WHAT HAPPENS IF FIBROIDS GO UNTREATED?

Fibroids vary in size, ranging from very small and imperceptible to the eye, to large sizes that can enlarge the uterus. In many cases, no symptoms appear, so there are many women who have had fibroids without knowing it. They are usually detected between the ages of 30 and 50.

The cause of fibroids is unknown. However, the hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause them to grow. A woman’s body produces the highest levels of these hormones during childbearing age. After menopause, when hormone levels drop, fibroids often shrink or disappear, when a woman’s monthly periods stop.

Many women who have fibroids do not experience symptoms, so they do not seek preventive treatment. Fibroids, if not identified or treated in time, can bring physical complications, secondary effects that can be potentially harmful to your health.

When estrogen levels are high, especially during pregnancy, fibroids tend to become inflamed. They are also very likely to develop when a woman takes birth control pills that contain estrogen.

If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and are looking for the best treatment option, this can be an overwhelming task. To help you along this wellness journey, we can provide a breakdown of the main treatment options. 

Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, Pompano, and South Florida, we can help. Broward County: (954) 884-8150 Dade County: ​​(305) 907-6191. 

Types of Fibroids

-Intramural fibroids: 

This is the most common type. An intramural fibroma is embedded in the muscular wall of the uterus.

-Subserosal fibroids: 

These fibroids extend beyond the wall of the uterus and grow into the outer layer that surrounds the uterine tissue. They can become pedunculated, in which the fibroma has a kind of stem and can reach a considerable size.

-Submucosal fibroids:

This type of fibroma can press on the cavity of the uterus. They are usually found in the muscle under the inner lining of the uterine wall.

-Cervical fibroids: 

These fibroids grow on the cervix, also known as the cervix or cervix.

Fibroids Symptoms

-Increased menstrual volume.

-Abnormal bleeding between the rules.

-Pelvic pain.

-Constipation

-Lower back or leg pain

-Discomfort in the lower abdomen, especially in case of large fibroids

-Pain when having sex

 

Diagnosis

Fibroids are usually diagnosed during a gynecologic physical exam. Your physician will perform a pelvic exam to feel if your uterus has increased in size. The presence of fibroids is more commonly confirmed by ultrasound. Fibroids may also be confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer tomography (CT scan). Adequate treatment depends on the size and localization of fibroids, as well as the severity of the symptoms.

It requires confirmation with an imaging study, which is usually indicated if

Fibroids are a new finding.

-They have increased in size.

-They are causing symptoms.

-They have to be differentiated from other abnormalities (eg, ovarian masses).

Complications if fibroids go untreated

 

• Severe pain or very heavy bleeding that requires urgent surgery.
• The continued growth of fibroids can cause pelvic pain and make abnormal bleeding worse leading to Anemia (not having enough red blood cells) from heavy bleeding.
• Myoma twisting – can cause a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the tumor. If this happens, surgery may be needed.
• Urinary tract infections: If the fibroid presses on the bladder, it can be difficult to empty it completely.
• Infertility, in rare cases.
• In pregnant women:

-Because there is no space in the uterus, the complication of giving birth prematurely may occur.

-You may need a C-section if the fibroid blocks the birth canal or puts the baby in a dangerous position.

-You may have heavy bleeding immediately after giving birth.

If you have fibroids, they can increase in size during pregnancy. This is due to increased blood flow and higher estrogen levels. Fibroids usually return to their original size after the baby is born.

Fibroids Treatments

There are several treatment options available for women who have severe symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. Medications can help shrink fibroids, and surgery may be done to remove the fibroids (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy). But medications are not always effective, and many women are reluctant to undergo major invasive surgery.

Have you been diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids?

We recommend that all patients diagnosed with Fibroids, do as much research as possible about all the treatment options available. However, the information can be overwhelming. If while on this site, you have any questions, we recommend scheduling a consultation in order to answer all your questions and help you decide what the best treatment option is for you.

Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, Pompano, and South Florida, we can help. Broward County: (954) 884-8150 Dade County: ​​(305) 907-6191.

If you are in the Miami or South Florida area, feel free to request a consultation or even a virtual office visit so you can speak to one of our doctors from the comfort of your home.

For more information on Uterine Fibroid Embolization or to schedule an appointment call: (305) 907-6191