Fibroids

Definition

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus, also known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas. These growths can vary in size and number, and while many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, they can sometimes lead to complications such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and pressure symptoms depending on their size and location.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fibroids are most commonly found in women of reproductive age and can vary widely in size from as small as a pea to larger than a grapefruit.
2. Symptoms of fibroids can include pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and frequent urination, but many women may not have any noticeable symptoms at all.
3. Fibroids are believed to be influenced by hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which may promote their growth.
4. They can be detected through imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI, allowing for appropriate management and treatment options.
5. While fibroids themselves are not cancerous, it is important for women to monitor their symptoms and consult healthcare providers for effective management.

Review Questions

• What are the common symptoms associated with fibroids, and how can they impact a woman's quality of life?
  • Common symptoms of fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder leading to frequent urination, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of life by causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. In some cases, they may lead to anemia due to excessive blood loss or require medical interventions to manage pain and other complications.
• Discuss the relationship between hormones and the development of fibroids. How do hormonal changes affect their growth?
  • Hormones play a crucial role in the development of fibroids, with estrogen and progesterone being particularly influential. These hormones stimulate the growth of uterine tissue during the menstrual cycle, which can lead to the proliferation of fibroids. Changes in hormonal levels throughout a woman's life, such as during pregnancy when estrogen levels rise or menopause when they drop, can affect the size and symptoms associated with fibroids.
• Evaluate the treatment options available for managing fibroids and their potential impact on reproductive health.
  • Treatment options for fibroids include medication to manage symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding, hormonal therapies to reduce their size, and surgical interventions like myomectomy or hysterectomy. Each option has implications for reproductive health; for example, myomectomy preserves the uterus and may allow future pregnancies, while a hysterectomy eliminates the possibility of pregnancy but is effective in removing fibroids permanently. The choice of treatment depends on factors like the size and location of fibroids, severity of symptoms, and the woman’s reproductive goals.

Related terms

Uterus: The hollow, muscular organ in a woman's pelvis where a fetus develops during pregnancy, commonly associated with menstruation and reproductive health.

Menorrhagia: Excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that can be caused by various factors, including fibroids.

Hormones:

Chemical messengers in the body that regulate various functions, including the menstrual cycle, which can influence the growth of fibroids.