Fibroids are benign tumours arising from the uterine muscle. The video covers their symptoms, possible effects on pregnancy and the role of medication.
In the video, Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz explains what fibroids are and how they can behave. Fibroids are the most common benign, that is non-cancerous, tumours in women; they arise from the muscle layer of the uterus and are seen mostly during the reproductive years. Sometimes they cause no symptoms and are found by chance on an ultrasound; sometimes they cause symptoms that need treatment.
The most common symptom is heavier and longer periods, which can lead to anaemia and fatigue. Painful periods, a palpable mass with very large fibroids, abdominal and pelvic pain, and pain or bleeding during intercourse can also occur. A fibroid pressing on the bladder can cause frequent urination and sometimes leakage of urine; one pressing on the bowel can cause constipation. Fibroids blocking the cervix or the tubes can cause infertility, and those that distort the lining of the uterine cavity can lead to pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preterm birth.
The video states that there is no medication that permanently treats fibroids. For very large fibroids, temporary shrinking medication may be given in preparation for surgery, and temporary treatments may be used for problems with the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding. The final part turns to whether every woman with fibroids needs surgery: fibroids can be single or multiple, millimetres or tens of centimetres in size, and some can be monitored.
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The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
