This archive report was first published on 4 October 2021.
Fibroids: A Common Gynecological Issue ¶
Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas, are non-cancerous tumors that arise from the smooth muscle cells of the muscular layer of the uterus. According to Dr. Wainaina Mungai, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at City Health Hospital, fibroids are common in reproductive-age females and can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic.
When symptomatic, fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy periods, painful periods, bleeding between periods, prolonged periods, anemia, abdominal pain, lower back pain, and pelvic pain or pressure. The size and location of the fibroids can determine the severity of the symptoms.
Types of Fibroids ¶
There are four main types of fibroids: subserosal, intramural, submucosal, and cervical fibroids. Subserosal fibroids are the most common and can grow large, pushing outside of the uterus into the pelvis. Intramural fibroids develop in the muscular wall of the uterus, while submucosal fibroids grow in the open space inside the uterus. Cervical fibroids are located at the cervix.
Risk Factors ¶
Research suggests that several risk factors may contribute to the development of fibroids, including parity, genetics, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, diet, early exposure to oral hormonal contraceptives, and not carrying a pregnancy even as age progresses. Dr. Mungai notes that having one or more pregnancies extending beyond 20 weeks can decrease the chance of fibroid formation, while combined oral contraceptives have been associated with increased risk.
Treatment Options ¶
Dr. Mungai emphasizes the importance of post-treatment care, warning against lifting heavy items, strenuous activity, and sex for the first six weeks. Treatment options for fibroids include surgery, medication, and minimally invasive procedures such as fibroid embolization. Symptoms can be managed in various ways, including the use of progestin intrauterine devices, combined oral contraceptives, and/or tranexamic acid.
For Wanjiku and Jacinta, two women who have suffered from fibroids, their advice is for fibroid warriors to find others who have suffered from fibroids for moral support. They share that shared stories have a way of making the journey seem lighter and less arduous.
Common Treatment Options ¶
- Myomectomy: removal of fibroids
- Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus
- Endometrial ablation: removal of the uterus lining to stem heavy bleeding
- Mylosis: insertion of needles into fibroids to destroy them through electric current or freezing
- Embolisation: blocking blood supply to fibroids to shrink them
