1. What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop from the muscle layer of the uterus.  In most women, the fibroids remain small or do not cause any problem. However, in some women, the fibroids can cause problems because of their size, number & location.

2. Where do uterine fibroids grow?

Uterine fibroids can in various parts of the uterus. Depending on where they grow, fibroids are of three types:

 • Intramural fibroids: grow in the muscular wall of the uterus.

 • Sub mucosal fibroids: located on the outer wall of the uterus.

 • Sub mucosal fibroids: located on the inner surface of the uterus.

3. What are typical symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms, but some woman with fibroids can have the following symptoms:

 • Excessive bleeding

 •Longer or more frequent menstrual periods

 • Pain during the menstrual cycle

 • Vaginal bleeding at times other than menstruation

 • Feeling of fullness in the abdomen (Bloating)

 • Frequent urination

 • Pain during sexual intercourse

 • Low back pain

 •Difficult bowel movements

 •Inability to get pregnant (Infertility)

4. What are the cause & risk factors of uterine fibroids?

The exact reason why uterine fibroids develop is unknown. However these factors may play a role:

 • Hormones: Oestrogen & progesterone, the two female hormones, may promote the growth of fibroids.

 • Genetic: If a woman’s mother or sister had fibroids her risk of having them increases.

 • Being overweight or obese

 • Eating & drinking habit: Eating a lot red meat (e., beef), drinking alcohol.

5. How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Sometimes, women are unaware that they have fibroids are first diagnosed during a clinical examination by a Gynecologist. Some tests used to confirm the presence of fibroids are ultrasonography, hystersalpingography, laparoscopy & hysteroscopy. These help in viewing the uterus & surrounding organs. AKRUTI with its hospital unit Matrutva Endoscopy Centre, Dombivali is equipped most advanced quipments to conduct above tests & more.

6. Does having uterine fibroids lead to infertility?

Most women who have fibroids are able to get pregnant. In some cases, fibroids can prevent a woman from getting pregnant through natural methods. However, AKRUTI uses most advance Fertility Enhancing surgery treatments for fibroids & infertility which greatly improved the chances for a woman to get pregnant.

7. Can fibroids during pregnancy cause harm?

Some women who have fibroids may have problems during pregnancy & delivery such as the following:

 • Miscarriage

 • Requirement of caesarean section

 • Abnormal position of the baby

 • Detachment of placenta (organ that connects the baby to the mother) before delivery

 • Early birth of the baby

5. How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Sometimes, women are unaware that they have fibroids are first diagnosed during a clinical examination by a Gynecologist. Some tests used to confirm the presence of fibroids are ultrasonography, hystersalpingography, laparoscopy & hysteroscopy. These help in viewing the uterus & surrounding organs. AKRUTI with its hospital unit Matrutva Endoscopy Centre, Dombivali is equipped most advanced quipments to conduct above tests & more.

6. Does having uterine fibroids lead to infertility?

Most women who have fibroids are able to get pregnant. In some cases, fibroids can prevent a woman from getting pregnant through natural methods. However, AKRUTI uses most advance Fertility Enhancing surgery treatments for fibroids & infertility which greatly improved the chances for a woman to get pregnant.

7. Can fibroids during pregnancy cause harm?

Some women who have fibroids may have problems during pregnancy & delivery such as the following:

 • Miscarriage

 • Requirement of caesarean section

 • Abnormal position of the baby

 • Detachment of placenta (organ that connects the baby to the mother) before delivery

 • Early birth of the baby

8. How are uterine fibroids treated?

The treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the size, number & location of the fibroids & the severity of the symptoms. At AKRUTI doctors suggest yearly visits to check up on them. If symptoms develop, the following treatment options are available:

 • Medical Therapy: This includes drugs that will shrink the fibroids or control symptoms, e.g., birth control pills, GnRH analogues; etc. These are used temporarily while waiting surgery or menopause.

 • Surgical Therapy: This includes partial or total removal of the fibroids from the wall of the uterus: or blocking the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroids (to shrink the size of the fibroids); or removal of the entire uterus (for older women or those who do not wish to have any more children). AKRUTI has done numerous such surgeries in our state of the ART centre.

9. How does one decide which treatment is the best?

Treatment of uterine fibroids depends on many factors such as the age of the patient, number & size of the fibroids, symptoms associated with the fibroids, etc. The patient should have a detailed discussion with doctors at AKRUTI about the available options & their benefit & risks, & then decide as to which treatment is most suitable. For more information, kindly consult Expert doctors at AKRUTI Fertility Centre.