Uterine fibroids widely prevalent in city: Study

HYDERABAD: Uterine fibroids, a health complication that affects women of reproductive age, is widely prevalent in the city, says a recent study. The study, conducted in a private hospital in the city suburbs, found that 11.6 per cent of the 4,487 women who visited the gynaecology outpatient department had uterine fibroids. The study, published last month in International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, was conducted between July 2015-August 2017.   

Also known as Leimyoma uterus, the condition is often detected only after a woman experiences excessive, painful bleeding during periods or irregular menstrual cycles. “Uterine fibroids is a benign tumour in the uterus,” says  obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Adimulapu Sujatha. “Women should not ignore complications associated with periods and other symptoms of uterine fibroids by popping pills bought over the counter. They should visit a gynecologist, who can diagnose if there is any structural or histological uterus problem and immediately start treatment.There are also very rare chances of the tumour turning malignant.”  

A common misconception regarding uterine fibroids is that it always results in the removal of uterus. This is however true in the case of India, infamous for having one of the highest numbers of hysterectomies in world. One of the primary reasons cited is uterine fibroid. 

“Having uterus is the right of a woman. Removal of uterus is a last resort option when all other medical management and constructive surgical techniques fail,” adds Sujatha.  “There are medical management techniques of controlling uterine fibroid using drugs and injections. Another method is of uterine artery embolisation.

Myomectomy is a surgery which can be performed for resolving fibroid problem if a woman has plans of bearing children,” says obstetrician and and gynecologist Dr T Andal Reddy.Although reasons behind occurrence of uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age group can be anything, it has been found that the hormones estrogen and progesterone proliferate growth of the tumour. 

Symptoms of uterine fibroid
Heavy bleeding during periods
Longer than usual menstruation
Pelvic/abdominal pain 
Frequent menstrual cramps
Pain or discomfort during urination
Pain during intercourse
Heavy feeling in lower abdomen
Infertility