Muscle tissue inside the uterus that grows suddenly and involuntarily over time can lead to the formation of certain masses. Fibroids, which are benign tumours formed by muscle fibres, can often be seen in women. Just as there are types of fibroids that give signs, there are also types that give none. In the formation of fibroids, which are generally seen between the ages of 35 and 40, the oestrogen hormone is accepted as the most important factor. This is at the same time the most important reason why fibroids generally do not appear before the reproductive years.
Fibroids Can Cause Different Signs
Although fibroids generally cause menstrual periods with very heavy bleeding, they can show themselves with many different signs. In the initial stage the duration of menstrual bleeding does not change in women and only an increase in the amount of bleeding is observed. As time passes, because of the excess in both duration and amount of bleeding, the problem of anaemia can arise. In some types of fibroids, besides the excessive amount of bleeding, bleeding between periods can also be seen. The cervix of women who consult a doctor with such complaints is examined. If considered necessary, a sample is taken from inside the uterus. In this way it is determined whether the bleeding originates from the endometrium.
In addition, difficulty during sexual intercourse, pain in the lower back, severe pain during sexual intercourse, frequent urination and swellings in the uterus or the abdominal area can also be counted among the signs of fibroids. If there are fibroids that have grown to the extent of distorting the appearance of the abdomen, the solution is likely to be surgery.
Regular Gynaecological Examination Is Very Important
The fact that there are also types of fibroids that give no signs once again reveals the importance of gynaecological examinations. Fibroids can easily be imaged with ultrasound during a gynaecological examination. Fibroids are a kind of soft tissue tumour and, when necessary, an MRI examination can also be used.
Fibroids that reach a certain size, that cause complaints such as irregular bleeding, pain and urinary incontinence, or that press into the uterine cavity can be removed with surgery. However, surgery is not required for the treatment of every fibroid. A fibroid is not a health problem that can be treated with medication. In making the diagnosis of a fibroid, assisting technologies such as ultrasonography, hysterography, sonohysterography and hysteroscopy can be used. Especially in the diagnosis and simultaneous treatment of fibroids occupying the uterine cavity, hysteroscopic operations are accepted as the most effective method.
Treatment of Fibroids
Today, robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery (especially 3D laparoscopy) and hysteroscopy are used in the treatment of fibroids. The aim is to remove only the fibroids while preserving the uterine tissue.
Is the Treatment of Fibroids Only Surgery?
Fibroids can also be treated without an operation with the RF ablation/hyperthermia method. With this method, shrinkage is achieved in the fibroid tissue causing the complaint without any incision. The patient is treated as a day case without staying in hospital.