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UTERINE FIBROIDS
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors comprised of muscle cells derived from the uterus. Fibroids can grow on the surface, middle or cavity of the uterus. They are very common, being found in up to one in four women during the reproductive years. Most uterine fibroids cause no symptoms, although they can cause the uterus to feel enlarged during routine pelvic exams.
Ultrasound is the most common diagnostic tool utilized to diagnose fibroids. In some circumstances, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or laparoscopy may be needed to determine uterine fibroids’ size and location.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Many women don’t feel any symptoms from uterine fibroids. However, uterine fibroids can cause some women to experience extended, heavy or painful periods, discomfort, bloating, frequent urination, urinary retention, bloating and constipation.
How do uterine fibroids affect fertility and pregnancy?
Since fibroids often develop in women during their childbearing years, a typical question is, “How do uterine fibroids affect fertility and pregnancy?” While many pregnant women with uterine fibroids experience no adverse effects as a result of uterine fibroids, the following complications are possible:
- Fallopian tubes may become blocked or compressed, which can cause infertility
- The vagina may become blocked, making it necessary to have a cesarean birth
- Between the 12th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy, the blood supply to uterine fibroids can be cut off, which causes them to die; this can cause abdominal pains and uterine contractions, which can lead to premature labor or miscarriage
- The placenta may become enlarged or displaced, potentially causing various complications
- Large uterine fibroids can limit space and interfere with the baby’s growth, which can lead to miscarriage or deformities
How are uterine fibroids treated?
When symptoms are disruptive or if fertility is affected, fibroids can be treated with various methods. An individual with symptomatic fibroids must consider how each specific treatment will help her particular symptoms and how the treatment may affect her fertility. Due to the increased risk of bleeding, uterine fibroids are typically never removed during pregnancy. Options for treatment of fibroids include:
- medication or hormonal therapy
- high-intensity focused heat, cold or ultrasound waves
- endometrial ablation
- uternine artery embolization which uses small particles to block the blood supply to the fibroids
- hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus)
- myomectomy (surgical removal of uterine fibroids, recommended for women who are trying to become pregnant)
How can a myomectomy improve fertility?
If you have uterine fibroids, a myomectomy may succeed in improving your fertility. For more information on Dr. Garofalo’s myomectomy procedures, please click here.