Uterine fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths found in the pelvis and often occur in as many as three out of four women, according to the MayoClinic.com. Uterine fibroids often have no symptoms, and patients are not even aware they have them until they are accidentally discovered by a doctor during a pelvic or prenatal exam. There are several treatments available to treat uterine fibroids.
Causes
It is not clear what causes uterine fibroids, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but the female hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to play a role. MayoClinic.com explains that some uterine fibroids contain altered genetic codes, which may suggest genetics play a role in the formation of tumors. Uterine fibroids develop from a single cell reproducing repeatedly, creating a pale, firm, rubbery mass.
Symptoms
Most uterine fibroids do not have symptoms, but some women may experience heavy painful bleeding during periods, sometimes severe enough to cause anemia. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains that women may also feel fullness in the pelvic area or enlargement of the lower abdomen. In rare cases, women may experience infertility, complications during pregnancy, lower back pain and pain during sex.
Considerations
Many factors play a role in what treatment options a woman chooses. If a woman is exhibiting no symptoms, she may not need to undergo treatment. A woman's age, the size and location of the fibroids and whether a woman wishes to have children all factor into the type of treatment a physician recommends.
Treatments
Physicians often use low-dose birth control pills to help control symptoms of fibroids, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Birth control pills do not cause fibroids to grow and can help control heavy bleeding, which can occur with uterine fibroids. Women may also choose to have an intrauterine device such as Mirena implanted to deliver a small amount of progesterone-like medication. Another common medication includes gonadatropin-releasing hormone agonists, or GnRHa. Women will not get a period while taking GnRHa, which can provide relief from heavy bleeding and can help in the recovery from anemia.
When uterine fibroids are moderate to severe, women may choose surgical options. A myomectomy allows for the surgical removal of the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. This is a good option for women who wish to become pregnant. If a woman is past childbearing years or no longer wishes to have children, she may choose to have the entire uterus removed, known as a hysterectomy. Another option for women who no longer wish to have children is a procedure known as endometrial ablation, which involves destroying the inner lining of the uterus to control heavy bleeding.
Complications
Women who use birth control pills or an intrauterine device may experience complications such as blood clots if they smoke or are over 35. GnRHa has side effects such as depression, hot flashes, insomnia, decreased sex drive and joint pain. GnRHa has also been shown to cause bone thinning, so it is often used for less than six months, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Surgical complications can include heavy bleeding, reactions to anesthesia and perforation of organs.
