Fibroids are growths that develop in the muscular layer of the uterus. They are benign tumors that, in principle, can develop in any woman. In Europe, it is estimated that one in every two to five women of childbearing age is affected.
Since they can sometimes severely impair the quality of life for affected women, patients can find help at a specialized fibroids center.
As a rule, fibroids occur mainly in women between the ages of 25 and 50. There may be a single muscle knot or numerous fibroids in the uterine wall. Fibroids vary in size. There are cases in which they have grown to as large as 20 centimeters and weighed over 4,000 grams.
What symptoms suggest the presence of fibroids?
About half of affected women have no symptoms at all—which is why, in these cases, observation is initially all that is needed. The others, however, very often suffer from bleeding disorders, such as heavy or prolonged, very painful menstruation. Less commonly, women with fibroids experience nonspecific lower abdominal pain, bladder problems such as frequent urination, lower back pain, or pain during sexual intercourse.
Fibroids usually cause severe lower abdominal pain @ SENTELLO /AdobeStock
Symptoms of fibroids always arise when the growth expands and presses on neighboring organs. This can impair vital organs or trigger pain. Complications associated with fibroids can include urinary tract infections and anemia. In some cases, fibroids are also considered a possible cause of infertility and are treated by a fibroid specialist in this context.
Are fibroids treatable?
In cases of more severe symptoms, fibroids can be treated using various methods. The choice of treatment depends primarily on the symptoms, the size and location of the fibroid, the woman’s age, and her desire to have children.
Treatment options for fibroids include surgical procedures, such as surgical removal of the fibroid or fibroid embolization. Another option is treatment with ultrasound or hormonal therapy, though the latter is typically used only for a short period.
The situation becomes somewhat more complicated when fibroids develop before pregnancy. These fibroids do not always become noticeable during pregnancy. In principle, however, pregnancy promotes fibroid growth due to hormonal changes.
Specialists at the Fibroid Center
Since the impact of fibroids on fertility and pregnancy in particular can be a significant burden for women, close coordination is essential between the patient, the treating gynecologist, and any specialized fibroid center that may also be involved.
Furthermore, fibroid treatment is not based solely on surgical intervention; rather, many fibroid centers throughout Germany now feature interdisciplinary teams comprising physicians, physical therapists, and other non-medical professionals.
To provide treatment, the specialists at the fibroid center must have completed specialized training in gynecology. Expert care for the patient before, during, and after surgery is also crucial. Many of the myoma centers currently operating in Germany therefore have a close-knit network of pain management specialists, physical therapists, self-help groups, and psychological counselors.
A reliable myoma center offers women comprehensive care that extends beyond any surgery that may become necessary. In particular, psychological stress must be addressed as quickly as possible to improve the quality of life for women with myomas. Furthermore, a fibroid center will always strive to preserve the uterus. Should a hysterectomy nevertheless be necessary—which can certainly occur in exceptional cases—such a procedure is best performed at a fibroid center with strong clinical expertise.
About the medical author
PD Dr. med. habil. Garri Tchartchian
Medical Author · Headof the Certified Endometriosis Center, Head of the Myoma Center · Berlin
Dr. med. Garri Tchartchian – author: Explore expert medical articles in the Leading Medicine Guide.
More about the medical author →Sources
- www.frauenaerzte-im-netz.de/erkrankungen/myome [zuletzt aufgerufen am 25.09.19]
