Uterine fibroids are among the most common gynaecological conditions affecting women during their reproductive years. While these growths are usually non-cancerous (benign), they can cause significant discomfort and impact a woman’s quality of life if not diagnosed and treated on time.
At Saukhyam Hospital, we offer expert Fibroids treatment in Borivali, combining advanced diagnostic tools and personalised treatment plans to address each patient’s unique needs. Our goal is to provide effective care that helps women manage symptoms, restore comfort, and improve overall health.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn what uterine fibroids are, the possible causes, common symptoms, and the range of treatment options available at our hospital — empowering you to make informed decisions and lead a healthier, pain-free life.
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What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are growths that develop in or around the uterus. These growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary greatly in size — from small, undetectable nodules to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus.
Fibroids can be classified into different types based on where they grow:
- Intramural fibroids – Found within the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids – Grow on the outer surface of the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroids – Develop just under the lining of the uterus and may protrude into the uterine cavity.
Pedunculated fibroids – Attached to the uterus by a thin stalk.
Causes of Uterine Fibroids:
The exact cause of fibroids is still not completely understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their growth.
1. Hormonal Factors
Oestrogen and progesterone — the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle — play a significant role in fibroid development. Fibroids tend to grow during a woman’s reproductive years when hormone levels are higher and may shrink after menopause when hormone production decreases.
2. Genetic Changes
Fibroids often contain genetic alterations that differ from normal uterine muscle tissue. Women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them.
3. Growth Factors
Substances in the body that help maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may influence fibroid growth.
4. Other Risk Factors
- Age – Most common in women aged 30–50.
- Ethnicity – More prevalent and often more severe in women of African descent.
- Obesity – Being overweight increases the risk.
- Diet – High consumption of red meat and low intake of vegetables may contribute.
Early menstruation – Starting periods at an early age increases lifetime exposure to oestrogen.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids:
Some women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all, and the condition is discovered during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. However, when symptoms do occur, they can significantly impact daily life.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) – May lead to anaemia.
- Prolonged periods – Lasting more than a week.
- Pelvic pain or pressure – Discomfort in the lower abdomen.
- Frequent urination – Fibroids can press on the bladder.
- Constipation – Pressure on the rectum may cause bowel issues.
- Backache or leg pain – Larger fibroids can press on nerves.
- Difficulty conceiving – Some fibroids can interfere with fertility.
Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids:
The right treatment for fibroids depends on factors such as size, location, symptoms, age, and whether the patient wishes to have children in the future.
At Saukhyam Hospital, we offer a range of medical, minimally invasive, and surgical treatments.
1. Watchful Waiting
For women with small fibroids and mild or no symptoms, regular monitoring is recommended to track any changes in size or symptoms.
2. Medications
Medications do not remove fibroids but can help manage symptoms:
- Hormonal contraceptives – Help control heavy bleeding.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists – Shrink fibroids temporarily before surgery.
- Tranexamic acid – Reduces heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Relieve pain.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) – Blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS) – Uses high-frequency sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy – Removes fibroids from inside the uterus via the vaginal route.
4. Surgical Treatments
- Myomectomy – Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, suitable for women wanting future pregnancies.
- Hysterectomy – Complete removal of the uterus, often recommended for large or multiple fibroids when childbearing is not desired.