Out of all the fibroids, uterine fibroids are the most common and location of which is inside the uterus. These fibroids keep expanding within the uterus and this is evident from the larger size of uterus. Expanded uterus often gives a wrong misconception that you are pregnant or have gained weight. Let us understand what intramural fibroids are, its causes, symptoms, treatment and surgery.
Intramural fibroids are also known by following names:
- Myomas
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine leiomyomas
Intramural fibroids are one of the most common conditions which affect the uterine health of the woman. Being a benign tumor, intramural fibroids originate from the uterine layers. There may not be many visible symptoms of intramural fibroids, hence, it becomes hard to diagnose unless there are complications.
Expansion of intramural fibroids happens from uterus and women experiencing it, often feel as if the size of uterus has increased than normal size. Intramural fibroids in the uterus can be benign and have no role in making these tumors cancerous. However, these fibroids can contribute to infertility and miscarriages, thus affecting the reproductive health of women. Therefore, having a sound knowledge about the causes and treatments becomes a must. Many treatments option of intramural fibroids are available to resolve the problem.
What are the Causes of Intramural Fibroids?
Intramural fibroids are quite common among women and most may not experience any symptoms at all. Expansion of these fibroids is gradual and they begin as small lumps and cause distortion of the uterine cavity.
The causes of intramural fibroids revolve around the fact that most of the women of child-bearing age suffer from abnormal cell growth. Some of the causes of intramural fibrosis include
- Changes in lifestyle
- Hormonal imbalance
- Genetic factors
No specific cause can be attributed to the development of intramural fibrosis and this condition is formed as a collective contribution of various factors. Apart from genetic predisposition, lifestyle and hormonal health too matter a lot. Eating too much of junk foods and lesser sleep also contribute heavily in the causation of intramural fibrosis. When you are too much into caffeine, hormonal balance gets disturbed thus leading to the development of cyst in the uterus.
When the level of estrogen and progesterone becomes high in the body, it can form grounds for forming the fibroids. If there is an insulin related problem, then also fibroids can prop up in the uterus which can grow up to devastating extent.
What are the Symptoms of Intramural Fibroids?
While most women may not experience any symptoms of intramural fibroids, some may have certain complaints. Here are some of the commonly experienced symptoms of intramural fibroids.
- The abdomen may feel heavier due to the weight gain and appears to be large
- Increased urge to urinate more frequently is a common symptoms of intramural fibroids, due to constant pressure.
- Women suffering from intramural fibroids generally experience heavy menstrual bleeding
- Frequent and persistent, severe pelvic pain is one of the commonest symptoms of intramural fibroids.
- Problems related with digestion along with constipation and bloating are other common problems
- Mild or severe pain during intercourse is common and with the fibroids located in the cervix, complication increase much more
- Constant pain in back and legs
In most of the cases, there is no link between intramural fibroids and fertility problems but in about 4 % of the cases, women may suffer from pregnancy complications.
What are the Treatments Available for Intramural Fibroids?
Intramural fibroids make it tough for the woman to carry on with day to day activities. These fibroids may or may not pose any problem related to fertility but if they do, they need to be treated appropriately. Treatment of intramural fibroids depends on the symptoms and problems caused by the fibroids. Medications are used to treat intramural fibroids in the initial stage, however, if they do not respond well, other alternatives must be sought. In some cases, hormone treatment may be required if there are any additional problems.
- Surgery: The surgical treatment of intramural fibroids offers three types of procedures. These include
- Abdominal Myomectomy – This involves removing the fibroids by opening the abdomen through surgical procedures.
- Uterine Artery Embolization – In this, the fibroids are destroyed by injecting the alcohol beads on polyvinyl into the artery of uterine.
- Hysterectomy – When complications increase multifold, the only procedure left is to remove the uterus which cures the patients easily.
Surgical treatments for intramural fibroids are considered when there are problems with fertility or complications in pregnancy. However, every case is different and based on the symptoms of intramural fibroids and the overall health condition of the woman, the best treatment options are chosen.
