Uterine fibroids are often responsible for irregular menstrual patterns in women approaching/experiencing menopause and can occur in other special cases as well. This is generally characterized by an irregular, heavier flow than usual as well as bleeding in between period cycles.
Uterine fibroids can also exist without showing any symptoms at all and usually, these are the smaller ones that do not require any treatment but larger fibroids have to be treated with medication or surgery as per the requirement.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle on the walls of the uterus and are a common occurrence in women. These fibroids are usually harmless on their own, but there are chances that they can cause symptoms such as irregular bleeding and pain in the abdominal area as well as cramping.
The symptoms of uterine fibroids are:
Painful and excessive blood loss during periods ( menorrhagia )
Continuous urination is caused by the pressure of fibroids
Pain while having sex
Lower backache
Stasis of the lower bowel ( constipation)
Abdominal enlargement, cramps, and pain
Pressure on the bladder and urgent bowel movements
Anemia due to extensive blood loss
The link between Uterine Fibroids and Heavy Periods
Since uterine fibroids are knots of muscle that grow inside the uterus, they can directly affect menstrual cycles. Most of the time, these fibroids are harmless and benign (non-cancerous).
While the main reasons for heavy bleeding in periods are unknown, it is believed that fibroid changes the muscular contraction of the uterus. It then can prevent it from controlling the amount of bleeding during a cycle. Since fibroids compress veins in the uterine wall, this creates a dilation of the uterine lining, increasing the pressure in the veins, thus expanding the lining of the uterus and resulting in heavy and abnormal bleeding.
Treating Uterine Fibroids
The treatment for uterine fibroids varies depending on the size and number of fibroids present including the location at which they are present.
Women who have smaller fibroids might not feel any distress at all and thus they can be left untreated. In case a woman experiences symptoms related to fibroids like anemia, excess bleeding, infertility issues, etc., then periodic pelvic examinations and ultrasound will be done at the initial level depending on the size and symptoms.
Many potential treatments can be prescribed to someone suffering from uterine fibroids, such as abdominal myomectomy, hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, etc.; UFE or Uterine Fibroid Embolization is recognized as a safe & effective treatment for Uterine fibroids by the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG). UFE targets all the fibroids in the uterus and is a painless and minimally-invasive procedure.
Vein Center— Uterine Fibroid Specialists in Mumbai
Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids in the uterus, effectively reducing their size and the associated symptoms.
The procedure is performed by a trained Vascular Interventional Radiologist in a Cath lab. A small IV line is placed in an artery of the groin or wrist and a catheter is navigated to reach the uterine artery. The fibroids are then blocked by injecting 500-700 micron-sized microspheres. The procedure does not require any incision and there is no injury or bleeding expected during or because of the procedure.
We, at Vein Center, are home to world-class Interventional Radiology treatment and the best uterine fibroid specialists in Mumbai. From working with the top doctors in Mumbai to providing the most advanced treatment procedures, we are the finest IR facility available in India for quick recovery.
Got any queries? Book your appointment at 8080866266 or Whatsapp at 9990191220 or visit our website www.veincenter.in.