About all

Period and fibroids: The Link Between Uterine Fibroids and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Содержание

Uterine Fibroid Pain Symptom Relief

For most women, a certain degree of menstrual pain is relatively common. In fact, as many as 80 percent of women experience period pain. However, it can also be a sign of something more serious, like uterine fibroids.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

If you’re experiencing long-lasting period pain, or pain that worsens as you get older, it may be a sign of uterine fibroids.

“Uterine fibroids are benign, smooth muscle growths of the uterus,” says Linda Bradley, MD, director of the Fibroid and Menstrual Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. These growths are rarely cancerous, and they’re very common — as many as 80 percent of women develop fibroids by age 50, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

That said, they’re more common in some populations than others. Although fibroids can develop at any age, uterine fibroids are most common in women ages 30 to 40. Black women are more likely to develop uterine fibroids than white women; fibroids tend to develop at a younger age and grow more quickly in Black women, as well.

Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Some women who have uterine fibroids may not experience any symptoms. Others, however, may experience a range of symptoms that affect their period and beyond, such as:

  • Abdominal or lower back pain
  • Pelvic pain and cramping
  • Painful sex
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Long, frequent periods
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Anemia (from blood loss)
  • Bladder or bowel pressure
  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Bowel movements that are difficult, frequent, or urgent
  • Increased abdominal size
  • Miscarriage
  • Infertility

“Your symptoms generally depend on the location and number of uterine fibroids,” says Dr. Bradley.

Why Uterine Fibroids Cause Painful Periods

Each month, your uterus goes through a cycle: It creates a thickened inner lining in case a pregnancy occurs. If pregnancy does not occur, your body sheds that lining — this is your period.

During a normal period, your body releases hormones called prostaglandins. These hormones can cause pain and inflammation and can increase the intensity of uterine contractions, which may worsen menstrual cramping. And women who have elevated levels of prostaglandins may experience even more severe menstrual pain.

Fibroids can make this pain more intense: First, fibroids put pressure on the uterine lining. Then, if you have fibroids within the uterine wall, or fibroids that protrude into the uterine cavity, more surface area is created, which means more thickened lining for your body to shed during your period — that is, a heavier flow.

“For women who bleed a lot, large clots can form,” says Bradley. “As all of this blood and clotting is trying to come through the narrow cervix and be expelled from the body, the uterus is contracting more, which can cause pain.”

In the days leading up to your period, you might feel more intense cramping as your uterus goes through its motions to force out the lining, and a stronger sensation of pressure when your period starts because of the heavier blood flow.

If the uterine fibroids are large, you also may feel a stronger sensation of pressure at the time of your period due to blood flow to the fibroids.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroid Pain

Aside from uterine fibroids, period pain can be caused by other health conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts. So if you’re dealing with period pain, it’s important to see your doctor or gynecologist to determine the underlying cause and recommend the proper course of treatment, says Bradley.

If you are diagnosed with uterine fibroids, a variety of treatment options can help you manage symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure, and certain medications also treat the underlying uterine fibroids.

  • Pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help alleviate period pain and decrease bleeding, but do not shrin the size of the fibroids themselves
  • Hormonal birth control, such as the pill, the ring, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), help decrease bleeding and alleviate menstrual pain and cramping, but do not shrink the size of uterine fibroids
  • Oral medications, including hormonal or nonhormonal options, which treat heavy menstrual periods and in turn can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms
  • Hormone injections, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, can induce a temporary menopause-like state and help shrink the size of uterine fibroids while you’re taking the medication, which in turn can help improve your symptoms — but once you stop taking the drug, the fibroids usually grow back, and these medications cannot be taken long-term
  • Complementary therapies, ranging from using heating pads, to exercising regularly and altering your diet, to trying strategies like acupuncture and massage, may help you manage pain and other symptoms related to uterine fibroids

“If it’s getting to the point where your quality of life is bad — you’re staying home and missing work, activities, and hobbies — your physician needs to look at other therapies, such as surgical procedures,” says Bradley.

In the past, a hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus, was the hallmark procedure for treating uterine fibroids. However, today there are a wide range of surgical options that are significantly less invasive and have a shorter recovery time.  These procedures, like radiofrequency ablation or embolization, aim to shrink or remove the uterine fibroids.

“The number one cause of hysterectomies in America are due to uterine fibroids with pain, heavy bleeding, or discomfort,” says Bradley. “But it’s 2020, and we have new options — you’re not relegated to a hysterectomy. There are many other procedures that are less aggressive or less invasive.”

Treatment is an individualized decision, and you need to see a physician who really looks at the whole patient, explains Bradley. The type of treatment you opt for should take into consideration your age, fertility plans, and the size and location of the uterine fibroids — and should be as minimally invasive as possible, she adds.

Uterine Fibroids – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

This article is also available in: português, español, Deutsch, français

Top things to know:

  • Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths of muscle tissue that form in or on the walls of the uterus

  • Symptoms include irregular bleeding between periods and pelvic pain

  • Estrogen and progesterone play a role in the growth of fibroids

  • You might not notice them, but if they become problematic, they are treatable

Like uterine polyps, uterine fibroids are a common cause of changes in bleeding and period pattern.

While polyps are more likely to develop around the time of menopause, fibroids most often develop during the reproductive years. Here’s how to know if you have fibroids.

What they are

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths of muscle tissue that form in (or on) the walls of the uterus. Fibroids are benign (not harmful/life threatening), but can cause symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain (1,2). Uterine fibroids are sometimes called myomas or leiomyomas in medical literature.

Uterine fibroids are very common. About 3 in 4 women may have them at some point in their lives (3). They are most common during the reproductive years (2,3), and are more likely to occur in people of African ancestry (4). Uterine fibroids most often cause no symptoms at all (5) and often shrink after menopause (6,7). In other cases, untreated fibroids may lead to problems such as heavy bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain or pressure, fertility changes, and complications during pregnancy (1,2,8). Symptoms depend on the size, location, and number of fibroids.

Download Clue to track your menstrual pain.

4.8

2M+ ratings

If you think you may have uterine fibroids, tracking your bleeding, pain, and any other symptoms with Clue can provide your healthcare provider with information that may help with diagnosis and in forming a treatment plan. Early treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

What you might notice

Some of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids are:

  • Periods that are heavy, long, and/or painful (1,9)

  • Irregular bleeding (9)

  • Pelvic pressure or pain (2,10)

  • Frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder (1)

  • Constipation (10)

  • Difficulty getting pregnant or carrying to term (2)

In rare cases, uterine fibroids can become very large, twisted, or infected. These situations can create intense symptoms, and may require immediate medical treatment (11,12).

Some studies show that pregnancy may cause fibroids to grow slightly bigger in up to 1 in 3 people (2,13). This might make some symptoms more noticeable. The most common complication of uterine fibroids in pregnancy is pain, usually felt in the second and third trimesters (14,15).

Why they happen

Uterine fibroids occur when muscle cells in the uterus multiply too many times. As cells multiply, lumps of various shapes and sizes are formed. They can be numerous or few—some people might only have one. These lumps can grow on the inner and outer surfaces of the uterus, as well as within the uterine wall.

Research shows the hormones estrogen and progesterone play a role in the growth of uterine fibroids. This is probably why fibroids tend to shrink after menopause, when production of these hormones decreases (6,7).

Some people are more likely than others to develop uterine fibroids, and in fact fibroids may be inherited genetically (16). This means someone is more likely to develop fibroids if a family member has had them. People of African ancestry are significantly more likely to develop them (4). Someone is also more likely to have uterine fibroids if they have hypertension (17,18), or polycystic ovary syndrome (19). They are more common in people who have an earlier age at first menstruation (menarche) (4), and people who have not given birth, though this may be because women with fibroids may have difficulty conceiving (2). Maintaining a diet high in red meat consumption may also increase the risk of uterine fibroids (20), as may beer consumption (21).

Different types of fibroids create different symptoms. Fibroids embedded within the uterine wall (intramural fibroids) can change the shape of the uterus, which may cause changes in fertility (22). Fibroids that project into the inside of the uterus (submucosal fibroids) may also cause difficulty in becoming or staying pregnant (23).

Why get them checked out?

Uterine fibroids are generally harmless and often go away on their own. When symptoms occur, however, untreated fibroids can interfere with a person’s quality of life and may lead to complications such as anemia. Anemia is a condition when the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to function properly. This can happen when uterine fibroids cause heavy bleeding (7).

Some uterine fibroids may also interfere with the probability of becoming pregnant, and may increase the chance of miscarriage, but more research is needed here (22,23). In these cases, treatment can help people become and stay pregnant.

Rarely, uterine fibroids can become very large, twisted, or infected. These situations can create symptoms that are intense, and may require immediate medical treatment (11,12).

How they’re diagnosed

A healthcare provider will probably ask questions about symptoms, medical, and menstrual history. Some uterine fibroids are diagnosed with a physical exam. Other diagnostic methods may include:

What you can do about uterine fibroids

You and your healthcare provider may choose to leave fibroids with mild symptoms untreated. Tracking your symptoms can then help you know if your fibroids are changing, and at what point a treatment plan might be helpful. When fibroids do become problematic, there are many different options for managing and treating them, and for preventing their future formation:

Medications

In some cases, hormonal medications are prescribed to treat uterine fibroids. These include Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators (SPRM) which change the effect of progesterone in the body, and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists which block the body’s production of both progesterone and estrogen. These medications have been shown to lessen the size and number of uterine fibroids over time in people of reproductive age (25,26).

Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining a healthy weight may help lessen the occurrence uterine fibroids (16,27). Getting enough exercise and eating a balanced diet may also help with this. Specifically, a diet low in red meat and high in green vegetables may help to lessen the prevalence and severity of fibroids in some people (20).

Non-surgical procedures

Some symptomatic uterine fibroids may be destroyed through non-invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization and radiofrequency myolysis. These procedures cut off blood supply to fibroids. MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) is an example of a newer technique that uses soundwaves to destroy fibroids (25).

Surgery

Uterine fibroids are sometimes treated with minimally invasive surgical procedures, via the abdomen or pelvis. Some cases of fibroids may be treated with a procedure called an abdominal myomectomy, in which problematic fibroids are surgically removed (25). In severe cases, a hysterectomy, or a removal of the uterus, may be performed (25).

Essential to track:

Helpful to track:

Heavy periods and pelvic pain aren’t ‘normal’ – uterine fibroids might be to blame | Women’s Health

Fibroids will begin to shrink right away; the goal is to reduce their volume by up to 50% over a few months. Recovery typically takes one to two weeks. Gynecologic surgeons at UT Southwestern now offer the Acessa procedure, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and typically only requires day surgery (outpatient) and a short recovery.   

3. Uterine fibroid embolization

Another minimally invasive procedure, uterine fibroid embolization essentially starves fibroids of blood so they shrink over time. An interventional radiologist inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a patient’s artery and guides it to the uterus. Then, tiny particles are passed through the catheter to the blood vessels in the uterus.

The particles wedge into the blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the fibroids so they can no longer thrive. Over a few months, the growths should shrink by 40% to 60%. 

4. Hysterectomy

This more permanent procedure removes the uterus and, in some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries. For uterine fibroid treatment, we typically recommend hysterectomy only for women who do not want to become pregnant in the future. Our surgeons can perform three types of minimally invasive hysterectomy – through the vagina, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted approaches – as well as traditional open hysterectomy when appropriate.

5. Medical management

Some women can manage their uterine fibroid symptoms with prescription medications or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Women with iron-deficiency anemia from heavy periods also might benefit from iron supplements. A gynecologist can recommend medications based on specific symptoms. If symptoms are not well controlled with NSAIDs, we frequently offer hormonal medications, such as birth control pills or other hormonal treatments that can help with symptom management Additionally, for patients whose main issue is bleeding, an oral medication called Lysteda (tranexamic acid) can be taken during menses to reduce menstrual blood loss.

Can Fibroids Affect Your Period?

For the majority of a woman’s reproductive life, the regularity of her menstrual cycle is closely associated to her well-being, while an irregular menstruation can often be a sign of abnormal activity in the body. In some instances, Uterine Fibroids are the cause of these abnormalities. For more information on the types of fibroids and steps you can take towards effective fibroid treatment, contact the top fibroids specialist in Los Angeles, Dr. Bruce McLucas for a consultation.

The three types of fibroids: intramural, subserosal, and submucosal can produce different symptoms based on the size and location of the fibroids. Intramural and submucosal fibroids are usually the cause of heavy or abnormal bleeding during a menstrual cycle.

While the main reason for these symptoms are unknown, abnormal bleeding is believed to be caused by the way fibroids change the muscular contraction of the uterus which can prevent it from controlling the amount of bleeding during a cycle. Fibroids have also been shown to compress veins in the uterine wall, creating a dilation of the uterine lining. As the pressure increases in the veins, the lining of the uterus expands, and may result in abnormal bleeding. Heavy menstrual bleeding is usually caused by either intramural fibroids found deep within the wall of the uterus, or submucosal fibroids, found just under the inner lining of the uterus.

Heavy and abnormal bleeding not only increases clot formation, but can also prolong periods, lead to weakness, fatigue, painful cramps in the abdomen and back, and in some cases anemia. Women who have experienced heavy or difficult periods may often not consider fibroids a viable reason for the irregularity in their cycle. If you undergo any of these abnormal symptoms or suffer from overnight excessive flow, consistent bleeding through super tampons or maxi pads, consider making an appointment with your ob/gyn to see if fibroids may be the cause.

Fibroids Specialist in Los Angeles

If fibroids are the cause of your heavy or painful menstrual cycle, don’t delay in seeking effective treatment from a qualified fibroids specialist in Los Angeles. Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a non-surgical procedure especially suited for today’s active, and busy lifestyle. It’s also a great alternative treatment for younger women who may wish to have children because it protects fertility by not cutting, removing, or scarring any uterine tissue. For more information on how embolization can put an end to irregular menstruation, contact The Fibroid Treatment Collective at (866) 479-1523.

abnormal periods anemia cramps fibroids and menstruation heavy bleeding irregular periods menstrual cycle

Uterine Fibroids & Abnormal Bleeding | Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital

Abnormal bleeding is a common gynecologic condition. Vaginal bleeding is considered to be abnormal if it occurs between a woman’s menstrual cycles, in situations where flow is significantly heavier than normal for a particular individual, or when it occurs after menopause. Abnormal vaginal bleeding has many possible causes. By itself, it does not necessarily indicate a serious condition. In some cases, it can be associated with uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), intrauterine device (IUD) or birth control usage.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus. Fibroids can grow on the inside of the uterus, within the muscle wall of the uterus, or on the outer surface of the uterus. Many women who have uterine fibroids do not have symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as heavier, longer periods or bleeding between periods
  • Pelvic pain, including pain during sex
  • Low back pain that does not go away
  • Urinary problems

Sometimes uterine fibroids may cause more serious problems, such as infertility, blockage of the urinary tract or bowels, or anemia.

Resources

Treatment Options for Abnormal Bleeding & Fibroids

Treatment for abnormal bleeding will depend on many factors, including the cause, your age, the severity of the bleeding, and whether you want to have children. Common medical treatment options may include use of birth control pills, hormone injections, or a hormone-releasing IUD (intra-uterine device). Some women with abnormal vaginal bleeding may need to have surgery to control bleeding or to remove growths (such as polyps or fibroids) that are causing the bleeding. Common surgical treatment options include endometrial ablation, endometrial polyp removal, myomectomy, or hysterectomy.

VIDEO: Treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding and fibroids

Learn more about our surgical treatment options.

Could I Be Bleeding Due to Fibroids?

While it may be scary, abnormal bleeding is a common gynecologic condition. However, if you are bleeding due to fibroids, the inconvenience may be overwhelming.

Vaginal bleeding is considered to be abnormal if it occurs: (i)

  • Between periods (including spotting)
  • After sex
  • During menstruation but is heavier than usual, lasts longer than usual, or lasts more than seven days
  • After menopause

There are many causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding, including: (i)

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometrial polyps
  • An infection of the uterus
  • Pregnancy
  • Miscarriage
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Cancers of the uterus including endometrial and cervical cancers

Your doctor may perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and other tests to determine the cause of your abnormal bleeding. (i)

Fibroids can usually be detected during a pelvic examination, which allows your doctor to feel for any abnormalities in the shape and size of the uterus. If your uterus is enlarged or irregularly shaped and you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, your doctor may order an ultrasound and additional imaging tests to confirm the presence of fibroids.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are growths of muscle and fibrous tissue in or on the wall of the uterus. They often develop in women between the ages of 35 and 50. (ii) Researchers have several theories about uterine fibroid causes, but much is still unknown.

The types of uterine fibroids diagram

Fibroid growth is related to the following: (iii)

  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Growth hormones
  • Genetic changes
  • Misplaced cells in the body present before birth
  • The number of micronutrients — nutrients that the body needs only small amounts of — in your
  • Major stressors

It’s thought that fibroids are caused by the combination of many of these factors.

Related: 10 Possible Causes of Uterine Fibroids

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. However, fibroids can cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the uterus, and how close they are to other organs in the pelvic region.

Abnormal bleeding is the most common symptom of a uterine fibroid. If the tumor is located within the uterine cavity or near the uterine lining, it may cause excessive menstrual bleeding. The uterine fibroid may also cause bleeding between periods.

Uterine fibroid symptoms can include: (iv, v)

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
  • Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Pelvic pain
  • Frequent urination
  • A firm mass, often located near the middle of the pelvis
  • A feeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower abdomen)
  • Enlargement of the lower abdomen
  • Pain during sex
  • Lower back pain
  • Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean section
  • Reproductive problems, such as infertility (very rare)

What Are Some Complications Caused by Uterine Fibroids?

Sometimes uterine fibroids may cause more serious problems. Uterine fibroids can make menstrual bleeding heavy and full of clots. (ii) Heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroids that cause bleeding between periods can make a woman anemic. If you’re feeling fatigued, visit your doctor to have a blood test to measure your level of red blood cells.

Other complications may include:

  • Infertility
  • Blockage of the urinary tract or bowels
  • Deteriorating fibroids, which can cause severe, localized pain
  • Development of cancerous fibroids, which is rare and less than one in 1,000 (ii)

Treatment for Fibroids

The question of how aggressively to treat your fibroids depends on your symptoms and how they are interfering with your quality of life. For example, bleeding, unless it is causing anemia, is not harmful and is rarely an indication of a serious underlying problem.

You could do nothing — often called “watchful waiting” — and just have your gynecologist continue to monitor your health. If you’re not that far from menopause, you may choose to wait and see if the bleeding stops once you no longer get your period. The fibroids may shrink once the estrogen level in your body decreases.

If you have bleeding due to fibroids, treatment will depend on many factors, including your age, the severity of the bleeding, and whether you want to have children. One treatment option, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), is a minimally invasive and safe alternative to hysterectomy. This nonsurgical procedure effectively shrinks uterine fibroid tumors and offers relief from the unpleasant symptoms that come with them while sparing your uterus. It can be performed in an outpatient setting where you can go home the same day of your procedure for a quicker recovery, as compared to traditional surgery.

When considering the various uterine fibroid treatments, talk with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of each procedure.

Download our free information sheet, Understanding Uterine Fibroid Embolization, for more information or call 844-UFE-CARE (833-2273) to schedule an appointment with a vascular specialist.


Sources:
(i) Radiological Society of North America. (2016, March 17). Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding – Evaluation and Treatment. Retrieved July 23, 2018, from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=vaginalbleeding
(ii) Richardson, M., MD. (2011, May). Ask the doctor: Heavy bleeding, fibroids, and polyps – Harvard Health. Retrieved June 17, 2018, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/heavy-bleeding-fibroids-and-polyps
(iii) What causes uterine fibroids? (2016, December 1). Retrieved June 12, 2018, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/uterine/conditioninfo/causes
(iv) Office on Women’s Health. (2018, March 16). _Uterine fibroids. Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
(v) UCLA Health. (n.d.). _Fibroids. Retrieved June 18, 2018, from http://obgyn.ucla.edu/fibroids

Fibroids – NHS

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus).

The growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue, and vary in size. They’re sometimes known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas.

Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms.

Women who do have symptoms (around 1 in 3) may experience:

In rare cases, further complications caused by fibroids can affect pregnancy or cause infertility.

Seeing a GP

As fibroids do not often cause symptoms, they’re sometimes diagnosed by chance during a routine gynaecological examination, test or scan.

See a GP if you have persistent symptoms of fibroids so they can investigate possible causes.

If the GP thinks you may have fibroids, they’ll usually refer you for an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Read more about diagnosing fibroids.

Why fibroids develop

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they have been linked to the hormone oestrogen.

Oestrogen is the female reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries (the female reproductive organs).

Fibroids usually develop during a woman’s reproductive years (from around the age of 16 to 50) when oestrogen levels are at their highest.

They tend to shrink when oestrogen levels are low, such as after the menopause when a woman’s monthly periods stop.

Who gets fibroids?

Fibroids are common, with around 1 in 3 women developing them at some point in their life. They most often occur in women aged 30 to 50.

Fibroids are thought to develop more frequently in women of African-Caribbean origin.

It’s also thought they occur more often in overweight or obese women because being overweight increases the level of oestrogen in the body.

Women who have had children have a lower risk of developing fibroids, and the risk decreases further the more children you have.

Types of fibroids

Fibroids can grow anywhere in the womb and vary in size considerably. Some can be the size of a pea, whereas others can be the size of a melon.

The main types of fibroids are:

  • intramural fibroids – the most common type of fibroid, which develop in the muscle wall of the womb
  • subserosal fibroids – fibroids that develop outside the wall of the womb into the pelvis and can become very large
  • submucosal fibroids – fibroids that develop in the muscle layer beneath the womb’s inner lining and grow into the cavity of the womb

In some cases, subserosal or submucosal fibroids are attached to the womb with a narrow stalk of tissue. These are known as pedunculated fibroids.

Credit:

Treating fibroids

Fibroids do not need to be treated if they are not causing symptoms. Over time, they’ll often shrink and disappear without treatment, particularly after the menopause.

If you do have symptoms caused by fibroids, medicine to help relieve the symptoms will usually be recommended first.

There are also medications available to help shrink fibroids. If these prove ineffective, surgery or other, less invasive procedures may be recommended.

Read more about treating fibroids.

Community content from HealthUnlocked

Page last reviewed: 17 September 2018
Next review due: 17 September 2021

90,000 Uterine fibroids – symptoms and treatment

Myoma is a very common gynecological disease that occurs in 30% of women. Often it becomes an “accidental find” during an ultrasound scan, when a woman turns to a gynecologist for a completely different reason. The symptoms of fibroids are similar to the manifestations of many other diseases – pelvic pain, infertility, repeated miscarriage, intermenstrual bleeding, heavy menstruation.

The main treatment for uterine fibroids is surgery, but the operation is indicated only if there are symptoms of the disease, or rapid tumor growth.First of all, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a malignant process.

Hysteroresectoscopy

In the presence of heavy menstruation and intermenstrual bleeding against the background of uterine fibroids, hysteroresectoscopy is performed in most cases. This technique involves the introduction of a special chamber and a loop into the uterine cavity, which cuts off the fibroid.

Unfortunately, sometimes fibroids partially grow into the muscle layer. In such cases, the operation is performed in two stages. First, a part of the formation, which is located in the uterine cavity, is removed, then, when after some time a part of the fibroid from the muscle layer degenerates into the uterine cavity, a repeated hysteroresectoscopy is performed.

Myomectomy

If the myoma does not deform the uterine cavity, but is located in the muscle or outside the uterus, laparoscopic surgery is usually performed.

If fibroids are detected during menopause, as a rule, organ-preserving treatment is not applied, the uterus is removed completely together with the cervix, usually (but not always) with the preservation of the ovaries.

Myomectomy is performed for women at a younger age. In most cases, these operations are performed by laparoscopic approach, which allows removing several nodes at the same time in different places of the uterus with adequate restoration of the uterine muscle with layer-by-layer sutures.The technique allows you to remove nodes up to 10 cm.

Vascular embolization

One of the methods of treatment of uterine fibroids is embolization of the vessels feeding the fibroids (embolization of the uterine arteries, or UAE). Unfortunately, this technique is not suitable for all women. For most women who want to preserve fertility, the procedure is not recommended as there is a risk of ovarian dysfunction. Therefore, embolization is indicated for women with a certain location of myomatous nodes who already have children.Embolization of the uterine arteries is also not recommended for women with multiple fibroids (more than 5). According to statistics, this procedure is performed by 15% of women diagnosed with uterine fibroids in the presence of symptoms. In other cases, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy or combined access intervention are performed.

Conservative treatment

A certain category of women is recommended dynamic observation or hormonal treatment to control the growth of fibroids. Especially during the period of perimenopause, because with the onset of menopause, myoma can independently decrease in size by up to 50% and not cause symptoms.In such cases, we recommend hormonal coils or hormone modulators and regular check-ups. The drugs help to reduce the volume of fibroids and, if necessary, are a good preparation for surgery in the presence of very large nodes.

Myoma and reproductive technologies

Often, reproductive specialists refuse to stimulate ovulation in patients with large fibroids, so as not to cause the growth of education. However, in some cases, with small fibroids, IVF cycles are possible.

If, according to indications, removal of the uterus is required for a woman of reproductive age, we never remove the ovaries. After the operation, patients turn to reproductive specialists and do a puncture of the ovaries to obtain eggs, which, after fertilization, are transferred into the uterine cavity of the surrogate mother.

After laparoscopic myomectomy with penetration into the uterine cavity, we recommend not to become pregnant for a year. If the uterine cavity is not opened during myomectomy, pregnancy can be planned in six months.The resectoscopy technique shortens the period to 3-4 months.

Relapses

Fibroids that are visualized during ultrasound may not be the only ones. There are also small white nodules that cannot be seen on ultrasound and that do not cause symptoms. They may start to grow after a myomectomy. Within a year after myomectomy, the probability of fibroid recurrence reaches 50%.

Once every 2-3 months we invite women for a control examination and ultrasound. One gynecologist observes the patient throughout the treatment in order to see the dynamics and note the slightest changes, for the timely start of treatment.

GKB №31 – Questions about myoma

Our conversation is devoted to one of the most frequent problems faced by women 35-50 years old. This is a uterine fibroid. Sergey Vyacheslavovich, what are the reasons for its occurrence and can it be avoided?

The causes of uterine fibroids are not fully understood, but there is no doubt that the growth of this benign tumor is stimulated by the female hormones estrogens. You have correctly noted that this disease, as a rule, affects women after 35 years, when age-related restructuring of the body begins, but there are cases of the disease at a younger age.With the onset of menopause, fibroids usually decrease against the background of a decrease in estrogen. Undoubtedly, there is a genetic predisposition to this disease.

Are there any effective conservative treatments for this disease?

Unfortunately, today there are no effective conservative methods for the complete cure of uterine fibroids. As a rule, hormone therapy is used. However, despite 40 years of experience with its use, there is no absolute evidence of its effectiveness.There is evidence of the successful use of hormone-producing uterine systems in women with small fibroids. They can reduce the amount of blood loss and slow down the growth of fibroids somewhat. As an auxiliary treatment, a specially selected cyclic vitamin therapy is prescribed, as well as general healing methods that normalize the course of biochemical processes in a woman’s body. It is very important that a woman understands well the essence of her illness in order to overcome the stress that has arisen.

Women often seek solutions to their problems using various kinds of nutritional supplements, herbal medicine and other non-traditional methods of treatment …

We are still experiencing a supplement boom.I think time will put everything in its place. All over the world they are drunk by practically healthy people to prevent the aging process of the body and they should be used for a long time. It is impossible to cure serious diseases with their help.

As for herbal medicine, I would like to somewhat dispel the myth of its complete safety. If a woman suffers from uterine fibroids, improperly selected components of herbs and their ratio in fees can lead to the growth of fibroids. As you know, in the composition of most herbs.includes phytoestrogens, analogs of female hormones. In addition, the chemical composition of herbs grown in a particular area varies greatly, so it is almost impossible to find the exact dosage required for each particular woman.

At the same time, it is a woman’s right to try different, including non-traditional, methods of treatment. An objective confirmation of their effectiveness should be ultrasound control carried out regularly on the same days of the menstrual cycle.

Usually women are afraid of the very word tumor and often they themselves demand more radical methods from the doctor, that is, surgical intervention?

At one time it was believed that with uterine fibroids, the likelihood of cancer increases sharply, and the uterus was very often removed, as it were, prophylactically.And if a woman was misdirected, then it is quite possible that, being in a state of chronic stress, she may insist on surgical treatment, considering it the solution to all problems. However, it has now been proven that there is no clear relationship between these diseases. In addition, today gynecology offers a woman modern examination methods that make it possible to diagnose oncopathology in time. For example, such as hysteroscopy, when a doctor examines the uterine cavity using a hysteroscope (optical device), doppler ultrasound (when the doctor can examine the blood flow of an organ), as well as the use of special laboratory tests (tumor markers).

I had to listen to the opinion of gynecologists that at a certain age, when a woman already has children, such an operation as removing the uterus will not significantly affect a woman’s health. How harmless is the removal of the uterus from a woman?

Let’s start all the same with the fact that this is a complex surgical intervention, which means there is always a risk of various kinds of complications, especially when a woman is already of age. After removing the uterus, a woman may also face a number of new problems.These are pelvic pain, loss of sex drive, premature menopause (even if the ovaries are not removed).

What can we say about those cases when gynecologists “for prophylaxis” remove the ovaries along with the uterus. Only in the body there is nothing superfluous. And the ovary is the organ that shapes the health of a woman. Estrogens – female hormones ensure the strength of blood vessels and bones, beauty and youthfulness of the skin. Therefore, the gynecologist must think not only about the prevention of cancer, but also about how this woman can continue to live with new, sometimes more formidable problems that may arise after such a radical intervention.I must say that often the post-castration syndrome is worse than the “cured” disease.

When is surgical intervention unavoidable?

Unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary. The main indications are the rapid growth of fibroids; pain syndrome; large fibroids, disrupting the activity of other organs; not amenable to conservative therapy, debilitating bleeding. If, nevertheless, surgical intervention cannot be avoided, then, if possible, the volume of the operation should be minimal (sometimes it is possible to remove only the myomatous node, and not the entire uterus), and performed using laparoscopy, that is, without dissecting the anterior abdominal wall.Of course, not every tumor can be operated laparoscopically, but there is a way out too. There are medications that allow you to first reduce the size of the tumor, and then perform the necessary surgery.

In conclusion, I would like to advise all women with uterine fibroids to be under the supervision of an experienced doctor, at least once every six months to undergo ultrasound control on the same days of the menstrual cycle. It is critical to be critical of those advertisements that guarantee a 100% cure for this disease.

90,000 Myoma and endometriosis – treatment and symptoms

Fibroids and endometriosis are gynecological problems that share a common nature. The reason that causes them is a violation of hormonal metabolism. As a result, cells begin to divide pathologically intensively.

Uterine myoma is a benign neoplasm, which is a node located in the uterine wall. Statistical studies show that this disease is diagnosed in about 24% of women.Most of all, ladies aged 40 and over are susceptible to it. However, recent trends indicate that the disease is rejuvenated. And now it is often possible to find nodular neoplasms in women after 30 years. The overflow of a tumor into oncology is a very rare phenomenon (less than 1% of cases), but its presence contributes to the development of infertility or not carrying a pregnancy. Climax can change everything. With its arrival, cell division may stop. The fibroid will stop growing.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the appearance of new cells in the uterus or even outside of it. These cells in their structure resemble the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). It affects women who can bear children. Endometriosis can exist along with fibroids, and maybe with inflammatory processes affecting the reproductive system. It also leads to infertility.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease. Its treatment requires an individual approach and long-term management of the patient in order to prevent exacerbations and avoid the need for repeated surgical treatment.Our life is in a sense similar to running a marathon, and during the reproductive period women have certain advantages over men. Due to the protective effect of estrogens, cardiovascular diseases in the weaker sex develop on average 10 years later. However, during the menopausal transition, the protective effect of hormones weakens, and in postmenopause it stops altogether.

Is it possible to give the female body a second wind? This is what anti-age therapy does.At the same time, it is important that it is gynecologists who are at the origins of not only the birth of a new life, but also the preservation of women’s health in all (age) periods. Of course, saving our patients from myocardial infarctions and strokes is the task of cardiologists and therapists, but the powerful evidence base for hormonal protection against vascular catastrophes really expands the competence of a gynecologist to the category of a “life-saving” specialist. Today, it is our appointments that can realistically and conclusively reduce mortality from the main “killers of humanity” – heart attacks and strokes.Moreover, neither the cardiologist nor the therapist have the practical and organizational capabilities to prescribe to women drugs based on female sex steroids. Only obstetricians-gynecologists have a license for this type of medical appointment.

Women are much more likely than men to suffer from osteoporosis, and in most cases, osteoporosis in women is associated with estrogen deficiency. These forms include postmenopausal osteoporosis, as well as osteoporosis in gynecological diseases accompanied by hypoestrogenism or hyperprolactinemia, as well as in surgical menopause.The tasks of prevention, diagnosis and treatment fall on the shoulders of gynecologists. Menopausal hormone therapy is the foundation for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Every woman dreams of being happy, meeting a loved one, getting married, etc. of course, to give birth to a child so that the family is complete. This largely depends on the state of her reproductive system.

Treatment of menstrual irregularities is mandatory, as it can lead to infertility, not carrying a pregnancy.Drug therapy is carried out individually, depending on the age of the patient and the cause of the NMC.

The syndrome of hyperandrogenism takes many forms. They differ in the mechanisms of origin and further flow. The most common form of hyperandrogenism in women is ovarian hyperandrogenism. It carries with it a high probability of metabolic disorders (hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance), disruptions of fat metabolism (manifested by dyslipidemia). This together can stimulate atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, infertility, and not carrying a pregnancy.

Timely detection of the presence of the disease, the establishment of a specific belonging to one form or another of the hyperandrogenic state allows a correct diagnosis to be made at an early stage. And he, in turn, determines the tactics of treatment and the subsequent monitoring of the condition of female patients. For treatment, conservative therapy or surgical correction is used.

Pregnancy must be planned and prepared for its onset to begin at least three months in advance.Its first trimester is very important for the formation of the main organs and body functions of the future baby. This is the time at which the fetus must be protected from all kinds of negative influences of any nature. It is best for a mother to be sure that she is healthy during these crucial days and months. Then she will only have to enjoy the process of the birth of a new life taking place inside her.

Every year the number of women using the system of hormonal contraception methods is increasing, because this is the way to plan a family effectively and efficiently.It is known that hormonal contraception has a positive effect on the health of a woman in general, and in particular helps in the presence of fibrocystic mastopathy, menstrual disorders, endometrial hyperplastic processes, premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). The correct selection of hormonal contraception is carried out only by a gynecologist.

Genital infection often and, most importantly, relatively quickly makes women appear at a gynecologist’s appointment.Unfortunately, it can lead to maternal and fetal mortality. Inflammatory diseases in gynecology are characterized by polymicrobial etiology. Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, which are contained in the normal microflora of the vagina, predominate in this process. However, directly sexually transmitted pathogens are also common. That is why timely treatment of microbes is very important in order to stop the inflammatory process. Timely treatment of infections such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis, human papillomavirus helps to maintain a woman’s health and the ability to have healthy children.

HPV infection is the cause of about 90% of cervical cancers, about 70% of the vulva, and about 75% of the vagina. Risk factors for developing cervical cancer include the presence of high oncogenic risk in women in the HPV analysis, cervical disease (“erosion”, “leukoplakia”, etc.), immunodeficiency states. The introduction of the PAP test in the 1940s provided a sparing tactic for cervical masses. It is important to remember that such formations are often benign. These include exophytic and flat candidiasis, true erosion, endometriosis, cervicovaginitis, polyps, leukoplakia, congenital transformation zone, atrophic processes.Benign cervical lesions often require an individual approach to treatment.

90,000 Uterine fibroids symptoms

Uterine myoma

Uterine myoma is a benign hormone-dependent tumor of the muscular layer of the uterus.

The difference between fibroids and uterine fibroids is as follows: uterine fibroids, this is when connective tissue fibers predominate in the structure. Myoma of the uterus, when muscle cells predominate in the structure.

Uterine fibroids causes

The formation of the myomatous node is as follows.It can be assumed that during the menstrual cycle there is an accumulation of defective smooth muscle cells, in which the ability to self-destruct is impaired. These cells are affected by various damaging factors. Damaging factors can be: lack of nutrition due to spasm of the arteries during menstruation, inflammation, traumatic effects during curettage of the uterus.

With each menstrual cycle, the number of damaged cells becomes more and more.Some of the cells are sooner or later removed from the muscular wall of the uterus, from others the rudiments of myomatous nodes capable of growth begin to form.

Predisposing factors for the occurrence of uterine fibroids

1. Heredity (if the mother has uterine fibroids, then the daughter from the age of 20 needs to carry out an ultrasound of the pelvic organs 1p / year.)

2. Absence of childbirth and lactation by the age of 30.

3. Abortion.

4. Inadequate contraception (using only a condom).

5. Acute and chronic diseases, inflammatory diseases of the ovaries, uterus.

6. Chronic tonsillitis.

7. Frequent curettage of the uterine cavity.

8. Prolonged stress.

Types of uterine fibroids

Myoma of the uterus is divided into types according to the location of the node:

1. Myoma of the uterus is located in the body of the uterus (corporal).

2. Myoma of the uterus in the isthmus of the uterus (isthmus).

3. Uterine myoma in the cervix (cervical).

Uterine fibroids are also divided into types by height:

1. Subserous uterine myoma – the node is located under the superficial layer of the uterus and grows towards the abdominal cavity.

2. Submucous uterine myoma is located under the inner mucous layer of the uterus and grows into the uterine cavity.

3. Intraligamentary (interconnective) uterine myoma – the fibroid node is located between the wide ligaments of the uterus.

4. Interstitial uterine myoma – located in the middle of the muscular layer of the uterus.

Uterine fibroids symptoms

Symptoms of uterine fibroids

Symptoms and signs of uterine fibroids depend on the location, size, growth rate of the myoma node. The first symptoms of uterine fibroids in most women develop at the age of 35-40, which is associated with a decrease in the production of sex hormones by the ovaries.

Main symptoms of uterine fibroids:

1) An increase in the duration of menstruation, more profuse menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).

2) The appearance of uterine bleeding in the middle of the cycle (metrorrhagia).

3) Pain in the lower abdomen that can radiate to the lower back or legs. Abdominal pain with uterine fibroids, as a rule, aching, weak, but severe acute pain may appear when the legs of the node are twisted, the nerve plexuses are compressed by them.Sometimes pain appears during intercourse (more often with a combination of uterine fibroids with adenomyosis).

4) Frequent urination – appears if the uterine fibroid grows towards the bladder and compresses it.

5) From other organs: pain in the region of the heart, hot flashes, weakness, irritability.

6) Anemia due to prolonged, profuse uterine bleeding. Anemia in women suffering from uterine fibroids can manifest itself with constant headaches, dizziness, weakness, pallor of the skin.

Uterine fibroids and pregnancy

With myomatous nodes of small size, which are located in the thickness of the uterine wall (on average up to 3-4 cm) and do not deform the uterine cavity, or are located outside, i.e. have subserous localization, pregnancy may occur under other satisfactory conditions. With nodes of such localization, pregnancy can be planned. In the future, problems associated with bearing are possible, however, their frequency is low.

In the presence of a node on a thin leg, during pregnancy there is a high risk of torsion, which leads to the need for surgical intervention and possible termination of pregnancy. During preparation for pregnancy, such nodes must be removed.

If the uterine myoma is located in the area of ​​the fallopian tubes or in the area of ​​the cervix, there is an obstacle in the path of the sperm and pregnancy is impossible. Fibroids during pregnancy can also pose some difficulties.Submucous (submucous) uterine myoma, which grows into the lumen of the uterus, makes it difficult for the embryo to grow and often causes miscarriage. The myomatous node in the cervical region makes it difficult to deliver through the natural birth canal, as it creates an obstacle to the passage of the fetus. In addition, the special hormonal background of a woman, during pregnancy, often contributes to the growth of the myomatous node, in this regard, a pregnant woman should constantly be under the supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Methods for the diagnosis of uterine fibroids

1) During a gynecological examination on a chair, the gynecologist discovers an enlarged uterus, in some cases, a separate fibroid node.

2) Ultrasound of the uterus on the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle. During the study, an increase in the size of the uterus, as well as the uterine fibroid node, is found even in the early stages of the development of the disease, when the size of the fibroid does not exceed 1 cm in diameter. It is the main method for diagnosing uterine fibroids.

3) Hysteroscopy is a study that allows the doctor to see the uterine cavity, take a biopsy of the endometrium. The method is very valuable for submucous localization of the myomatous node.

4) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

5) Hysterography – the introduction of a contrast agent into the uterine cavity, followed by an x-ray of the uterus.The method is used in case of difficulties in the diagnosis of uterine fibroids.

The clinic is receiving an appointment under the policy of voluntary medical insurance (VHI). View a list of insurance companies.

Clinical Hospital | Uterine fibroids of various localization

Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women. Leiomyoma grows in size during pregnancy and regresses after menopause.

Clinical manifestations of leiomyoma

Although most leiomyomas are diagnosed in women without symptoms as a result of routine examination of the pelvic organs, sometimes severe symptoms are observed, consisting of pelvic pain or discomfort, soreness during intercourse, heavy menstruation, often with clots, intermenstrual bleeding, dysfunction of the direct bowel or bladder (constipation, increased urination), miscarriage, infertility, or “habitual” abortion.

Typical symptoms of uterine fibroids are:

  • heavy menstruation and intermenstrual bleeding
  • Pelvic pain mainly manifests itself as a vague sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen, caused by the large size of the fibroids and compression of nearby organs
  • fibroids located in the uterine cavity can cause cramping pain associated with contractions of the muscle layer of the uterus, as if trying to push the fibroid
  • Acute pain may occur when the blood supply to fibroids is disturbed
  • Often in patients with large leiomyomas, dense, irregularly shaped, mobile, nodular, painless tumors located in the midline can be detected by palpation of the abdomen

If at least one symptom appears, a visit to a gynecologist, the necessary clinical and laboratory examinations and ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, and, if necessary, the abdominal cavity are indicated!

Speaking about the symptoms of uterine fibroids, it is imperative to pay attention to the presence of dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, which are caused by the presence of overt or latent anemia, i.e.That is, a decrease in the content of hemoglobin. It is with this factor that the appearance of chronic fatigue syndrome, fatigue, decreased mood and performance is associated. Increased blood loss in patients with uterine myoma, acquiring a chronic character, rather quickly leads to disturbances in various body systems, in particular the coagulation and hematopoietic systems, and contributes to the development of a state of chronic lack of oxygen in the tissues of the body (hypoxia).

Research in leiomyoma

Examination of the pelvic organs – the simplest way to confirm the diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma.Nodular, dense, painless tumors located in the midline of the abdomen are most often the uterus affected by myoma.
Examination with speculum may reveal fibroids that are born through the cervical canal. Such cases are usually accompanied by massive bleeding.

Diagnosis of leiomyoma

The diagnosis of uterine fibroids is usually made on the basis of the results of an objective examination of the abdomen and pelvic organs. Additional diagnostic studies may be needed only in order to exclude other causes of the appearance of tumor-like formations located in the midline of the abdomen.

Hysteroscopy may be helpful in diagnosing fibroids, especially in determining the cause of uterine bleeding or infertility. Ultrasound echography is used to clarify the number and location of myomatous nodes, and to assess the condition of the uterine appendages. Repeated ultrasound examinations are often required at intervals of several weeks.

Treatment of leiomyoma

The management of patients suffering from asymptomatic fibroids requires, first of all, monitoring them, this is especially true for women during the premenopausal period, since fibroids usually regress after menopause.Young women should be reexamined at 6-month intervals. It is necessary to pay attention to the state of the menstrual cycle. If there is a lengthening or shortening of the cycle, you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment. Patients with rapid growth of fibroids, with uterine fibroids exceeding the size corresponding to 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, are usually subject to surgical treatment, because in such cases it is difficult to accurately assess the condition of the uterine appendages, and as the tumor grows, the conditions for surgical treatment become more complicated.

If a patient has uterine bleeding, , then first of all, their cause should be established. It is necessary to exclude cancer of the body and cervix by examination, biopsy or diagnostic curettage of the mucous membrane.

Patients, insisting on the preservation of the uterus , in the presence of uterine bleeding can be treated by cyclic administration of progestins. It is unlikely that such treatment will stop bleeding in submucosal or large fibroids, but it may be effective in anovulatory bleeding.Anemia due to bleeding is treated with a special diet and iron supplements. If these initial measures do not give positive results, then either surgical removal of myomatous nodes or removal of the affected organ – the uterus (hysterectomy) is indicated, despite the patient’s desire to preserve the ability to bear children.

For patients suffering from infertility or repeated spontaneous abortions , the best treatment would be myomectomy (removal of mimatous nodes), which can be performed laparoscopic access or using hysteroresectoscopy.Establishing the cause of infertility should be done only after correcting all other pathological disorders. After myomectomy, the pregnancy rate is 30-50%.

Surgical treatment is carried out for uterine fibroids, if the size of the tumor exceeds the size of the uterus during a 12-week pregnancy; if you suspect the presence of tumors emanating from the uterine appendages; with uterine bleeding that does not respond to treatment; with severe pelvic pain or rapidly growing uterine fibroids.Myomectomy can be offered to patients suffering from infertility, as well as those who insist on preserving the uterus. Hysterectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with uterine fibroids who do not seek fertility preservation. The decision to remove the ovaries depends on the patient’s age, condition and wishes.

90,000 operations, removal price – MedicaMente

Uterine fibroids: two methods of surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of uterine fibroids

Surgical treatment of uterine fibroids can be both organ-preserving – myomectomy (in this method, only fibroid nodes are removed, and the uterus remains), and radical – hysterectomy (in this method, the body of the uterus with the cervix is ​​removed – extirpation of the uterus, or without it – supravaginal amputation of the uterus).

There are several ways to carry out the operation in our clinic:

  • laparotomic (traditional with incision),
  • laparoscopic (through 3 punctures of 5 mm),
  • hysteroresectoscopic (through the vagina with a resectoscope, under the control of a video camera),
  • vaginal.

The choice of the volume and access of the surgical intervention depends on the size and location of the myomatous node, the patient’s age, her desire to preserve fertility and menstrual functions.The surgeons-gynecologists of the MedicaMente clinic are fluent in all the techniques of such operations, which allows you to individually select a specific method of treatment for you.

Many gynecological operations at the MedicaMente Surgery Center are performed without incisions or punctures at all on the anterior abdominal wall. The entire operation is performed “from below” (through the vagina) and, as a result, is the least traumatic with the shortest postoperative period (2-4 days are enough for recovery).

Vaginal surgery requires a highly qualified approach, specialized equipment and instruments of imported production, unique skills of a surgeon-gynecologist in vaginal surgery. MedicaMente is one of the few medical centers in Moscow specializing in performing gynecological operations through the vagina. In our medical center, these operations are performed by the gynecologist Mikhail Yuryevich Nikolaev, professor, MD. Shalaev Oleg Nikolaevich.


Myomectomy: removal of myomatous nodes

Myomectomy – surgical removal of only myomatous nodes.Often performed for young women who need to preserve their reproductive function. The degree of damage and the duration of the recovery period depend on the method of surgery and the type of tumor neoplasm.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is currently considered the most optimal way to remove myomatous submucous nodes (growing into the uterine cavity). Laparoscopy is an effective way of myomectomy for small, located on the outer muscle layer of the uterus (outside the uterus), and nodes on the uterine pedicle.In some cases, the method of choice may be laparotomy – elimination of fibroids using traditional abdominal surgery.

… how laparoscopy is performed in Medicament

Myomectomy is performed in a hospital on the 3rd floor of the MedicaMente clinic in Korolev, Moscow region … more about the hospital. The treatment is carried out under general anesthesia. With hysteroresectoscopy, the patient remains under observation for the first three hours after the operation and is discharged on the same day. The length of stay in the clinic after laparoscopic myomectomy is 1-3 days.Laparotomy requires a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery period, but in some cases open surgery is the only treatment option.


Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus

If it is not possible to remove only myomatous nodes, then an operation can be performed to remove the entire uterus. Distinguish:

  • amputation of the uterus (the lower part of the uterus is left – the cervix) with or without appendages
  • Extirpation of the uterus with or without appendages of the uterus.

Technique of performing the operation – laparoscopic, open method, through the vagina. The duration of the operation is from 1 hour to 1.5-2 hours under general anesthesia. Inpatient treatment for 2-5 days. The recovery period is up to 1 month.

… more about hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is a radical treatment for many diseases of the uterus. However, there are other methods of treatment that have proven themselves with success. These include uterine artery embolization (UAE).

Embolization of uterine arteries (UAE) with uterine myoma

Removal of myomatous nodes in some cases does not give the desired result, relapses occur. Typically, the UAE procedure is offered to women who want to avoid surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy).

Embolization of the uterine arteries is one of the modern methods of treatment of uterine fibroids, the principle of which is to artificially block the vessels that supply the myoma tumors.Embolization is performed in a specially equipped operating room of the MedicaMente clinic in Korolev, equipped with an angiographic apparatus, the latest medical equipment and instruments. The procedure is performed not by gynecologists, but by the endovascular surgeon of the medical center – a highly qualified specialist in the field of vascular surgery. The duration of the procedure is on average 20-40 minutes. After the end of the procedure, the patient returns to the ward, where she remains under the supervision of the attending physician and resuscitator. Hospital stay for 2 days.

The UAE procedure allows you to achieve a significant reduction in fibroids, especially in the first six months. On average, the fibroid shrinks to half of its original volume. For most women, there is a disappearance of squeezing symptoms and menstrual irregularities. After undergoing the embolization procedure, the woman, as a rule, is not prescribed any additional treatment. The main and indisputable advantages achieved as a result of uterine embolization are minimally invasiveness, preservation of the uterus, no scars on the body, and a short hospital stay.

… preparation for the procedure and stages of the EMA

What we have to offer:

Experience of surgeons in Moscow

Gynecologists, surgeons, an endovascular surgeon with extensive experience in leading medical centers and hospitals in Moscow have been invited to work at the clinic on a permanent basis. Highly qualified doctors ensure the successful treatment of uterine fibroids, minimizing the volume of surgical intervention and possible relapses and postoperative complications… doctors of the Center

Modern techniques

When treating uterine fibroids, doctors of the Center, if possible, give preference to organ-preserving methods such as embolization of the uterine arteries and conservative myomectomy, which not only preserve menstrual and reproductive function, but also reduce hospital stay to several days, allowing them to return to the usual lifestyle.

At a convenient time for you

Have you made a decision to have surgery in our clinic? You can discuss all the important aspects of the operation in consultation with the surgeon at a convenient time for you.Fill out the application on the website. The surgeon will contact you personally.

Reception of nonresident patients

We have everything you need for the examination and treatment of patients from other cities. The operation is performed on the day the patient arrives at the clinic (if the necessary tests are available). Comfortable wards are located on the 3rd floor of the clinic for rest and recovery after surgery … see photo

Preoperative examination

(what tests to take before the operation of uterine fibroids)

Preoperative examination before surgical treatment of uterine fibroids includes:

  • Collection of anamnestic data.The doctor collects, in detail, information about allergies and any associated diseases, especially diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or asthma. Before the operation, it is important for the doctor to know what medications you are taking. If you are taking medications: aspirin; warfarin; insulin; hypoglycemic drugs or their analogues, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
  • General blood and urine tests.
  • Biochemical blood test.
  • Blood group and Rh affiliation.
  • Electrocardiogram.
  • Chest X-ray.
  • Antibodies to HIV, hepatitis B and C.
  • Swab or culture for flora and antibiotic susceptibility.
  • Papanicolaou test, histological examination of the endometrium.
  • In addition, ultrasound, biopsy, computed tomography, MRI, cystoscopy, tumor markers, etc. can be prescribed.

price, cost, operation, treatment, removal

Surgery to remove uterine fibroids

There are two basic types of surgery – conservative and radical surgery.Of course, the decision is almost always made in favor of a conservative surgical method, because during such an operation the uterus remains intact, only the myomatous node is removed. This is the so-called organ-saving operation, which allows a woman to conceive, bear and give birth to a healthy child in the future.

During a radical operation, the uterus is removed together with the myoma, but, unfortunately, in some cases it is necessary to carry out this type of operation.

In the Soyuz clinic, preference is always given to organ-saving methods – this is possible due to high-quality technical equipment and high professionalism of doctors.

The main surgical intervention, a kind of “gold standard” for the treatment of uterine fibroids – myomectomy.

This highly effective method is atraumatic and allows the most accurate removal of the myomatous node (s). After such an operation, a very quick recovery occurs – the patient is discharged from the hospital on the 4th day. After that, there is a quick adaptation, recovery and return to the previous active life.

A special type of surgery is performed at the Soyuz clinic – bloodless.

During surgery, when removing fibroids, the blood flow in the uterine vessels is blocked in a special way (with special soft devices). Thanks to such manipulations, the operating field remains “dry”, bloodless and the surgeon clearly sees the contours of the myomatous node, the boundaries of healthy tissue, all layers of the uterine wall.