-- Uterine Fibroid --

(Tumours in and/or around Uterus)

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Fibroid of uterus are benign (non-cancerous) new growths of uterus which arise in the myometrium (which is one of the layer of the uterus); and are composed of smooth muscle cells and varying amount of fibrous tissue. These tumours are extremely common. These are found in 10% of all Gynaecological patients. Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. However, they can grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus, and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there are more than one

Causes

  • The cause of uterine fibroid tumours is unknown. However, fibroid growth seems to depend on the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly. Fibroids are mostly seenin women of child bearing age.Oestrogen has been implicated in the growth of this tumor.
  • Fibroids increase in size during pregnancy and under effects of oral contraceptives.
  • They shrink after delivery,after stoppage of hormonal intake and after menopause.
  • 60% of fibroids arise in women who have never been pregnant or have had only 1 child.

Types

Fibroids are often described by their location in the uterus. They are broadly categorized as Uterine and Extrauterine.

  1. Uterine fibroids:

    1. Myometrial -- in the muscle wall of the uterus
    2. Submucosal -- just under the surface of the uterine lining
    3. Subserosal -- just under the outside covering of the uterus
    4. Pendunculated -- occurring on a long stalk on the outside of the uterus or inside the cavity of the uterus

  2. Extarauterine fibroids: - arising at ligaments around uterus,vagina or vulva.

Signs And Symptoms

Fibroids, particularly when small, may be entirely asymptomatic. Symptoms depend on the location of the lesion and its size. Important symptoms include -

  • Abnormal gynecologic hemorrhage
  • Heavy or painful periods
  • Abdominal discomfort or bloating
  • Painful defecation
  • Back ache
  • Urinary frequency or retention
  • Infertility (in some cases)
  • There may also be pain during intercourse, depending on the location of the fibroid.
  • During pregnancy they may be the cause of miscarriage, bleeding, premature labor, or interference with the position of the fetus.
  • Also larger fibroids may distort or block the fallopian tubes.
  • Fibroids that lead to heavy vaginal bleeding lead to anemia and iron deficiency.
  • In very rare cases, malignant (cancerous) growths of the myometrium can develop

Treatment

Most fibroids do not require treatment unless they are causing symptoms. After menopause fibroids shrink and it is unusual for fibroids to cause problems.

Symptomatic uterine fibroids can be treated by:

  • Medication to control symptoms
  • Medication aimed at shrinking tumours
  • Ultrasound fibroid destruction
  • Various surgically aided methods to reduce blood supply of fibroids
  • Myomectomy or radio frequency ablation
  • Hysterectomy
  • Treatment for infection and anemia
  • Embolization

Homeopathic treatment

There are more than 100 medicines in Homoeopathy to reduce and desolve the uterine fibroid. It must be chosen after thorough case taking and the constitutional analysis. It is possible to heal uterine fibroid by taking only the constitutional remedy.

With homeopathy the patient can avoid surgery as well as strong allopathic drug treatment with side effects, especially if the homeopathic treatment is begun before the fibroid become too large.

The homeopathy remedies control the further growth of fibroids and also slowly and gradually reduce the size of existing ones. The homeopathic medicines also prevent the complications of fibroids such as anemia due to prolonged heavy bleeding and other urinary problems etc. Also we can reduce the chances of the recurrence.