What Is Intramural Fibroid And How Do You Treat Them?
Are you experiencing unexplained pelvic pain or unusual menstrual bleeding?
You might be dealing with intramural fibroids. We will delve into what is intramural fibroids, their symptoms, causes, and impact on pregnancy.
What is intramural fibroid?
Intramural fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Unlike subserosal fibroids that grow on the outside or submucosal fibroids that develop in the inner lining of the uterus, intramural fibroids form within the uterine wall itself. These fibroids can vary in size and number, causing various symptoms and complications for affected individuals.
Due to the location, intramural uterine fibroid can sometimes go unnoticed until they grow larger or cause noticeable symptoms. While many women may have intramural fibroids without experiencing symptoms, others may find these growths significantly impacting their quality of life.
Symptoms of Intramural Fibroids
Intramural fibroids can lead to various symptoms some of the common signs are:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Backache or leg pains
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Bloating in the lower abdomen
Causes of Intramural Fibroids
Intramural fibroids can be caused due to various factors.
One of the main causes is believed to be hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can stimulate the growth of fibroid tumors in the uterine muscle.
Genetics also play a role in developing intramural uterine fibroid, as they run in families. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as obesity and poor diet can contribute to their formation.
Other potential causes include:
- Age (more common during reproductive years)
- Race (more prevalent in African American women)
- Certain medical conditions like endometriosis
Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for effective diagnosis and suitable intramural fibroid treatment.
Diagnosis of Intramural Fibroids
Healthcare providers use several methods to diagnose intramural fibroids. One common way is through a pelvic exam, where the doctor can feel if there are any abnormalities in the uterus. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs may also be recommended to get a clearer picture of the fibroids.
Sometimes, a hysteroscopy or a biopsy is conducted to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other potential issues. These procedures help to directly visualize the uterus and take tissue samples for further analysis.
Intramural fibroid and pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for many women, but it can become complicated when intramural fibroids are present in the uterus. These non-cancerous growths within the muscle wall of the uterus can sometimes interfere with conception or cause issues during pregnancy.
Intramural fibroids have been known to raise the risk of complications like preterm birth, miscarriage or even infertility. The size and location of the fibroid play a significant role in determining how it may impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a baby to full term.
Intramural fibroids can grow larger during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased uterine blood flow. This growth can lead to discomfort, pain, or complications like placental abruption or fetal malpresentation.
Intramural fibroid treatment – know your options
Several options are available for treating intramural fibroids, depending on the symptoms or the size of the fibroids.
A common intramural fibroid treatment option is medication, which can help manage pain and reduce heavy bleeding. Hormonal therapy may also be prescribed to help shrink the fibroids.
For more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization may be recommended to target and eliminate the fibroids.
Another option is myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus for women who wish to conceive in the future.
In some instances where symptoms are severe, or fertility is not a concern, a hysterectomy may be considered as a last resort treatment option.
Consult Dr. Sandeep Burathoki today for expert care
If you suspect you have intramural fibroids or are experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical care promptly. Consulting a specialist like Dr. Sandeep Burathoki can provide expert care and guidance on the best treatment options.
Early detection and intervention are paramount in treating intramural fibroids effectively.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and take control of your health today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sandeep Burathoki.
FAQs on What Are Intramural Fibroids?
Intramural fibroids are typically benign and may not always lead to symptoms. However, they can sometimes cause issues such as heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, lower back pain, and discomfort during intercourse. In certain cases, intramural fibroids may also contribute to reproductive difficulties.
Yes, it is possible to conceive with an intramural fibroid. Many women with intramural fibroids can become pregnant and have healthy pregnancies. However, depending on the size and location of the fibroid, it may sometimes affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. In some cases, large or strategically located fibroids can interfere with implantation, increase the risk of miscarriage, or lead to complications during pregnancy. If you’re trying to conceive and have an intramural fibroid, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to assess any potential risks and discuss your options.
Yes, intramural fibroids can cause abnormal bleeding. While not all intramural fibroids lead to symptoms, when they do, heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is one of the most common issues. Women with intramural fibroids may also experience spotting between periods or prolonged menstrual periods. The fibroid’s size and location within the uterine wall can influence the severity of the bleeding. If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and appropriate management.
It is not always necessary to remove intramural fibroids. The decision to remove them depends on various factors, including the size and location of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, and whether they are affecting your quality of life, fertility, or pregnancy outcomes.
In many cases, intramural fibroids that are small and asymptomatic may not require treatment and can be monitored through regular check-ups. However, if they cause significant symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or reproductive challenges, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment options. These can range from medication to manage symptoms, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery (such as myomectomy) to remove the fibroids.
The decision to remove intramural fibroids should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, who can help assess the risks and benefits based on your individual circumstances.
Yes, intramural fibroids can shrink, but this typically depends on various factors such as hormonal changes, age, and specific treatments.
- Hormonal Changes: Fibroids often shrink naturally after menopause when hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, decrease. Since fibroids are hormone-sensitive, they tend to reduce in size when hormone levels drop.
- Medications: Certain medications can help shrink fibroids by altering hormone levels. For example, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can temporarily shrink fibroids by inducing a state similar to menopause. However, fibroids may grow back once the medication is stopped.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: Procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can also shrink fibroids by cutting off their blood supply, leading to a reduction in size over time.
While fibroids can shrink, the rate and extent of shrinkage can vary. If fibroids are causing significant symptoms, your healthcare provider may discuss various treatment options with you.
The growth rate of intramural fibroids can vary widely from person to person. Some fibroids may remain stable in size for years, while others can grow more quickly. Factors influencing growth include:
- Hormone Levels: Fibroids are sensitive to hormonal changes, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Increases in these hormones can stimulate fibroid growth, which often occurs during reproductive years.
- Age: Fibroids may grow more rapidly in women in their 30s and 40s, especially if they are experiencing hormonal fluctuations.
- Pregnancy: Fibroids can sometimes grow during pregnancy due to increased levels of hormones, although this is not always the case.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic predispositions can also play a role in the growth rate of fibroids.
On average, fibroids may grow by about 1-2 centimeters per year, but this rate can vary significantly. Regular monitoring with a healthcare provider can help assess any changes in size and guide appropriate management if needed.
There isn’t a specific size threshold that universally dictates the need for surgery for intramural fibroids. The decision to undergo surgery depends on several factors beyond just the size of the fibroid, including:
- Symptoms: If the fibroid is causing significant symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pain, or discomfort during intercourse, surgery might be considered regardless of its size.
- Impact on Quality of Life: If the fibroid significantly affects your daily activities or quality of life, surgery may be recommended.
- Reproductive Concerns: If the fibroid is affecting fertility or pregnancy, surgical intervention might be considered even if the fibroid is not very large.
- Growth Rate: Rapidly growing fibroids or those that have changed significantly over time might be more likely to require surgical intervention.
Typically, fibroids larger than 5-6 centimeters in diameter are more likely to be considered for surgical removal, especially if they are symptomatic. However, the decision is highly individualized and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can evaluate the specific circumstances and recommend the best course of action.
Intramural fibroids generally do not “burst” in the way that ovarian cysts might. However, they can sometimes cause complications that might feel similar to a burst or rupture. For instance:
- Degeneration: Intramural fibroids can undergo a process called degeneration, where the fibroid tissue outgrows its blood supply, leading to pain and discomfort. This can sometimes feel like a sudden worsening of symptoms, but it is not the same as a burst.
- Pressure Symptoms: Large intramural fibroids may exert pressure on surrounding tissues or organs, potentially causing acute pain or other symptoms. This can sometimes be distressing, but it is not typically referred to as bursting.
- Complications: Rarely, complications such as acute pain or bleeding might occur, but these are not the same as the fibroid itself bursting.
If you experience sudden, severe pain or other unusual symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
The best way to remove intramural fibroids depends on individual factors, but options include myomectomy (surgical removal), laparoscopic or hysteroscopic techniques, and uterine artery embolization (UAE). UAE is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces fibroid size by cutting off their blood supply.
A Type 4 intramural fibroid, according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification system, refers to a fibroid that is located predominantly within the uterine wall, extending from the myometrium to the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus). It may cause significant distortion of the uterine cavity, potentially leading to symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, or reproductive issues. This classification helps guide treatment decisions and assess the impact of the fibroid on uterine function.
