Understanding Fibroids: A Comprehensive Guide
Fibroids, or uterine fibroids, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can range in size from microscopic to several centimetres and are composed of muscle and fibrous tissue. While they’re generally harmless, they can sometimes lead to uncomfortable or even severe symptoms.
This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about fibroids—from diagnosis and treatment options to potential complications.
A Brief Overview of Fibroids
Fibroids most commonly affect women aged 30 to 50 and can develop at any point during the reproductive years. Their growth is closely linked to hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, which is why they tend to shrink after menopause.
Fibroids can grow in different parts of the uterus, including:
- Intramural: These develop within the uterine wall.
- Subserosal: These form on the outer surface of the uterus.
- Submucosal: They grow just beneath the uterine lining.
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavy and painful periods, abdominal discomfort and bloating, frequent urination, constipation, and lower back or leg pain. However, many women may experience no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis of Fibroids
Fibroids are often detected during routine pelvic exams, but further tests may be necessary to confirm their presence and assess their size and location. These tests include:
- Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce an image of the uterus and identify fibroids.
- MRI: Provides detailed images to locate and assess their size, particularly useful for larger growths.
Treatment Options
Not all fibroids require treatment, especially if they are small and don’t cause any symptoms. However, if symptoms become disruptive, several treatment options are available depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s individual needs. We’ve listed some of these below:
Medical Management
For mild cases, medications may be used to alleviate symptoms, though they don’t eliminate fibroids. Common treatments include:
- Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS): A device placed inside the uterus to reduce bleeding.
- Tranexamic Acid: This is taken during periods to control heavy bleeding.
- NSAIDs: Help with pain relief and manage heavy bleeding.
- GnRHA’s: Temporarily shrink fibroids by reducing oestrogen levels.
Surgical & Minimally Invasive Procedures
In cases where there is significant discomfort or fertility is affected, surgical options may be recommended.
- Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, an option for women who wish to maintain fertility. However, a myomectomy may not be appropriate for all types. Your gynaecologist will determine if this procedure is right for you.
- Hysterectomy: This is major surgery that completely removes the uterus, a permanent solution for women who don’t plan to conceive.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE): A minimally invasive procedure that cuts off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. We’ll talk about this procedure in more detail below.
UFE Treatment by The Microsurgery: Step-by-Step
Uterine Fibroid (Artery) Embolisation is a permanent treatment that provides significant or total relief from symptoms. The risk of recurrence of fibroids after Uterine Fibroid Embolisation is very low.
This procedure can only be undertaken in a hospital with a specially equipped angiographic theatre by an interventional radiologist who has undergone the appropriate specialist medical training.
Here’s a step-by-step rundown on how we perform UFE:
- Step 1 – Catheter Placement: A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through the radial artery in the wrist and advanced into the blood vessels that supply the uterus.
- Step 2 – Particle Infusion: Tiny particles are then infused into the arteries that supply the fibroids, blocking their nutrient supply.
- Step 3 – Shrinkage: Without a blood supply, the fibroids shrink, and symptoms—especially heavy periods—begin to improve immediately. The procedure is tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Patients undergoing UFE are asleep (sedated) during the procedure, but they don’t require ventilation or a general anaesthetic.
Why Choose The Microsurgery Treatment?
For women seeking relief from fibroids, The Microsurgery offers a revolutionary and non-surgical approach that provides lasting results without the need for invasive surgery. Here’s why it’s a top choice for treatment:
Comfort After Treatment
Our treatment focuses on your comfort. With the Hypogastric Nerve Block, numbing medication is injected around the nerves behind the uterus, reducing the need for pain medication during and after the procedure.
Experienced Care
With over 16 years of industry experience and having treated almost 2,000 women, we are leaders in fibroid treatment in the Southern Hemisphere. We are part of a global network that has treated over 300,000 patients worldwide.
Latest Techniques
The procedure is performed through a tiny pinhole in the wrist, rather than the leg, which is safer and more comfortable for patients. This technique leads to fewer complications, less discomfort, and easier mobility post-procedure.
Microcatheters are also used to prevent artery spasms and ensure that the arteries supplying the fibroids are successfully accessed.
Rapid Recovery
Our non-invasive approach allows women to return to normal activities in just one week. With no stitches and no scarring, patients experience a fast recovery and immediate improvement in symptoms like heavy periods.
Leaders in Awareness & Support
We not only provide expert medical treatment but also lead efforts to raise awareness about fibroids through the Women in White educational program. They offer continuous support and education for women dealing with fibroids.
Seamless Administrative Support
Patients benefit from a seamless experience with our efficient administrative staff, who handle all medical aid communications and authorisations on their behalf. The treatment is fully funded by medical aid, and the clinic charges medical aid rates.
Complications of Untreated Fibroids
If left untreated, fibroids can lead to complications such as severe anaemia due to heavy bleeding, fertility issues, and pregnancy complications like miscarriage or premature delivery. In some cases, they can cause urinary or bowel problems if they press against nearby organs.
Living with Fibroids: Monitoring & Long-Term Care
For women with no symptoms or those experiencing mild discomfort, regular monitoring may be sufficient. Fibroids often shrink after menopause, reducing symptoms naturally. However, if symptoms worsen or they grow, more proactive treatment options may be needed.
Final Words
Fibroids are a common condition affecting women, but they don’t have to diminish the quality of life. From medications to minimally invasive procedures, there are several effective treatment options available.
For those looking for a non-surgical, permanent solution, our innovative approach offers comfort, rapid recovery, and long-term relief. With no stitches, no scarring, and a return to normal activities within a week, women can look forward to a future without fibroid-related suffering.