Fibroids are muscle tumours of the uterine wall.
Fibroids are typically non-cancerous growths of the uterine wall commonly found in women during their childbearing years. Fibroids may be classified according to their location within the uterus as:
Depending on the location of the fibroids and size of the fibroids, there may be different symptoms. Submucous fibroids protruding or pressing into the cavity of the uterus may cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Large subserous fibroids or large intramural fibroids may exert pelvic pressure or pain. Fibroids lying close to the bladder may cause frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Fibroids lying at the back of the uterus close to the bowels may cause difficulty with defaecation or emptying of the bowels.
Occasionally, women may not have symptoms from fibroids and may be found to have fibroids only incidentally on physical examination when a large abdominal mass is detected.
Many fibroids are asymptomatic, with some resolving on their own. However, depending on the size and location, signs and symptoms may include:
Treatment will vary depending on the severity of symptoms, ranging from observation to uterine fibroid surgery in Singapore.
What exactly causes fibroids is still unknown. However, there are risk factors that can contribute to its development. These include:
Fibroids in Singapore vary in size, and women with larger fibroids typically experience more serious symptoms. For instance, fibroids that measure 4 to 5 cm or more and develop inside the uterus can distort the womb’s shape and potentially block the fallopian tube. On the other hand, if it grows outside the uterus, it can press onto nearby organs and cause pain or discomfort.
Here are some factors that determine the type of uterine fibroids treatment needed:
Treatment for fibroids include medical and surgical management. If the fibroids are large or symptomatic, surgical removal may be recommended. In such cases, a myomectomy is usually preferred – it removes the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact.
There isn’t a specific fibroid size that automatically necessitates removal; your doctor will determine the need for surgery based on the severity of your symptoms.
Two types of ultrasound scans can help diagnose fibroids:
Many women with fibroids may not experience any symptoms, and they are often discovered during a routine exam. Fibroids can also shrink and become asymptomatic in some women who have undergone menopause.
Fibroid size and location can sometimes affect fertility, especially large ones or those that are located in areas that block the fallopian tubes or blocks a fertilised egg from implanting.
Small and asymptomatic fibroids may not require any treatment; and some fibroids may shrink after menopause due to a decrease in oestrogen levels.