Uterine fibroids are very common occurrences in women. They are also known as myoma or leiomyoma. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors affecting the uterine muscle tissue. Uterine fibroids are not cancerous tumors, but they can affect fertility, nonetheless. Uterine fibroids can cause infertility, but not all of the time. The location of the fibroids usually dictates whether or not they will affect fertility. What are the types of fibroids and their symptoms? There are three types of uterine fibroids.
Fibroids are sometimes found during routine examinations but they cannot always be detected this way. They are commonly found during ultrasound or during surgery. Not all fibroids need treatment. Only if the fibroid is causing infertility by either blocking the fallopian tubes, distorting the uterine cavity, filling up the uterine cavity (as in submucous fibroids) or causing very heavy or very prolonged periods do the fibroids need treatment. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure where fibroids are removed one at a time and the uterus is spared. This is the common treatment for women who still want to have children. This can also be done laparoscopically and hysteroscopically if it is a submucous fibroid. Uterine Artery Embolisation is a technique where under the blood supply to the fibroid is blocked by putting a plug in the artery that is supplying blood to the fibroid. Interventional Radiologists are the specialists who do this procedure. Once the fibroid does not get any blood supply, it gradually undergoes necrosis. Letters to Dr. Richa Katiyar Dear Doc, I have two subserous fibroids (2 and 1 cms in size) and submucous myoma (1 cm)too.I want to conceive. What should i do? Thanks, Zareen Dear Zareen, The two subserous fibroid are too small to be of any significance. Small endometrial polyp- may lead to heavy periods and intermenstrual bleeding. It sometimes goes away on its own, but may need to be removed Hysteroscopically. Anyway, it will definitely need to be removed at the time of planning a pregnancy as it is a space occupying lesion in the uterine cavity and will decrease chances of a pregnancy and increase chances of a miscarriage. Regards, Dr. Richa Katiyar Hi Madam, Mailing you the Ultrasound Report of my Daughter- Dr. Rekha Dear Sir, I have seen all the reports that you have emailed to me.It appears that the fibroid is intramural and is mildly indenting the endometrial cavity.Such a fibroid cannot be removed Hysteroscopically but has to be removed laparoscopically.I will call you tomorrow to discuss the same. Feel free to contact me for further queries. Best regards, Dr Richa Katiyar |