What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Absolutely! Here’s a detailed overview of Uterine Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas — one of the most common conditions affecting women of reproductive age.

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🌸 What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumors that grow in or on the uterus. They are made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size from tiny (pea-sized) to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus.

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🧭 Types of Uterine Fibroids

1. Intramural Fibroids:
   • Grow within the uterine wall
   • Most common type
   • Can enlarge and distort the uterus
2. Subserosal Fibroids:
   • Grow on the outer surface of the uterus
   • Can press on nearby organs (e.g., bladder)
3. Submucosal Fibroids:
   • Grow into the uterine cavity
   • Can cause heavy bleeding and fertility issues
4. Pedunculated Fibroids:
   • Grow on a stalk either outside or inside the uterus
   • Can twist and cause pain

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📊 How Common Are They?

• Affect up to 70–80% of women by age 50
• More common in:
  • Women of African descent
  • Women with a family history of fibroids
  • Those with early menstruation or high estrogen exposure

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⚠️ Symptoms of Fibroids

Many women have no symptoms, but when they occur, they may include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Pain during sex
• Lower back or leg pain
• Infertility or miscarriage (in some cases)
• Abdominal bloating or a visible bulge

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🧬 Causes and Risk Factors

Exact cause is unknown, but factors include:

• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone promote fibroid growth
• Genetics: Family history increases risk
• Race: Higher risk in Black women
• Obesity and diet (high red meat, low greens)
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Environmental factors

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🩺 Diagnosis

1. Pelvic exam
2. Ultrasound: Transabdominal or transvaginal
3. MRI: For size, number, and location
4. Sonohysterography: Uses saline to better visualize fibroids inside uterus
5. Hysteroscopy: A small camera inserted into the uterus
6. Laparoscopy: For large or hidden fibroids

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💊 Treatment Options

Depends on size, location, symptoms, and fertility goals.

🔹 Medications

• NSAIDs: For pain
• Hormonal therapies:
  • Birth control pills/patches
  • GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprolide)
  • Progestin-releasing IUD (e.g., Mirena)
  • Tranexamic acid (for heavy bleeding)

🔸 Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Uterine artery embolization (UAE): Cuts off blood supply to shrink fibroids
• MRI-guided focused ultrasound: Destroys fibroid tissue
• Endometrial ablation: Destroys the lining of the uterus (not for women wanting pregnancy)

🔺 Surgical Treatments

• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids (uterus preserved)
• Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus (curative but ends fertility)

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🌱 Natural and Lifestyle Approaches

• Weight management
• Diet rich in vegetables and low in red meat
• Regular exercise
• Vitamin D supplementation
• Stress reduction

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👶 Fibroids and Fertility

• Can interfere with implantation, sperm movement, or fetal growth
• Submucosal fibroids are most associated with fertility problems
• Myomectomy may improve chances of conception in some cases

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🔄 Fibroids vs. Adenomyosis

Feature	Fibroids	Adenomyosis
Tissue Type	Muscle and fibrous tissue	Endometrial tissue in uterine muscle
Growth Location	Inside/on uterus	Inside uterine wall
Shape	Discrete masses	Diffuse thickening
Fertility Impact	May interfere with pregnancy	Can affect implantation
Cure	Hysterectomy (if severe)	Hysterectomy (if severe)

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Would you like a visual chart, infographic, or a guide to natural remedies or diet tips for fibroids?