Uterine Fibroids in Women: Expert Explains Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Effective Management

Fibroids are benign growths that are becoming increasingly common among women. They can affect women across all age groups, sometimes with serious implications for fertility and quality of life.

“Fibroids are commonly seen in a large number of women. There is no age limit, as right from a 15-year-old girl to a 75 or 80-year-old woman can have fibroids,” said Dr Kusum Lata, Senior Consultant- Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon.

Read: Debunking Menopause Myths: What Indian Women Should Know About Weight, Hormones and Sexual Health

We spoke to her in detail to understand fibroids, their causes and their treatment options better.

Causes of Fibroids and Risk Factors

The exact cause of fibroids is not fully known, but certain lifestyle choices are contributing to their rise in recent times.

Dr. Lata highlighted that a majority of women are delaying marriages, and many are also choosing not to have children, which is one of the biggest causes of fibroids.

Hormonal changes, genetics, and environmental factors also play a role.

A woman may develop a single fibroid or multiple ones, and their size can range from very small to large masses.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Fibroids tend to go unnoticed till they start causing issues. However, women shouldn’t delay seeing a doctor, if they notice any changes in their menstrual cycle.

According to Dr. Lata, “Fibroids can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, frequent urination, and back pain. Fibroids can hurt a woman’s fertility. For some, they are devastating as they lead to immense bleeding inside the cavity or in the deep layer of the uterus, which can make women very sick.”

In severe cases, excessive bleeding can lead to dangerously low haemoglobin levels. “The excessive bleeding can lower haemoglobin levels to almost 3 gm/dL or even 4 gm/dL in women,” she adds.

If you notice any symptom or changes in periods, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor. Fibroids are usually detected through USGs.

Management and Treatment Options for Fibroids

Treatment for fibroids depends on their size and the impact they’re having on the woman’s life.

“If the fibroid is less than five centimetres and is not causing any symptoms, or they are outside the uterus or on the surface, it may not require any treatment,” explained Dr. Lata. “But if fibroids are more than five centimetres and are causing bleeding, pressure, and pain, then they need to be tackled without delay.”

There are currently no effective medicines to dissolve fibroids. “Some medicines exist for small fibroids, but they are not quite effective for bigger ones,” she said. Some medicines help shrink them too.

But Fibroids won’t disappear by themselves. “No homoeopathic or allopathic treatment can resolve the issue completely. Sooner or later, women will have to undergo surgery if fibroids interfere with day-to-day activities,” she clarifies.

Minimally invasive surgeries are now possible. “Many women are advised to undergo laparoscopy, which allows removal with smaller cuts, less pain and scarring, quick recovery, and reduced hospital stay. It is a patient-friendly approach and helps women return to normal routines faster,” she added.

Remaining vigilant of changes in one’s body and seeking medical help when anything occurs, is crucial for managing and treating fibroids.

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