Uterine Fibroid- Causes, Symptoms, and Risks

Uterine Fibroids are the noncancerous growth of uterus. This condition is most prevalent in childbearing years. Some regards Uterine Fibroids as the benign tumor inside the uterus or womb. They are composed of the same smooth muscle fiber as that of the uterine wall (also known as myometrium). They are generally round in shape. Always remember there are very rare chance of uterine fibroids turning into cancer.

Size of Fibroids
The size of the fibroids ranges from that of a seedling to a large one. Sometimes, the size of the fibroids becomes so large that it almost extend to the rib cage. This distorts the shape of the uterus and causes its enlargement. They can vary in number as well. You may have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In case of the multicellular fibroid, the uterus can be extended to the rib cage.

Types of Fibroids
Fibroids can be classified into 3 types. The classification is based on the location of fibroids. The classification is as follows-
1. Subserosal Fibroids – These are known as subserosal fibroids because they are located beneath the serosa. Serosa is the outer lining membrane of the uterus. They are projected outside of the uterus.
2. Submucosal Fibroids – Submucosal fibroids are located inside the uterine cavity and too beneath the inner lining of the uterus. They grow into the outer uterine cavity.
3. Intramural Fibroids – Intramural fibroids are located within the muscles of the uterus. They grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.

Symptoms
It is often found that women who suffer from fibroids do not have any symptom. But in some women the symptoms are visible. Some of them are-
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstruation extending over a week
• Pain in Pelvic region
• Difficulty in emptying the bladder
• Frequent Urination
• Constipation
• Pain in the rear back and legs.

Causes
There is not an exact cause of fibroids according to the doctor. But some of the clinical reports suggest-
• Hormones – Estrogen and Progesterone plays an important part in menstruation and preparing for pregnancy. But these are also responsible for fibroids. They contain a larger amount of Estrogen and Progesterone as compared to the normal cells. This also suggests that the fibroids will shrink after the menopause.
• Genetic changes – Some fibroids are a result of a change in the genes than the normal ones.
• Stem Cell – Some doctors believe that uterine fibroids can be developed from the stem cells in the myometrium. This cell divides repeatedly and form a rubber-like mass called fibroids which are distinct from the nearby tissue
• Other growth factors – They can also be affected by the substance that helps us to maintain the body growth. For example, use of Insulin may affect the growth of fibroids.
• Environmental factors – Some of the environmental factors are also responsible for fibroids. Early onset of menstruation, deficiency of Vitamin D, Often use of alcohol and beer, dairy and farm products, and use of birth control measures are also responsible for having fibroids.

Growth Pattern of Fibroids
The growth patterns of fibroids vary from case to case. They may either grow slowly or rapidly. Fibroids may shrink on their own after the menopause. The fibroids during the pregnancy get resolved after the childbirth when the uterus get backs to its normal size. They may also go through the growth spurts and might shrink on their own.

Risk associated with Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids possess no risk other than being present during the reproductive stage. The special care needs to be taken of the size. If the size is growing fast it can turn into cancer. Although there are very few chances that a fibroid may turn into cancer. Other than this, sometimes it goes larger in size and thus, affecting your menstrual health. In such cases, the fibroids need to be removed.
Fibroids are not considered as major diseases. They can be treated either by surgeries or medications. We will discuss some of the treatment in the next one.

To know more about your specific condition, please visit an Gynecologist in a trusted hospital close to you.