Fibroids are non-cancerous cysts in the womb of women. These cysts may vary in size and can affect fertility in many ways. Women who experience fibroids in their uterus may have painful periods or abdominal cramps. Progesterone is a hormone that helps in their growth. Hormonal changes may prompt these fibroids to grow over the years.
Types of fibroids
The placement of fibroids in the uterus determines their name accordingly. There are several types of fibroids that can develop inside the womb
- Subserous fibroids – These fibroids grow on the outside wall of uterus.
- Intramural fibroids – they grow inside the muscle wall of the uterus
- Submucous fibroids – they grow from the inner wall of the uterus into the space inside it
Symptoms
Some fibroids are so small in size that you may not know that you have them. On the other hand, if the fibroids are larger in size and affect your menstrual cycle then this becomes a point of concern. Some symptoms include:
- Heavy cramps
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Urine incontinence
- Infertility
- Pain in the pelvis
Diagnosis
When you feel any of the above symptoms then you must consult with your gynaecologist. Your doctor may ask about your medical history and do a vaginal examination. They may run a series of tests to see any abnormal changes in your womb. The tests may include a blood test, ultrasound scan, hysteroscopy, or an MRI scan.
Treatment
The treatment options depend on the size and placement of the fibroids in your uterus. If you do not feel any symptoms then treatment is not necessary but if the symptoms are severe then some treatment options are available.
1. Medications
Even though medicines cannot cure fibroids completely but they definitely reduce the symptoms. Some over-the-counter painkillers can lessen abdominal cramps. Some medicines can also be prescribed to shrink the size of fibroids before the surgical removal of fibroids. You can check the online pharmacy prices of these medicines on the website of 90daymeds. It is an online Canadian pharmacy that specializes in selling medicines at affordable prices.
2. Surgery
The option of surgery must be explored if the fibroids are large, not easily removable by medicines, reducing chances of fertility or the pain during your menstrual cycle has become unbearable. There are several types of surgeries to remove fibroids:
- Myomectomy – this operation is done to remove fibroids from your uterus. It can either be done by making a cut in your abdomen or through keyhole surgery.
- Endometrial ablation – in this operation, the lining of your womb is removed to lessen the heavy bleeding during periods. It is a risky procedure though.
- Hysterectomy – this option must be explored if you do not wish to become pregnant as it involves removing the uterus completely. The unavailability of the uterus will eliminate the chances of fibroids’ growth in the future.
- Magnetic resonance imaging-guided ultrasound surgery. In this procedure, the ultrasound waves destroy fibroids. However, there is less research about whether this procedure is effective in pregnancy or not as it is relatively new.
