You are referring to a uterine fibroid which is a tumour that appears in the walls of the uterus. It is important to understand that these tumours are benign and non-cancerous; however you will experience some symptoms and discomfort in areas of your body. For example, you may suffer from abdominal pressure, heavy menstrual bleeding, recurrent urination, bloating and back and leg pain.
Interestingly, over 30 per cent of women have had uterine fibroids at some point in their life, but most of them aren’t aware of it because they can only be discovered through a medical examination. In addition, the majority of these benign tumours appear during a woman’s child bearing years.
There are a number of methods that can be carried out to treat the fibroid and in some cases no treatment is needed at all. For example, if the fibroid isn’t causing any discomfort or significant pain then simple observation and keeping an eye on its progress will be needed. The tumours tend to grow at a slow rate and uterine fibroids shrink because the reproductive hormones decrease before the first stages of menopause. In some cases you may be put on various medications which include a dose of progestin which will relieve pain and any heavy bleeding you’re experiencing. Moreover, gonadotropin may be issued to you in order to stop menstruation, which will decrease the levels of oestrogen and progesterone, resulting in the shrinking of the fibroids. You may have to undergo some surgery to remove the fibroid. One such procedure is a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and destroys the fibroid; however, you will then begin menopause and won’t be able to have any children from that point. Another procedure is a myomectomy, which removes the fibroid while keeping the uterus in place, however there is the possibility of the fibroid returning.
Interestingly, over 30 per cent of women have had uterine fibroids at some point in their life, but most of them aren’t aware of it because they can only be discovered through a medical examination. In addition, the majority of these benign tumours appear during a woman’s child bearing years.
There are a number of methods that can be carried out to treat the fibroid and in some cases no treatment is needed at all. For example, if the fibroid isn’t causing any discomfort or significant pain then simple observation and keeping an eye on its progress will be needed. The tumours tend to grow at a slow rate and uterine fibroids shrink because the reproductive hormones decrease before the first stages of menopause. In some cases you may be put on various medications which include a dose of progestin which will relieve pain and any heavy bleeding you’re experiencing. Moreover, gonadotropin may be issued to you in order to stop menstruation, which will decrease the levels of oestrogen and progesterone, resulting in the shrinking of the fibroids. You may have to undergo some surgery to remove the fibroid. One such procedure is a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and destroys the fibroid; however, you will then begin menopause and won’t be able to have any children from that point. Another procedure is a myomectomy, which removes the fibroid while keeping the uterus in place, however there is the possibility of the fibroid returning.
