Frequently Asked Questions about Fibroids

Fibroids are benign growths in the wall of the uterus or around the vagina. It is a condition where most women do not know they have fibroids unless their doctor informs them about it. As there is a rise in the number of women having fibroids, many women are trying to know about this condition in deep. They have a lot of questions in their mind about fibroids. Therefore, this article is specially designed to answer all the frequently asked questions about fibroids.

Let’s know these FAQs about fibroids, and in case you have more questions, you can share them in the comments.

Frequently asked questions about fibroids

1. What are the different types of fibroids?

There are four types of fibroids, namely:

• Cervical fibroids
• Intramural fibroids
• Submucosal fibroids
• Subserosal fibroids

These types of fibroids occur at different locations in the womb and vagina.

2. How do I know if I have fibroids?

This is one of the frequently asked questions about fibroids. But surprisingly, most women don’t experience any symptoms. And in some women the symptoms can be:

• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
• Bowel and bladder dysfunction, like constipation, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Backache or leg pain

3. Are there any risks of developing fibroids?

What are the risks of developing fibroids is also one of the most frequently asked questions about fibroids.

There are a few probable risk factors for developing fibroids. Factors that increase the risk of developing fibroids could be:

• Family history or heredity
• Certain racial groups
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Number of pregnancies or “Parity”
• Early Menarche
• Smoking

4. Are fibroids cancerous?

Most commonly, fibroids are noncancerous, also called benign. However, in rare cases, approximately less than one in 1,000 fibroids can turn cancerous. That condition is called leiomyosarcoma.

As most doctors think cancerous fibroids do not arise from an existing one, you should discuss that with your doctor and get proper knowledge about the same.

5. What is the size of the fibroids? Are there any exact sizes?

Fibroids can be small or tiny or big or large, approximately, of a size of a mango.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, fibroids may grow as a single nodule or in clusters. The size may range from 1 mm to 20 cm in diameter. 

The following are the different sizes of fibroids:

• Small: Less than 1 cm to 5 cm
• Medium: 5 cm to 10 cm
• Large: More than 10 cm

6. Are there any ill effects of larger fibroids?

As fibroids can grow up to the size of a mango or watermelon, their impact on the body can be significant. They may take extra space that is meant for other organs and can cause pain or discomfort. Also, they may grow large enough to compress those organs. 

Below are the few signs that you will experience when the fibroids grow larger:

• Increased urination
• Unusual weight gain
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Discomfort or pain in the pelvis and lower back

7. What do doctors do when they find a woman is having fibroids?

Your doctor may find fibroids during a physical examination. When he/she feels you have developed fibroids, he/she will suggest scans to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor will order an MRI or ultrasound to confirm the condition.

In special circumstances, your doctor may order additional testing such as:

• Hysteroscopy
• Hysterosonogram
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
• Laparoscopy

This will help your doctor to detect the presence of fibroids and exact cause for the same. 

8. Do fibroids have any effects on pregnancy?

Another frequently asked question about fibroids, mostly, women experience nothing from fibroids during pregnancy.

However, according to a 2010 study, doctors suggest 10-30 per cent of women with fibroids can develop complications during pregnancy. 

The study found that pregnant women with fibroids experience pain. Additionally, pregnant women who are in the second and third trimesters can have fibroids larger than 5 centimeters. 

Complications a pregnant woman with fibroids may face are as follows:

• Breech position: Due to the abnormal shape of the cavity, you may find it difficult to have a vaginal delivery.
• Placental abruption: In this condition, the placenta breaks away from the uterine walls as it is blocked by a fibroid. This reduces vital nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
• Premature delivery: Pain due to fibroids can lead to uterine contractions, leading to preterm delivery.
• Miscarriage: According to research, the doctors believe the chances of miscarriage are higher in women with fibroids.
• C-section delivery: According to the researchers of WomensHealth.gov, the chances of caesarean delivery are six times higher in women with fibroids compared to women who don’t have fibroids. 
• Fetal growth restriction: Large-sized fibroids may prevent the fetus from growing fully due to lesser space in the womb. 

9. Are there any effects of fibroids on fertility?

Yet another frequently asked question about fibroids, most women get pregnant naturally even when they have fibroids. Treatments may not be necessary for conception.

However, in some cases, fibroids can impact fertility. For example, submucosal fibroids – a type of fibroid grows and bulges into the uterine cavity and can increase the risk for infertility and pregnancy loss.

As fibroids affect every woman differently, it is essential that you discuss with your doctor and know its impact on fertility and pregnancy.

10. Are there any treatments for fibroids during pregnancy?

This is also one of the frequently asked questions about fibroids. Treatment for uterine fibroids during pregnancy is limited due to the risk to the fetus. Resting, drinking plenty of water and fluids, and taking mild pain relievers can be an option to help expectant mothers with fibroids.

In some cases, your doctor may order a myomectomy in the second half of the pregnancy. This procedure removes fibroids from the outside of the uterus or from within the uterine walls.

However, your doctor may not treat fibroids growing in the uterine cavity due to the possible risks to the foetus. 

11. Are there any home remedies that will help shrink fibroids?

There are a few home remedies that you can try to treat fibroids like:

• Weight loss: Obesity can be one of the causes of the development of fibroids. Maintain your body weight to treat fibroids.
• Avoid certain food items: Eating excess refined carbohydrates and sugar-plated foods may trigger or worsen fibroids. This can raise blood sugar levels in the body, producing excess insulin hormone. Also, it is said that red meat and excess alcohol consumption increases the risks of uterine fibroids.
• Include fibre in your diet: Fibrous food items can help you keep satiated for a longer duration. Also, it balances hormones and prevents excess weight gain. 
• Green tea: Green tea contains a flavonoid called EGCG that helps reduce the size and number of fibroids. Also, it reduces inflammation and removes toxins from the body. 

These are the most frequently asked questions about fibroids. Hope we could be of help. However, it will be best that you discuss the same with your doctor and get proper medication and treatment for fibroids. 

Ensure you are not ignoring fibroids nor leaving them untreated. Get medical help immediately.

Learn more about uterine fibroids, here.