Leiomyomas, commonly known as uterine fibroids, are a medical condition with the growth of connective tissues and muscle from the uterine wall. It affects about three-quarters of the women in their 30s to 50s. Most women are asymptomatic due to having small fibroids that do not trigger any unusual feeling. Nevertheless, when the fibroids manifest symptoms, you experience pain during sex, frequent urination, and heavy menstrual bleeding requiring urgent treatment. At Alate Health, international radiologist Andrew Doe, MD, leads a team of qualified physicians in treating uterine fibroids in Houston, TX. Dr. Doe applies a holistic approach that removes the fibroid by shrinking it with quick-ending symptoms. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Doe, call the office in Houston or use the online tool now.
Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous muscle and connective tissue growth from the walls of the uterus. The uterus is an organ about the size of a lemon with an upside-down shape of a pear for carrying the baby during pregnancy.
Fibroids can manifest as a nodule or in clusters that can grow to the size of a grapefruit, varying in number, location, and size. This uniqueness in a variation also causes varying symptoms in different women requiring a unique treatment schedule for different patients depending on individual cases.
Fibroids manifestation
Fibroids occur in a round shape like nodules of smooth muscle tissues; at times, they are linked to the uterus by a thin connection system giving them a mushroom-like appearance.
Fibroids growth locations
Various names are given to fibroids locations on or in the uterus, describing their form of attachment. These locations include:
Intramural fibroids – these fibroids embed themselves into the walls of the uterus from the inside.
Submucosal fibroids – these fibroids grow, extending into the uterine cavity where the baby grows during pregnancy.
Pedunculated fibroids are a rare type that grows outside the uterus like a mushroom with a thin system of connection with the uterus.
Subserosal fibroids – these kinds of fibroids grow closer to the uterus from the outside.
Causes of uterine fibroids
The main cause of uterine fibroids is not known, but below are associate causes:
Genetics – when your mother or grandmother has fibroids, you are likely to get it too.
Pregnancy – during pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen hormones produce, which might stimulate the growth of the uterine fibroids.
Hormones – the ovaries produce progesterone and estrogen hormones every menstrual cycle that cause the regeneration of the uterine walls; this may also trigger fibroid growth.
Age – the fibroids affect most women in their reproductive ages of the 30s to 50s.
Weight – eating an unhealthy diet, for instance, too much red meat without fruits and vegetables, leads to fibroids development.
Symptoms
Pain during sex and lower backaches.
Experiencing vaginal discharge and frequent urination.
Having painful and excessive bleeding during your periods.
Having an abdominal distention with the inability to empty your bladder.
Treatment for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)]
UFE is a minimally invasive treatment approach for uterine fibroid tumors. In this procedure, Dr. Doe uses an X-ray camera – fluoroscope to deliver embolic agents to the fibroids in the uterus through a catheter. The particles block blood supplying arteries to the fibroid, eventually shrinking to disappear. Dr. Doe conducts an MRI to help evaluate the number, location, and size of the fibroids. UFE is an FDA – approved procedure with 90% effectiveness of healing results.
To plan an appointment with Dr. Doe and learn more about fibroids treatment, use the online tool now or call the Alate Health offices today.