What are Fibroids?

What are Fibroids?

Table of Contents

• What is the Most Common Period and Frequency of Fibroids in Women? 
• What are the Risk Factors that Increase the Occurrence of Fibroids?
• What Can Be Done to Prevent Fibroids? 
• What are the Symptoms of Fibroids? 
• What Problems Can Fibroids Cause? 
• How Do Fibroids Get Diagnosed?
• Can Fibroids Turn into Cancer? 
• When Should Fibroids Be Treated? 
• Do Fibroids Cause Problems in Pregnancy? 
• In Which Cases Should Surgical Treatment Be Considered in the Treatment of Fibroids? 
• What is Fibroid Surgery? 
• What is Uterine Removal Surgery and In Which Situations Is It Preferred? 
• With Which Methods Can Fibroids Be Removed in Myomectomy Operations, Which are Specified as Uterine Sparing? 
• What is the Return to Work and Social Life After Myoma Surgery? 
• What Should I Pay Attention to After Myoma Surgery? 
• What are the Non-Surgical Options for Fibroids? 
• When Can I Get Pregnant After Myoma Surgery? 
• Do Fibroids Recur Despite Treatment? 
• Fibroids are benign masses originating from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus and seen in the uterus of women of childbearing age. They are also popularly known as “uterine tumors”.
• What is the Most Common Period and Frequency of Fibroids in Women? 
• Fibroids, which are rarely seen before puberty, are more common in women of childbearing age. After menopause, there is a significant decrease in their size. Almost 1 in 2 women develop fibroids during their lifetime, but since they do not cause any problems, most people are unaware of their existence.
• What are the Risk Factors that Increase the Occurrence of Fibroids?
• Although the exact cause of fibroids has not been determined, the following factors are known risk factors;
• Genetic factor
• Never having given birth
• Menstruation at an early age (<10 years)
• Hormone dysregulation (estrogen and progesterone)
• Being overweight
• High consumption of red meat
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Alcohol consumption
• Vitamin D deficiency

What Can Be Done to Prevent Fibroids? 

Although their effectiveness has not been conclusively demonstrated, consumption of certain foods is thought to prevent fibroids. It is important to remember that these foods reduce the formation of fibroids rather than treating them.

• Green tea
• Resveratrol (found in grape-like plants) 
• Turmeric
• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts

What are the Symptoms of Fibroids? 

Symptoms of fibroids vary according to their size, location and number. While most people with fibroids or fibroids have no symptoms, some may show the following symptoms;

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Anemia due to bleeding
• Weakness and fatigue due to anemia
• Inability to have children
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding during sexual intercourse
• Pain and compression sensation in the pelvic area
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Back or leg pain

What Problems Can Fibroids Cause? 

The clinical findings revealed by myomas are often associated with the localization and number of conditions in the uterus.

Submucous types of fibroids that grow into the lining of the uterus cause prolonged and irregular vaginal bleeding. These fibroids also create problems in women who want to conceive.

The fibroids that grow towards the outer part of the uterus are called the subserous type, while the fibroids that grow inside the uterine wall are called the intramural type. If these fibroids grow to the front of the uterus, they can press on the bladder, causing complaints about urine. If they grow to the back of the uterus, they can cause constipation with pressure on the intestines or back pain with pressure on the spinal nerves.

How Do Fibroids Get Diagnosed?

Myomas usually receive a diagnosis during routine check-ups and check-up schedules. They are easily detected by ultrasonography imaging performed during these checks. In cases where the fibroids cannot be evaluated clearly and their numbers are multiple, an additional MR imaging method may be applied. Thanks to MR imaging, all fibroids are displayed in detail numerically and structurally.

Can Myomas Turn into Cancer?

Myomas are the most frequently detected tumors in women of reproductive age. Even if they are of a very benign nature, they can transform into leiomyosarcoma, which is a malignant form, at a rate of 2 per thousand.

When Should Fibroids Be Treated? 

Treatment strategies for fibroids are personalized based on the severity of the patient’s findings, the size of the fibroids, the location of the fibroids, the age of the patient and the patient’s desire for future fertility.

Although fibroids do not usually prevent conception, they can sometimes prevent sperm from entering the uterus or passing through tubes, depending on their location. Again, the fibroids that are located in the inner layer of the uterus can prevent embryo formation, that is, pregnancy development. Myomas usually do not require treatment, but if they cause excessive bleeding, anemia, pain or obstruction to pregnancy, they should be treated.

Do Fibroids Cause Problems in Pregnancy? 

Myomas can prevent pregnancy as well as cause some problems during pregnancy. Even if the presence of fibroids does not cause a large amount of problems in pregnancy, some findings may be seen in 30% of pregnant women with myoma. The most common symptoms are pain, low risk, bleeding, risk of premature birth, early water arrival, separation of the placenta, non-progressive labor, and postpartum bleeding. For this reason, every woman planning a pregnancy should take the necessary precautions as a routine gynecological examination before pregnancy.

In Which Cases Should Surgical Treatment Be Considered in the Treatment of Fibroids? 

In the treatment of myomas, the gold standard, that is, the most accurate treatment option, is surgical intervention. In some cases, only the removal of fibroids is preferred, while in rare cases it may be necessary to completely remove the uterus.

What is Fibroid Surgery? 

The most commonly used treatment method for myomas today is myomectomy, which means removal of fibroids. It is a widely used option, especially for women who do not have children, wish to have a baby again in the future or wish to protect their uterus. In this type of surgery, the fibroids are removed and the uterine tissue is completely protected.

What is Uterine Removal Surgery and In Which Situations Is It Preferred? 

Hysterectomy, or the complete removal of the uterus, is usually preferred in women whose complaints persist during menopause. Surgery to remove the uterus completely is a suitable option for women during menopause who have completed having children due to the complete disappearance of the possibility of recurrence of myoma. During this surgery, the ovaries of patients can also be taken to prevent future ovarian cancers in the necessary cases.

With Which Methods Can Fibroids Be Removed in Myomectomy Operations, Which are Specified as Uterine Sparing? 

Three different methods are applied for the removal of fibroids called myomectomy.

Laparoscopic (closed) myomectomy is the process of performing myomas with the help of several small incisions and cameras made from the abdomen. Abdominal is a less interventional and quicker healing method than open surgery. It is the most preferred and most suitable method for patient comfort. After the operation is performed under anesthesia, patients can be discharged within 24 hours. The healing process takes between two and four weeks.

Abdominal (open) myomectomy allows the removal of fibroids from the lower part of the patient’s abdomen with a surgical incision. It is usually the preferred method of surgery in cases where laparoscopic removal of fibroids is not appropriate. After this operation is performed under anesthesia, patients can be discharged within 24-48 hours. The healing process takes between four and six weeks.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a method of removing fibroids that have settled in the uterus. In this method, by entering the uterus through the camera, the fibroids in the inner lining of the uterus are removed. After this operation is performed under anesthesia, patients can be discharged on the same day. The healing process takes between two and three days.

What is the Return to Work and Social Life After Myoma Surgery? 

After laparoscopic and abdominal surgeries, although the patient can return to normal life in a short time, they are usually advised to rest at home for 1 week.

After hysteroscopic surgery, patients can return to work within 2-3 days.

What Should I Pay Attention to After Myoma Surgery? 

• The doctor should be checked on the date indicated after the operation.
• You should use the medications your doctor recommends regularly.
• It is not recommended to consume foods that can create gas and constipation.
• Plenty of water should be consumed to increase bowel movements.
• A standing shower is required.
• The wound should be dried after the shower.
• Wound care should be done as recommended by your doctor.
• Heavy lifting and heavy exercise should be avoided.
• Sexual intercourse should not be attempted until the date your doctor recommends.
• It is necessary to be protected from pregnancy until the date your doctor will recommend.
• In cases such as pain, bleeding and discharge after surgery, you should consult your doctor.

What are the Non-Surgical Options for Fibroids? 

Myomas are not treated with known medical drugs. Medical treatment is used in some cases to shrink very large fibroids before surgery. Only short-term use is recommended due to possible side effects.

Progestin-releasing intrauterine means, known as hormonal spirals, can in some cases alleviate heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. This method does not shrink or destroy fibroids, only affects the reduction of signs and is effective in preventing pregnancy.

When Can I Get Pregnant After Myoma Surgery? 

After myoma surgery, patients are advised not to conceive for about 6 months. After surgery, the seam places should be expected to fully heal. Otherwise, the rupture of the uterine wall due to increased tension during pregnancy can be monitored. Due to this condition that puts maternal life at risk, you should be careful not to conceive without the approval of your doctor after surgery.

Do Fibroids Recur Despite Treatment? 

After myomectomy operations, new fibroids may form. This risk is the most;

• For those who have surgery due to myoma greater than 10 cm
• In large numbers of myomas
• Increased in patients over 35 years of age.