Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They are quite common and can vary in size, number, and location.
Types of Uterine Fibroids:
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Intramural Fibroids:
- Location: Within the wall of the uterus.
- Impact: Can cause the uterus to enlarge and may lead to heavy menstrual bleeding or pain.
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Submucosal Fibroids:
- Location: Just beneath the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium).
- Impact: Can cause abnormal bleeding, heavy periods, and may interfere with fertility.
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Subserosal Fibroids:
- Location: On the outer surface of the uterus.
- Impact: May cause pressure symptoms, such as urinary frequency or constipation, if they grow large enough.
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Pedunculated Fibroids:
- Location: Attached to the uterus by a stalk or peduncle.
- Impact: Can be subserosal or submucosal, and may cause discomfort if they twist or become large.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids:
Not all women with fibroids experience symptoms, but common symptoms include:
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
- Painful Periods: Severe cramping or pelvic pain during menstruation.
- Pelvic Pressure: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvic region.
- Frequent Urination: If a fibroid presses on the bladder.
- Constipation: If a fibroid presses on the rectum.
- Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
- Enlarged Abdomen: Visible swelling or enlargement of the abdomen in cases of large fibroids.
- Reproductive Issues: Difficulty with conception or complications during pregnancy (though fibroids often do not affect fertility).
Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids:
- Medical History: Discussion of symptoms, menstrual history, and any relevant family history.
- Pelvic Examination: Physical examination to check for an enlarged uterus or abnormalities.
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: Transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound to visualize fibroids and assess their size and location.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images and helps in evaluating the size and exact location of fibroids.
- Hysteroscopy: A procedure where a thin, lighted tube is inserted through the vagina and cervix to view the inside of the uterus and identify submucosal fibroids.
- Sonohysterography: An ultrasound procedure where a saline solution is injected into the uterus to better visualize the uterine lining and fibroids.
Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids:
Treatment depends on the size and location of the fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health and reproductive plans.
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Medications:
- Hormonal Therapy: Birth control pills or hormonal IUDs to help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bleeding.
- GnRH Agonists: Medications that induce a temporary menopause-like state to shrink fibroids.
- Antifibrinolytics: Medications like tranexamic acid to reduce menstrual bleeding.
- Progestin-Only Therapy: To reduce bleeding and other symptoms.
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Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): A procedure where small particles are injected into the arteries supplying blood to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- Focused Ultrasound Surgery: Uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.
- Endometrial Ablation: A procedure to remove or destroy the lining of the uterus, which can reduce bleeding.
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Surgical Treatments:
- Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. Options include abdominal, laparoscopic (minimally invasive), or hysteroscopic (through the cervix) approaches.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, which is a definitive treatment for fibroids but eliminates the possibility of future pregnancies.
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Lifestyle and Complementary Approaches:
- Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications to manage discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
Consult a healthcare provider, such as Dr. Rajeev Kumar, if you experience:
- Persistent or severe pelvic pain.
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding or excessive bleeding.
- Difficulty with urination or bowel movements.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Unexplained abdominal enlargement.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options can be tailored based on the individual’s needs, health, and reproductive goals.
Diagnosis of Uterine fibroids :
The diagnosis is primarily done by an Ultrasound (USG) abdomen.
HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR UTERINE FIBROID :
Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris : Useful for treating uterine fibroids with prolonged menses.Given when menses continue for 10-15 days and appear very frequently as well.There is profuse menstrual bleeding with the presence of large clots.There is violent uterine colic during menses with cramping pain in the uterus
Calcarea Carb : Very useful medicine for treating heavy periods from uterine fibroids.Given when menses continue for long and may even appear early.Useful for vertigo during mense.There is thick, milky or yellow color leucorrhoea also.
Belladonna : Well-indicated medicines for uterine fibroids where the menses are painful.There is cramping pain in the uterus during menses. Also useful for profuse and bright red in colour.
Sepia : Recommended for griping, burning or bearing down pains during menses. Given when menses start early and are quite copious There is fainting and chilliness during menses.Also indicated for treating painful intercourse who is suffering from uterine fibroids
Ustilago Maydis : Most suitable medicine for uterine fibroids where menstrual bleeding is dark. There is also presence os clots in menstrual blood.Useful for uterine bleeding which is stringy in nature.
Sabina : Useful for menstrual bleeding with clots in uterine fibroid cases.Helpful when slightest motion increases menstrual bleeding.There is pain from sacrum to pubis and during menses there is pain in the uterus that gets better by lying on the back.Useful for uterine pain which may extend to the thighs. There is foul, acrid, corrosive, yellow leucorrhoea.
FIBROID DROP, RL-37