What Are Uterine Fibroids? A Simple Guide

The Basics: What is Uterine Fibroids?

First, let’s take a deep breath. When a doctor says you have a “tumor,” it is natural to panic. However, in the context of fibroids, the word tumor does not mean cancer.

So, what is uterine fibroids? In simple terms, they are muscular growths that develop in the wall of the uterus (womb). Think of them as knots of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that bunch up together to form a hard, rubbery mass.

They are benign, which means they are non-cancerous. Having fibroids does not increase your risk of developing uterine cancer. They are incredibly common; in fact, they are the most common growth of the female reproductive system.

These growths can be deceptive. A woman might have a single small uterine fibroid the size of a pea that she never notices. Another woman might have multiple fibroids, some growing as large as a grapefruit or even a melon, causing significant distortion to the uterus. Understanding what is uterine fibroids means understanding that they range from invisible specks to bulky masses that can mimic a pregnancy belly.

The Anatomy of a Fibroid: Location Matters

To understand your symptoms, you need to understand where these “muscle knots” live. A gyno doctor will typically classify them based on their location:

• Intramural Fibroids: These grow within the muscular uterine wall. They are the most common type and, if they get big, can stretch the womb.
• Subserosal Fibroids: These grow on the outside of the uterus. They might press on your bladder or bowel, causing backaches or urinary issues, but might not affect your period flow.
• Submucosal Fibroids: These bulge into the inside cavity of the uterus. These are the troublemakers. Even a very small uterine fibroid in this location can cause severe bleeding and trouble with getting pregnant.

The Mystery: What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

Patients often sit in our consultation rooms and ask, “Why me? Did I eat something wrong? Is it stress?” The honest medical answer to what causes uterine fibroids is that we don’t know the exact single cause. However, scientific research points to a clear set of drivers.

1. The Hormone Connection

Fibroids are hormone-sensitive. They love Estrogen and Progesterone—the two hormones that stimulate the development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle.

• The Growth Phase: This explains why fibroids appear during reproductive years (when hormone levels are high).
• The Shrinking Phase: This is also why they typically stop growing or shrink after menopause (when hormone levels drop). So, when asking what causes uterine fibroids, hormones are the primary fuel.

2. Genetic Blueprints

Look at your family tree. If your mother or sister had fibroids, you are at a much higher risk. Heredity plays a significant role. There are specific genetic changes in fibroid cells that are different from normal uterine muscle cells.

3. Lifestyle Factors

While you can’t control your genetics, lifestyle does play a part.

• Diet: A diet heavy in red meat and low in green vegetables has been linked to a higher risk.
• Obesity: Women who are overweight produce more estrogen (fat cells make estrogen), which can fuel fibroid growth.
• Early Menstruation: Starting your period at a very young age extends the time your body is exposed to estrogen.

Understanding what causes uterine fibroids helps us manage them, but remember: having them is not your fault. It is a biological occurrence, not a punishment for lifestyle choices.

Listening to Your Body: Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

Here is the tricky part: You can have fibroids and have absolutely no idea. These are “silent” cases, usually discovered accidentally during a routine ultrasound for something else.

However, for many women, the uterine fibroid symptoms are loud and disruptive.

1. The Heavy Period (Menorrhagia)

This is the hallmark sign. We aren’t just talking about a “heavy day.” We are talking about soaking through sanitary pads in less than an hour, needing double protection, or passing large blood clots. This happens because the fibroids increase the surface area of the uterine lining or disrupt the uterus’s ability to contract and stop the bleeding.

2. The Never-Ending Period

If your period lasts longer than a week, it is a red flag. Prolonged bleeding leaves you exhausted and is a common uterine fibroid symptoms trigger for anemia.

3. Pelvic Pain and Pressure

As fibroids grow, they take up space. You might feel a constant sense of “heaviness” or fullness in your lower belly. Many describe it as a dull ache, while others experience sharp pains if the fibroid outgrows its blood supply and starts to degenerate.

4. Bathroom Troubles

If a fibroid is pressing against your bladder (which sits right next to the uterus), you might feel the urge to urinate constantly, or you might find it hard to empty your bladder completely. Conversely, if it presses backward on the rectum, it can cause constipation.

5. Backache and Leg Pain

It sounds unrelated, but large fibroids can press on spinal nerves, causing lower back pain that radiates down your legs.

Small Uterine Fibroid: To Worry or Not?

A diagnosis of a small uterine fibroid often causes unnecessary anxiety. “Doctor, it’s 2 centimeters. Do we cut it out?” Usually, the answer is no.
If you have a small uterine fibroid that is not causing bleeding or pain, the best medical approach is often “Watchful Waiting.”

We monitor it with regular ultrasounds to ensure it isn’t growing rapidly. Many women live their entire lives with small fibroids without needing any intervention. Do not let the presence of a small uterine fibroid panic you into surgery you don’t need.

The Visible and Invisible Signs of Uterine Fibroids

Beyond the physical pain, there are other signs of uterine fibroids that affect your quality of life.

• The “Fibroid Belly”: Large fibroids can expand the uterus to the size of a 5 or 6-month pregnancy. This abdominal swelling is one of the visible signs of uterine fibroids that can be emotionally distressing.
• Infertility: While many women with fibroids conceive naturally, certain types (submucosal) can distort the womb and prevent implantation.
• Anemia: The invisible thief. Chronic heavy bleeding leads to low iron levels. If you are constantly tired, chewing ice, or look pale, these are secondary signs of uterine fibroids affecting your blood count.

Diagnosis: How We Confirm the Condition

If you suspect something is wrong, the first step is visiting a specialist. At Eskag Sanjeevani, when a patient comes to us asking what is uterine fibroids and if she has them, we follow a structured path:

• Pelvic Exam: The doctor manually checks the size and shape of your uterus.
• Ultrasound (USG): The gold standard. It assurances create a picture of your uterus, mapping out the fibroids.
• Hysteroscopy: For bleeding issues, we might use a thin telescope to look inside the uterus.

Taking Action: Uterine Fibroids Surgery and Treatment

You do not have to live with the pain. Today, medicine offers a spectrum of choices ranging from medication to uterine fibroids surgery.

Non-Surgical Management
For manageable symptoms, we might use medications like:

• Tranexamic acid: To reduce bleeding volume.
• GnRH agonists: These put the body into temporary menopause to shrink fibroids (often used before surgery).
• Painkillers: NSAIDs to manage cramps.

When is Surgery Needed?

Uterine fibroids surgery is recommended when:

• Bleeding is causing anemia.
• Pain is affecting daily life.
• Fibroids are growing rapidly.
• They are causing infertility.

Types of Surgery

• Myomectomy: This is the removal of only the fibroids, leaving the uterus intact. This is the preferred uterine fibroids surgery for women who want to have children in the future. It can often be done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) at Eskag Sanjeevani, ensuring faster recovery.
• Hysterectomy: This is the removal of the uterus. It is the only 100% permanent cure for fibroids. This is usually chosen by women who have completed their families and want a definitive end to the symptoms.

Why You Need a Specialist Gyno Doctor?

The female reproductive system is complex. General physicians can diagnose, but management requires a specialist. You need a gyno doctor who understands not just the anatomy, but the emotional toll of the condition.

Many women delay treatment because they are embarrassed to talk about their periods. Or they fear that visiting a gyno doctor means they will automatically end up on an operating table. This is a misconception. A good specialist prioritizes organ preservation and quality of life.

Finding the Best Gyno Doctor in Kolkata

If you are struggling with heavy periods, don’t suffer in silence. Finding the right gyno doctor in Kolkata is the most important step you can take for your health.

At Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals, our Gynecology department is led by some of the most experienced specialists in the city.

• We Listen: We understand that every woman’s pain threshold and fertility goals are different.
• Advanced Technology: Whether it is high-resolution imaging to detect a small uterine fibroid or modular OTs for complex uterine fibroids surgery, we have the infrastructure to keep you safe.
• Holistic Care: We treat the anemia, the pain, and the anxiety alongside the fibroids.