Uterine fibroids – diagnosis and treatment

Uterine fibroids – diagnosis and treatment – Dr Chanchal Sharma

What is a uterine fibroid?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of tissue in the uterus. They are also called leiomyomas or myomas and often appear during childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous and never develop into cancer.

Fibroids can vary in size. For instance, a fibroid can be as small as undetected by a human eye; or it can be large enough to expand the size of the uterus. A woman can have a single or multiple fibroids.

Fibroids usually have no symptoms and that is why many women go undetected. Sometimes doctors happen to discover fibroids during a prenatal ultrasound and pelvic exam.

What are the causes of uterine fibroids?

What causes uterine fibroids to grow? The question is still a mystery. The exact causes are unknown. But, clinical research suspects the following:

Hormones. The lining of the uterus is made thick every month by the hormones progesterone and estrogen. They seem to affect the growth of fibroids. During menopause when hormone production becomes slow, fibroids usually shrink.
Extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM causes the cells to stick together. It has been seen that fibroids have more ECM than normal cells.
Genes. If your mother had fibrosis, you might be at a higher risk of developing fibroids.
Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the production of progesterone and estrogen grows rapidly. Fibroids may develop faster when you are pregnant.
Other factors. Those substances that help the tissues to build and maintain may also cause fibroids, such as insulin-like growth factors.

What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?

A few things may increase your risk of developing fibroids.

Race
Age
Use of birth control
Having periods at a young age
A diet that includes too much red meat and not enough fruit, vegetables or dairy
Family history
Alcohol

What are uterine fibroids symptoms?

The symptoms depend on the size, type and location. For instance, submucosa fibroids may be responsible for heavy bleeding during periods and can also create difficulties in conception.

Fibroids can also be asymptomatic if the tumors are very small. Fibroids may reduce in size during and after menopause. That is because the production of progesterone and estrogen go down, and the growth of fibroids is affected. Symptoms may include:

Pain in the lower back or pelvis
Increased urination
Blood clots during periods
Heavy bleeding periods
Painful sex
Periods may stretch a bit longer
Enlargement or swelling in the abdomen
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen

What are the ways to diagnose fibrosis?

While feeling your uterus during a routine pelvic exam, your doctor may suspect fibroids in your uterus and write for a test to diagnose it. The tests to diagnose fibroids may include:

An ultrasound. Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create images of the uterus. An ultrasound device is placed on the abdomen to get images. A transvaginal ultrasound can also be done in which the doctor inserts the ultrasound device into the vagina to take pictures of the uterus.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRIs can provide minute and clear details. If the doctor feels they need more details after an ultrasound, they can suggest a magnetic resonance imaging test.
Hysteroscopy. This test is done using a small telescope that has a small light attached to it. The doctor inserts it into the vagina to see if fibroids are present.
Hysterosonography. The cavity of the uterus is made larger by pushing saline into the uterine cavity by a technician. This enables them to see the fibroids, especially submucosal fibroids. If you are having heavy periods or trying to get pregnant, this test may be helpful.
Hysterosalpingography. Fibroids may also block the fallopian tubes. To check if your fallopian tubes are blocked, the doctor can do this test. The doctor sprays a special dye into the uterus with saline air, and the flow is observed with a series of x-ray.

Uterine fibroids ayurvedic treatment

Ayurveda can provide treatment for fibroids and the symptoms of fibroids. Panchkarma is very effective in curing fibroids. Panchkarma includes different treatment procedures.

Vamana—it is therapeutic vomiting. It helps clean excess mucus and the digestive system.
Virechana—it is about cleansing the bowels using laxatives.
Basti—it is done to cleanse the bowels using medicated oil or milk or ghee. It is medicated enema.
Nasya—it is the cleansing of the nasal passage.
Raktmokshana—it is the cleansing of the blood.
Massages—massages with medicated herbs or oils are given for improving blood circulation and releasing the stress of the mind and the body.
Uttar basti—it is a very effective therapy for reproductive organs, including the uterus, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. In this therapy, medicated oil is administered into the uterus. A thin pipe is inserted through the vagina to send medicated oil. It helps treat several problems of the reproductive system, including fibroids.

For uterine fibroids treatment in Delhi, consult Doctor Chanchal Sharma. Contact number: +91- 9811773770, Website: www.aashaayurveda.com

Takeaway

An ayurvedic doctor can provide effective treatment for fibroids with the help of natural therapies and herbal medicines. Natural therapies and herbs also render several other effects on your body, apart from the treatment. They energize, rejuvenate and strengthen the body and also provide skin and hair care.