A uterine fibroid is a non-cancerous (benign) tumor growth which starts off from the soft muscle layer called myometrium and goes-up till the uterus’s connective tissue.

Even though these fibroids are compiled of the similar soft muscle fibers as the uterine wall, but they tend to get much intense when compared to the usual myometrium layer. Generally, uterine fibroids are either partially round or completely round in form.

Different Types of Fibroids 

• Subserosal Fibroids: The ones positioned underneath the serous membrane, which is the lining membrane on the outside of the organ, are called the subserosal fibroids. They are usually found on the outer surface of the uterus or are attached to the outer surface by a stalk-like structure called the pedicle.

• Submucosal Fibroids: The fibroids found inside the uterine cavity and the ones underneath the lining of the uterus are called submucos or submucosal fibroids. In this case even a small wound or scratch or lesion can lead to fertility issues and severe bleeding. 

• Intramural Fibroids: The fibroids found within the muscular walls of the uterus are called intramural fibroids. These fibroids do not show any symptoms or problems until they increase in their size or growth. As they increase in size, they not only cause a deformation but also elongate the uterine cavity.

• Cervical Fibroids: The fibroids found in the neck of the uterus are called cervical fibroids.

There have been cases where some people were diagnosed with single fibroids while a few other were diagnosed with multiple fibroids. It has been found that most of these uterine fibroids begin from the muscular walls of the uterus, also known as the intramural layer. 

Why women are prone to Uterine Fibroids?

Studies over the years have failed to figure out the exact reasons behind growth of uterine fibroids in women. A few reasons count for irregularity in the genes, modifications or changes in the growth factor, irregularity in the blood flow system and reactions of tissues after injury. However, the change in a woman’s estrogen level also leads to the formation of fibroids. In some cases it has been seen that uterine fibroids are hereditary as well.

More than 50% of women suffer from uterine fibroids and in many cases they are not even aware of them being infected with these fibroids as they do not see any symptoms or issues pertaining to uterine fibroids.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Women suffering from uterine fibroids fail to sense the presence of it as they hardly come across any symptom. However, the common symptoms indicating uterine fibroids include unusual bleeding along with excessive abdominal pain, extending periods, spotting between the periodic cycles, bloating of the abdomen and severe back aches. It has seen that some women tend to become anemic due to excessive bleeding.

Uterine Fibroids and infertility issues

Normally uterine fibroids do not have any unpleasant effect on the fertility of a woman. However, studies show that about 3% of women have been diagnosed with conceiving issues due to the existence of large, several or pedunculated fibroids.

Women with large subserosal fibroids, which generally grow on the outer surface of the uterus, may have issues relating to fallopian tube compression. This compression leads to an obstruction in the fallopian tube, thereby jamming the channel of sperm and eggs.

Subserosal fibroids can also deform the pelvic anatomy to such an extent that it becomes difficult for the fallopian tube to detain an egg during the ovulation process.

Effect of Uterine Fibroids in pregnant women

• Few of the intramural and submucosal fibroids alter the form of the uterine cavity and operate like an intra urinary device also known as IUDs resulting in miscarriages.

• Based on the place and size of the uterine fibroids, pregnant women with fibroids may be at a higher risk of experiencing early labor.

• Due to the raise in the estrogen levels throughout pregnancy, uterine fibroids may expand and relocate the placenta.

• Large fibroids in the uterine cavity can produce a scarcity of space and hamper the development of the baby, which in most cases either causes miscarriages or ingrained deformities in the baby.

• Numerous fibroids found in the inferior portion of the uterus can wedge the vagina during pregnancy, making it essential to have a cesarean birth.

Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids

An ultrasound scan is the most common technique that helps in identifying the existence of uterine fibroids that arise in the uterus. An ultrasound also assists in knowing not only the location but also the mass of the fibroids. Some doctors prefer a MRI scan done for identifying the size and location of these fibroids.

Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

In most cases uterine fibroids do not need any action to be taken until the above mentioned symptoms occur. It has been seen that these fibroids automatically reduce in size following menopause. If the symptoms of uterine fibroids still persist, then the following steps must be taken:

• Take medicines to manage the symptoms and decrease the size of the tumor growth

• Get the fibroids removed with the help of ultrasound

• Opt for surgery methods like hysterectomy or laparoscopy

Treatment of Uterine Fibroids in pregnant women

For the pregnant women suffering from uterine fibroids, a normal medication is prescribed by the doctor. This includes intake of lots of vitamins, herbs and natural supplements which can boost the immune system, stabilize the hormones, and endorse common wellness.