development of a hemorrhoid.
Do untreated uterine fibroids pose a risk?
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For the most part, uterine fibroids that do not cause a problem for the woman can be left untreated. In some cases, even fibroids that are not causing symptoms require removal or at least close observation. Rapid growth is a reason to watch more carefully, since a rare cancerous form of fibroid (referred to as a leiomyosarcoma) is usually a fast-growing tumor, and it cannot be differentiated from a benign fibroid by ultrasound, MRI , or other imaging studies. However, this type of tumor occurs in less than 1% of uterine fibroids.
Another risk of leaving these tumors alone is that they sometimes grow to a size that eventually causes significant symptoms, thus requiring removal. If fibroids grow large enough, the surgery to remove them can become more difficult and risky. Occasionally, fibroids are the cause of recurrent miscarriages. If they are not removed in these cases, the woman may not be able to sustain a pregnancy.
What are the usual ways of diagnosing uterine fibroids?
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Fibroids can be diagnosed in a number of ways including:
- Pelvic Examination — During a routine gynecologic exam, a doctor can feel the size and shape of the uterus. If the uterus is enlarged or irregularly shaped, fibroids may be present. Several tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
- Ultrasonography —
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) —
- Hysteroscopy — A slender "telescope" is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity to allow a physician to see fibroids inside the uterus.
What is the role of Homoeopathy inFibroid ?
As described in the article above Fibroid has multifactor ail causes. Homoeopathy follows an individualistic approach towards patients suffering from Fibroid we believe that every individual is different and thus a full in-depth case study is the first step. Then referring to the risk factors the individual was subjected too, a particular line of treatment is adopted. The usual conventional treatment provides only mere palliation or suppression. On the other hand our deep acting constitutional medicine cure the disease in depth rendering the patient free from the disease
A broad criterion of how the homoeopathic medicines act in cases of fibroid is mentioned below. The response to treatment can differ from one individual to another patients are advised to consult so that the mode of treatment can be discussed pertaining to their particular case
Relieves Symptoms like:
Our deep acting constitutional medicines work at the root level. Homoeopathy with its natural medicinal substances used in small quantities cures Fibroids.
We at DRSS provide our patients with diet charts, exercise schedules and guide them how to modify their lifestyle so that better results can be achieved.
Homoeopathic medicines if taken under proper guidance from a well-qualified professional are extremely safe and have no side effects.
A broad criterion of how the homoeopathic medicines act in cases of fibroid is mentioned below. The response to treatment can differ from one individual to another patients are advised to consult so that the mode of treatment can be discussed pertaining to their particular case
Relieves Symptoms like:
- Menstrual Changes
- Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
- Pelvic Pressure or Discomfort
- Pelvic Pain
- Low Back Pain
Our deep acting constitutional medicines work at the root level. Homoeopathy with its natural medicinal substances used in small quantities cures Fibroids.
We at DRSS provide our patients with diet charts, exercise schedules and guide them how to modify their lifestyle so that better results can be achieved.
Homoeopathic medicines if taken under proper guidance from a well-qualified professional are extremely safe and have no side effects.
Fibroid