Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynaecological problems in women. Although the exact cause is unknown, there may be genetic factors and they are sensitive to hormones particularly oestrogen. Fibroids can lead to issues such as heavy periods that interfere with daily activities, period pain and pressure symptoms.
What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are abnormal growths of the muscle wall of the womb or uterus. Uterine fibroids are the most common tumours of the female genital tract. You might hear them referred to as “fibroids” or by several other names, including leiomyoma, leiomyomata, myoma and fibromyoma.
Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths which may occur in a number of locations in and around the uterus (womb). They most commonly lie in the wall of the uterus (intramural fibroids) but may protrude either outside the uterus or into the cavity of the uterus.
While fibroids do not always cause symptoms, their size and location can lead to problems for some women including painful or heavy periods and pressure symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
Many women may not know they have fibroids, as fibroids do not always cause symptoms. They can be picked up as incidental findings when scanning for other reasons or may be found on routine antenatal ultrasound scans. Women who do have symptoms may experience:
- Heavy or painful periods
- Longer or more frequent periods
- Tummy (abdominal) pain or pressur
- Lower back pain
- Frequently needing to wee
- Constipation
- Pain or discomfort during sex
If you are experiencing these symptoms speak to your GP.
How Common are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are very common. The number of women who have fibroids increases with age until menopause, when fibroids tend to shrink.
- About 20% of women in their 20s have fibroids
- 30% of women in their 30s
- 40% of women in their 40s
- 20-40% of women aged 35 and older have uterine fibroids of a significant size
Fibroids are also more common in certain ethnic groups such as black women, Caribbean and African women.
How are Fibroids Diagnosed
If you think you have fibroids your GP may carry out a pelvic examination to look for signs of fibroids. You may have a clinical examination to look for any lumps. Frequently fibroids are found when you have an ultrasound for another reason or on routine antenatal scans. The main way to diagnose fibroids is with an ultrasound scan.
Complications of Fibroids
Many women do not experience symptoms of fibroids, however when they do they can cause life changing issues. Heavy, painful periods and abdominal pain can interfere with everyday life.
Fibroids can also affect fertility, especially if a woman has very large fibroids. During pregnancy, fibroids can affect how your baby grows and develops.
What are the Treatments for Fibroids
Fibroids may not need any treatment at all. If they are causing you problems such as pain, heavy menstrual bleeding or pressure on adjacent organs such as the bladder then treatment is recommended.
Traditional treatments include tablets or injections to manipulate hormones that affect fibroid growth. Other options include various types of myomectomy surgery (hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, open) and hysterectomy. Endometrial ablation may be used to treat associated heavy bleeding without necessarily treating or removing the underlying fibroids.
Dr Crowe offers uterine artery embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure that is now a well established treatment for uterine fibroids.
Uterine Artery Embolisation for Fibroids
Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a treatment for uterine fibroids. It’s one of the most common procedures that Dr Crowe performs in clinics across Birmingham and London.
Dr Crowe has been offering UAE for over twenty years and he has performed over 7000 cases. He has been the leading individual contributor to the UK Fibroid Embolisation Registry run by the British Society of Interventional Radiology.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Fibroids
Fibroids are abnormal growths of uterine muscle. The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they are connected to the hormone oestrogen which is produced by the ovaries. Fibroids tend to develop when oestrogen levels are at their highest when women are aged 16-50 years old. Factors like genetics can increase your risk of developing fibroids.
There are four main types of uterine fibroids:
- Intramural fibroids are the most common type that are embedded into the muscular wall of your uterus (womb) and may cause heavy bleeding and pain.
- Submucosal fibroids grow under the inner lining of your uterus (womb) and these can cause problems with heavy bleeding due to their location.
- Subserosal fibroids grow under the lining of the outer surface of your uterus (womb) and can grow into the pelvis
- Pedunculated fibroids are uncommon. They attach to your uterus (womb) and hang from the outer surface
Uterine fibroids can cause heavy periods as they affect the uterine lining and have an impact on hormones. This can lead to painful, prolonged and heavy periods.
Yes, fibroids cause bladder pressure and the need to frequently urinate. This is because large fibroids can press on the bladder which reduces its capacity. Fibroids can irritate the nerves of the bladder so you feel a persistent urge to wee, even if your bladder isn’t full. Fibroids pressing on a bladder can also cause urine to leak out and you may have difficulty emptying your bladder.
Yes, you may experience feelings of pressure and constipation. For many women, bending down and exercising may be difficult. When you lay down you may feel an awareness of a bump or lump.
If you are experiencing pain and heavy periods due to fibroids you can:
- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen
- Use hormonal contraception
- Take Tranexamic acid tablets during your period
Your GP can also recommend other treatments you can take during your period.
As each case of fibroids is unique you should consider any information on this site in conjunction with your gynaecologist’s advice.
Before consulting with Dr Crowe, you may have taken or considered these options. Dr Crowe provides treatment for fibroids to shrink the fibroids and relieve symptoms. If you have decided you would like to have treatment with Dr Crowe, make an enquiry.
Infertility caused by fibroids is rare, but it can happen if a woman has very large fibroids. As large fibroids can stop a fertilised egg attaching to the lining of your womb or even stop sperm from reaching an egg.
Often fibroids don’t affect pregnancy, however when they do they can cause pain and increase the risk of your baby being born early. Rarely, fibroids can cause miscarriage. If you have large fibroids these can block the vagina or cause your baby to be breech. So, a c-section birth may be presented as a safer way to deliver your baby.
If you are pregnant and have fibroids speak to your doctor and midwife.