Fibroids affect nearly 50% of women of childbearing age in Brazil; see symptoms

Fibroids are benign uterine tumors, but treatment can involve removal of the uterus. Know how to identify the disease

July is Fibroids Awareness Month, benign uterine tumors formed from muscle tissue. According to data from the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo), the disease affects nearly 50% of women of childbearing age in Brazil.

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Also known as leiomyomas, their appearance has unknown causes. However, its growth is known to depend on hormonal factors, decreasing in size after menopause. They can be single or multiple, from very small to huge volumes.

symptoms of fibroids

In most cases, women have no symptoms. But when this happens, the most common signs are:

• Heavy bleeding during menstruation;
• Longer menstrual cycle;
• pelvic colic;
• Cold;
• Pain during intercourse;
• Increased urinary frequency;
• Increased abdominal volume;
• Feeling of heaviness in the pelvis.

Typically, patients complain of uterine bleeding. “It could be an increase in the duration of the flow, the amount, have bleeding during the middle period of the menstrual cycle, or bleeding throughout the month. So, there are different complaints about the pattern of bleeding,” explains Dr. Thiers Soares, gynecologist specialist in fibroids and doctor in the field of gynecological endoscopy at the Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (UERJ).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fibroids can be made through a physical exam and imaging examination. Vaginal touch and abdominal examination can signal the presence of fibroids. Additionally, transvaginal ultrasound can also indicate the presence of tumors, says Dr. Thiers.

The most thorough examination, however, is MRI. This is because it is able to assess the uterus, the amount, location and size of myomas. “Specific to evaluate the uterine cavity – that is, the internal part of the uterus – the gold standard examination is hysteroscopy”, adds the specialist.

Treatment: Is it necessary to remove the uterus?

The most common definitive treatment for fibroids is usually removal of the uterus. However, this alternative has a direct impact on a woman’s reproductive capacity. For patients who still want to get pregnant, there are other ways to treat tumors. “Every time the patient wants to get pregnant or expresses the desire to preserve the uterus, this must be our goal,” emphasizes the gynecologist.

According to him, this preservation can be done laparoscopically, “But we avoid this route as much as possible – it should be the exceptional route,” says the doctor. In addition to this, robotic access and hysteroscopy are options (especially when the myoma is submucosal, i.e. when it grows in a disorderly way).

Is it possible to prevent the appearance of fibroids?

It is not possible to prevent the appearance of fibroids, informs Dr. Thiers. The doctor reiterates that medicine still does not know for sure what leads to the appearance of uterine tumors. However, there are some known risk factors for the disease. Among them, the expert highlights black ancestry, obesity and late pregnancy.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.