Uterine fibroids are tumors made up of muscle tissue that grow in the uterus. Uterine fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, problems with urination, a feeling of pressure in the abdomen and pain during sex. These fibroids appear to grow in part due to hormonal fluctuations, but are almost never cancerous.
Fibroid Types and Bleeding
The most common type of fibroid is called the intramural fibroid. These fibroids start in the lining of the uterus and expand. They can cause heavier than normal menstrual bleeding. The second most common type of uterine fibroid is called the subserosal fibroid, which grows in the outer lining of the uterus. This type of fibroid does not usually cause any changes in menstrual bleeding. Submucosal fibroids are the least common type of fibroids. These fibroids, which grow just under the inner lining of the uterus, can cause massive and gushing bleeding during menstruation.
Mechanism
It is not entirely clear why uterine fibroids cause heavy bleeding during menstruation. It is possible that the growth of the fibroids causes extra blood vessels to be located in the uterus. Another theory is that the fibroids stretch the lining of the uterus. Because the lining is expanded, this would cause additional bleeding when it is stretched during menstruation.
Diagnosis
In the event that a woman develops heavier than normal menstrual bleeding along with other symptoms, such as pelvic pain or increased urination, uterine fibroids may be suspected. These can be diagnosed via ultrasound (which uses sound waves to look for changes in the uterus), or a hysteroscope (which is a small camera that is inserted through the vagina and cervix to access the uterus).
Complications
Although fibroids are rarely dangerous or life-threatening, the heavy bleeding can cause anemia. Anemia is a condition marked by a reduced number of red blood cells. In the case of anemia caused by fibroid bleeding, the heavy blood loss can not only result in a deficiency in red blood cells, but also a lack of iron, which may require iron supplementation to fix.
Treatments
In the event that fibroid bleeding is too severe, there are a number of treatment options. Hormonal birth control can often help control the bleeding. If that treatment does not work, the fibroids can be removed using a surgical process known as a myomectomy. Finally, if the fibroids are unable to be removed, the entire uterus can be taken out via a hysterectomy.
