Uterine Fibroids
A fibroid is a benign growth of muscle which develops
in the wall of the uterus. Fibroids range is size from 5-10mm
(the size of a pea) to 150mm (the size of a football). They
are very common and are present in up to 30% of women. They
generally do not cause any problems and many patients go through
life with their fibroids unnoticed.
Some patients do however run into problems which may include:
- Infertility
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Pain
Infertility may occur as a result of blockage of the fallopian
tubes (refer figure1.). Such a blockage may prevent the sperm
from meeting the egg just before conception or prevent the
embryo's passage toward the uterus. Fertility may also be
reduced if the fibroids significantly disrupt the cavity of
the uterus (refer fig.1).
Irregular bleeding with fibroids is usually the result of
enlargement or distortion of the uterine cavity. Sometimes
a small fibroid actually within the cavity may also cause
heavy and irregular bleeding.
If fibroids enlarge to such a size that they outgrow their
blood supply degeneration of the muscle may occur and pain
may result. Degeneration may also occur in pregnancy. Both
of these complications are rare.
Problematic fibroids may be treated with a variety of hormones
to decrease their size. It may however, take several months
before a reduction in size is noted. Other fibroids may be
dealt with by surgery. If the fibroid is small and positioned
within the cavity it may be possible to introduce a narrow
telescope into the uterine cavity and remove the fibroid.
Larger fibroids are usually approached either through keyhole
or open surgery.
Uterine Fibroids
Figure 1: This diagram shows the various locations of uterine
fibroids.
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