Fibroids are one of the most common lumps in women’s bodies. Fibroids are also called Myoma or leiomyomas. A fibroid is an overgrowth of smooth muscle cells and other cells from the lining of the Uterus. Fibroids are usually seen in the Uterus, Cervix, and very rarely in other parts of the body. Most of the time, Fibroids are non-cancerous. But near about 1 -2 % of the Fibroids may be cancerous.
Many of times, Fibroids are asymptomatic. Hence, a good number of women are unaware about of carrying Fibroids.
Percentage of women being affected varies from 5 % to upto 60 % .
Fibroids can be seen at any age right from teenage to menopause or even beyond that .
With around 2 in 3 women developing at least 1 fibroid at some point in their life.
Fibroids are thought to develop more frequently in women of African-Caribbean origin.
In the era of modern science, the exact cause of fibroids remains unclear, and their biology is poorly understood. Although strong genetic factors and hormones called estrogen is suggested.
Because the fibroids are usually seen among the women of reproductive age group (16 to 50).
Estrogen: Estrogen is the female reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries (the female reproductive organs). They tend to shrink when estrogen levels are low, such as after the menopause when a woman’s monthly period stops. It’s also thought they occur more often in overweight or obese women because being overweight increases the level of estrogen in the body. Women who have had children have a lower risk of developing fibroids.
Fibroids can grow anywhere in the womb and vary in size considerably. Some can be the size of a pea, whereas others can be the size of a melon.
The main types of Fibroids are:
Fibroids that develop outside the wall of the Uterus ( womb ) into the pelvis and can become very large without causing much symptoms.
The most common type of fibroid, which develops within the muscle wall of the uterus.
Fibroids that develop in the muscle layer beneath the Endometrium that is the Uterus’s inner lining and grow into the cavity of the womb.
In some cases, subserosal fibroids are attached to the womb with a narrow stalk of tissue. These are known as pedunculated fibroids.
These fibroids are located in the cervix rather than body of uterus.
Fibroids are also classified as Type 0 to 8 by FIGO ( International Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecology )
Subserous Fibroids can grow and occupy most of the tummy without causing any symptoms.
Where as a small submucosal Fibroid can produce symptoms. Hence, it is the site of the Fibroid which is more important than the size.
Heavy monthly bleeding can lead to iron deficiency which may makes feel very weak, tired and dizzy.
It may be so severe to warrant at least iron level correction while waiting for a decision on the treatment of the Fibroids
Low level of hemoglobin can be the result of neglected heavy Menstrual bleeding.
Fibroids can cause subfertilty, Infertilty or undesired outcomes during pregnancy.
Multiple Fibroids, particularly those in the lower part of the Uterus, can block the vagina during pregnancy and therefore a caesarean may be necessary for delivery.
Risk of miscarriage is increased with the presence of multiple Fibroids.
Pain & premature labour can happen when fibroids degenerate (die) during pregnancy.
Excessive bleeding during or after delivery is a known complication of Fibroids during pregnancy.
Pressure exerted by the fibroids on the bladder can lead to urinary tract infection and on the urethra can result in urinary obstruction and kidney dysfunction.
Fibroid rarely breaks away from the Uterus and when it does women can get:
BML (Benign Metastasing Leiomyoma) in the other organs like operation scar, peritoeum, Omentum, Intestine, Lungs etc.
Very rarely in less than 1% of the Fibroid develop into cancer ( Leiomyosarcoma).
Fibroids can be managed by various ways and we need to individualise the patient.
Management will be dependent upon the patient’s current symptoms, and fertility plans. It will also be influenced by the size, location and number of Fibroids which are present.
With close monitoring for the asymptomatic postmenopausal women or those women who are approaching their menopause. Because after menopause the Fibroids shrinks gradually due to lack of estrogen hormone.
In women who are asymptomatic (estimated at 3 in 4 women with fibroids), the majority require no further investigation or treatment once diagnosed unless there is rapid growth or a reason to suspect pelvic malignancy.
Unfortunately, as of now there are no medicine available which can cure the fibroid, but with limited success they may halt the growth of fibroids.
Avoidance of fast food,restricting estrogen-containing foods like cheese, oil, fatty foods.
Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber is helpful.
Till date there is NO medicine available to cure the fibroid. However, Medicines like Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators (SPRMs) & Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Antagonists:
These medications can help reduce fibroid size and bleeding with limited success.
Antihemorrhagic drugs like Ethamsylate, Tranexamic acid helps in reducing bleeding temporarily.
Painkillers and NSAIDS can be used to reduce pain and bleeding to lesser extent during the episode or emergency.
Laparoscopic Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) or EFU – Uterine Fibroid Embolisation : By these techniques, we can block the blood flow to the Uterus or Fibroid, causing them to either shrink or restrict the fibroid from growing in size.
Which is the only definitive treatment proven for symptomatic women and treating infertility in some patients.
Surgery suggested for infertile women having intramural Fibroids of size > 4 cm or any size of Fibroid which is displacing the Endometrium (lining of the Uterus) Operation can be performed by Minimally Invasive Surgery like laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and robotic surgery.
It is a day care procedure performed without taking any cuts over the body.
With the help of tiny 2.9mm telescope submucous Fibroids and to lesser extent small intramural Fibroids can be removed with hysteroscopic scissors or resectoscope.
With these minimal invasive techniques, any size of Fibroids can be removed through key holes with advantages like faster recovery, less blood loss, more precise, with lesser hospital stay and medication, cosmetic, resuming office early etc …
Prevention of Fibroids: Because we are not sure about the exact cause of fibroid, we can not always prevent fibroids from developing but maintaining a healthy life style, weight control, regular exercise and healthy diet can definitely help.
Regular check up and taking an opinion from the specialist on time can help from landing with complications from Fibroids.
Dr. Nalwad Balaji Reddy is one of the best specialists for uterine fibroids treatment in Pune because of his patient centric approach. Every fibroid patient needs an individualised plan like Medication and Observation, Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy, Robotic surgery, Hysterectomy, Embolization, Ablation etc. With years of experience in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, he provides safe, advanced, and personalized care for women suffering from fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are usually noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They often cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility issues. Dr. Nalwad Balaji Reddy offers complete diagnosis and treatment for all types of fibroids.
Yes. Laparoscopic and robotic fibroid removal surgeries performed by Dr. Nalwad Balaji Reddy are safe, minimally invasive, and ensure faster recovery with minimal scarring and excellent fertility outcomes.
You should visit Dr. Nalwad Balaji Reddy if you notice heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure in the abdomen, or difficulty getting pregnant. Early diagnosis helps in effective treatment.
You can book an appointment by calling +91 9922836552 or filling out the contact form on the website. Dr. Nalwad Balaji Reddy, a leading fibroid specialist in Pune, ensures comprehensive and compassionate care for every patient.
Consultant Gynecologist with specialisation in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries.
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