Uterine Fibroids Symptom, Treatment, Pregnancy, Picture, Diet

Uterine Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that develop on the muscular wall of the uterus (womb). They can vary enormously in size, from smaller than a pea-sized lump to huge, heavy swellings that fill the whole of the uterus and weigh several pounds. It is estimated that 15-40 per cent of women have fibroids.

What causes fibroids?

It is not known what causes the tumour to appear in the first place but it does seem that the hormone oestrogen encourages their growth. Fibroids usually occur in women over 20 years old and can grow as long as the body produces oestrogen. Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and some forms of hormone replacement therapy may increase their size.

Fibroids rarely occur singly, and often several are present. These uterine growths are much more common in women of Afro-Caribbean or Afro- American descent. If symptoms are a problem or are preventing conception fibroids can be removed surgically.

Uterine Fibroids Treatment - Treatment for fibroids

For heavy periods and cramps, anti-inflammatory tablets such as mefenamic acid may be extremely effective. These are taken two days before the period and for the first few days of bleeding. If heavy, painful periods persist and pregnancy is not an issue then intra-uterine contraceptive devices (lUCDs) may reduce the bleeding to little or nothing.

Fibroids may be surgically shrunk or removed if they are particularly troublesome or thought to be interfering with fertility. If none of the above methods proves adequate then hysterectomy, when the whole uterus is removed, may be a last resort in older women whose families are complete, but this procedure is rarely necessary nowadays.

Uterine fibroids symptom