Uterine fibroid tumours may be left untreated if they are small, do not cause any symptoms, or if the affected woman is nearing menopause. Fibroids that cause painful and severe symptoms can affect their quality of life. Nonetheless, untreated fibroids can cause certain complications that may become dangerous. Fibroids can interfere with general well-being, depending on their location and severity. Some fibroids may never go away completely. For this reason, asymptomatic fibroids must be brought to the medical attention of a Urogynecologist in Chennai for analysis and regular assessment. To diagnose the severity of uterine fibroid and to know the likelihood of dangerous effects, a transvaginal ultrasound may be performed periodically, along with a pelvic MRI and a pelvic exam, to get a better picture of the fibroid.
Uterine fibroids can cause the danger of heavy bleeding
A heavy period could be just a heavy period or an indicator of a dangerous issue, such as uterine fibroids. Fibroids that cause heavy bleeding can result in anaemia, which is an inadequate number of red blood cells. Without treatment, anaemia can lead to severe fatigue, heart failure, and poor immunity. Anaemia can increase the risk of needing blood transfusions or intravenous iron. Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, hair loss, headaches, sleeplessness, palpitations, or pica, which is a craving for unusual things. Heavy menstrual bleeding related to uterine fibroids depends on the location of the fibroids, contractility of the uterus, the presence of ancillary prostaglandins, and the extent of distortion to the lining of the uterus.
Uterine fibroids can be dangerous because of debilitating abdominal pain
Fibroid pain usually causes pain in the lower back or pelvis. Women may also experience stomach discomfort, intense cramps when menstruating, or pain during intercourse. Fibroid pain can be extreme and constant or an occasional flare-up during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, exercise, or menstrual period. The pain symptoms associated with uterine fibroids generally result from the weight of the fibroid pressing or resting on the pelvic organs, rather than the fibroid itself hurting. Severe abdominal pain may indicate a burst fibroid. Fibroids that outgrow their blood supply may start to degenerate, or the tissue will begin to die, causing severe pain.
Uterine fibroids can cause the danger of infertility
Though the symptoms of uterine fibroids are not life-threatening, fibroids can change the structure of the uterus and affect fertility. The impact of fibroids on fertility depends on the location, the size of the fibroids, as well as the type of symptoms a woman has. Fibroids can majorly contribute to fertility issues because they can distort the uterine cavity. Fibroids inside the uterine cavity can stop an embryo from implanting, which prevents it from growing into a foetus. Fibroids interfering with the lining of the uterus can also affect fertility. Larger fibroids that are more than four centimetres and grow in the muscle of the uterus can also impact implantation. Fibroids that are inside the muscle of the uterus might block the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility. Hence, if a woman is unable to get pregnant due to fibroids, having the fibroids removed by the myomectomy specialist in T Nagar can increase the chances of pregnancy.
Rupture of uterine fibroid tumours is dangerous
A ruptured fibroid is a severe medical condition that requires emergency care. The symptoms of a ruptured fibroid include acute abdominal pain, low-grade fever, and high white blood cell count. The reasons for a uterine fibroid to rupture could be either when the fibroid grows more significant than the available blood supply, an increase in abdominal pressure, or the trauma that causes avulsion of the fibroid from the uterus torsion of a pedunculated fibroid or an increase in venous pressure during pregnancy. Rupture of a degenerated fibroid causing acute haemorrhage may require a massive blood transfusion.
Uterine fibroids can be dangerous during pregnancy
Large fibroids may decrease the room space in the womb and prevent a foetus from growing full. Placental abruption can occur when the placenta breaks away from the uterine wall when it’s blocked by a fibroid. The foetus may receive reduced vital oxygen and nutrients. During pregnancy, fibroids may prevent the baby from getting into the appropriate position with the head down. Breach deliveries are more likely in these instances because the fibroids restrict the baby’s ability to move around and get into position. Preterm labour waters breaking early from premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM), hemorrhage soon before delivery, malpresentation of the fetus and obstructed labor are some of the complications of fibroids during pregnancy.
Uterine fibroids can put pressure on the bowel and bladder
Women with fibroids can experience pressure on the bowel and bladder, causing constipation, frequent urination, and incontinence. Fibroids are also known to press on the ureters that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, leading to kidney dysfunction. There are various mechanisms by which acute urinary retention may occur due to a fibroid. The most common tool is the proximal urethra and bladder neck compression caused by the displacement of the cervix caused by the fibroid.
The danger of cancer hiding as uterine fibroid tumours
Fibroids are almost always noncancerous. A cancerous fibroid called leiomyosarcoma will rarely occur. The chances of developing cancer are not related to uterine fibroids, and having uterine fibroids doesn’t increase the chances of getting other gynaecological cancers. Symptoms are unspecific and can be confused with uterine fibroids. Diagnosis of fibroid cancers through medical imaging, blood tests, and pelvic exams is usually insufficient and therefore requires a biopsy. Uterine sarcomas also arise from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. Sarcomas, leiomyosarcoma, and carcinosarcomas are sporadic but highly aggressive cancers. Sarcomas are more common in women over the age of 55 years, and any sudden growth in this age group of women needs to be explored carefully for Hysterectomy Treatment in Chennai.
