Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop inside or around the uterus. Uterine fibroids are categorized by where they develop. There are four types of uterine fibroids:
- Submucosal fibroids: grows into the inner uterine wall
- Intramural fibroids: grows inside the muscular wall of the uterus
- Subserosal fibroids: grows on the outside of the uterus
- Pedunculated fibroids: grows on small stalks inside or outside the uterus.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Most women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all. However, large or numerous fibroids can cause the following symptoms:
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Frequent urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Infertility, pregnancy loss, preterm birth
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids are usually found during physical examination. If fibroids are suspected in the physical examination, various tests are performed to confirm the fibroids and to determine their size, number and location. These tests are ultrasound, HSG, MRI or diagnostic hysteroscopy.
How are uterine fibroids treated ?
Although fibroids can be treated with medication or surgery, sometimes no treatment is needed. The type of treatment may vary according to the patient’s symptoms, the number, size and location of the fibroid and the patient’s desire for pregnancy. Women who experience infertility or recurrent miscarriage due to fibroids are treated with surgery called myomectomy.
