Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the womb or uterus. They consist of dense fibrous tissue and can cause a variety of symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding, pain, bloating, and infertility. Fortunately, a wide range of effective treatments for fibroids. The medical term for uterine fibroids is leiomyoma. A rare cancer of the uterus is called a leiomyosarcoma, but having fibroids does not lead to this type of tumor or increase the risk of it. However, fibroids can have serious health implications womans. Nobody knows for sure what causes fibroids, but there are risk factors that become more common, obesity is one of them. They are also more common in women in their 30s and 40s even though they often shrink after menopause. African American women are more likely to have fibroids and so are women with a family history of disease. While the causes of fibroids are unknown, the risk can be reduced by avoiding obesity and eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables. 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids life. It is known that diet can influence the development of fibroids with eating lots of vegetables and fruits for protection, while large quantities of red meat appear to favor the growth of the fibroid. Some fibroids cause no symptoms at all, even though considerable. The most common symptoms of fibroids are heavy menstrual periods, heaviness in the lower abdomen and pelvis, urinary symptoms and painful intercourse. Fibroids can complicate pregnancy and greatly increase the chances of caesarian section. Fibroids are classified by where the wall of the uterus that occur. Submucosal fibroids grow in the uterine cavity, while intramural fibroids are contained within the muscle wall and subserosal fibrosis grow outside the uterus. Pedunculated fibroids grow on a narrow stalk and look like a fungus. There are many different ways to treat fibroids when they require treatment. Asymptomatic fibroids require only watching for problems and are common. When symptoms are causing great pain or heavy bleeding anemia, there are surgical and nonsurgical options. The size and location of fibroids can determine the types of treatment available. For women who do not want children to preserve the hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus is a direct solution. It is also often possible to remove just the fibroids bothered by a procedure called myomectomy. Conception may be possible after that option. Another option is the lining of the uterus ablation is performed with a variety of techniques. After ablation, the design is not possible. Medical control of fibroids can be as simple as the use of NSAIDs or paracetamol to relieve discomfort or use of hormones and antihormonal drugs to control symptoms. The lowdose birth control pills control may work for some women, while others require the removal of hormonal drugs such as Lupron or mifepristone. The problem with these drugs is that fibroids can grow back when medication is stopped. Women with fibroids may not even know they are present or may have significant symptoms, but modern treatments make this diagnosis should not be frightening. The diagnosis was made by imaging Xray, ultrasound or MRI, but sometimes involves inserting a special scope into the uterus through the vagina (hysteroscopy) or through the abdominal wall (laparoscopy.) Biopsies can be taken to confirm the diagnosis in this way. br This entry was posted on May 14, 2009 at 8:03 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. br br
