Verywell / Jessica Olah
Symptoms of Submucosal Fibroids
Submucosal fibroids are associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.
They are thought to be the cause of 5% to 10% of cases of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Clusters and Sizes
Fibroids can be a single growth or a cluster of growths.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Some fibroid clusters are as small as 0.04 inches (1 mm).
Others can be more than 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
Single uterine fibroids can grow to the size of a watermelon.
Aftermenopause, fibroids will often shrink.
If a parent had fibroids, your risk is about three times higher than average.
Ethnicity
A person’s race/ethnic background also plays a role in their risk for fibroids.
Body Size/Shape
People with uteruses who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids.
People who are very overweight are at a higher risk than people who are less overweight.
When Are Fibroids a Medical Emergency?
The fibroids are watched for changes and growth by having regular pelvic exams and/or ultrasounds.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomyis a surgery to remove the uterus.
It may or may not involve the removal of one or both ovaries and/or fallopian tubes.
If the ovaries are removed along with the uterus,menopause will begin immediately.
Types of hysterectomies include:
A hysterectomy completely eliminates fibroids and the symptoms that come with them.
It also guarantees the fibroids will not come back.
Recovery from the procedure can take up to six weeks.
A myomectomy may have surgery-related complications including bleeding and infection.
This can make the cancer harder to treat.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Uterine fibroidembolization(UFE) is a procedure for treating fibroids.
The lack of blood supply causes the fibroid to soften, bleed less, and shrink in size.
About 90% of people who have UFE report significant improvement in their symptoms.
For some people, their symptoms go away completely.
It is not effective for large fibroids or for fibroids that have grown outside of the interior uterine lining.
While recovery typically takes a few days, watery or bloody discharge can last for several weeks.
This procedure usually stops monthly menstruation.
When the flow is not stopped completely, it is usually significantly reduced.
Endometrial ablation is not recommended for people who wish to become pregnant.
The procedure reduces the chances of pregnancy but does not eliminate the possibility.
The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and is considered relatively low-risk.
It is a relatively new treatment for fibroids.
High-intensity ultrasound waves are used to heat and destroy uterine fibroids while the person is in the MRI machine.
The procedure uses a rig called the ExAblate, which combines MRI with ultrasound.
Hormone Therapy
Some medications typically prescribed for birth control can also be used to help control symptoms of fibroids.
They do not cause fibroids to grow and can help control heavy bleeding.
These medications can be given by injection or nasal spray, or they can be implanted.
GnRHa can shrink fibroids and is sometimes used before surgery to make fibroids smaller and easier to remove.
GnRHa side effects can include:
Most people with uteruses do not menstruate when taking GnRHa.
This can help people with anemia from heavy bleeding recover to a normal blood count.
Since GnRHa can cause bone thinning, they are generally only used for 6 months or less.
The relief offered by GnRHa is considered temporary.
The fibroids often grow back quickly once the medication is stopped.
Cost is a consideration when choosing the treatment, too, as the drugs are quite expensive.
Insurance companies may not cover all or any of the costs.
The capsule contains elagolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate.
Even very small submucosal fibroids may cause symptoms.
Symptom management may not be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drinking green tea could be helpful in relieving fibroid symptoms.
One study suggested that average fibroid growth is 89% per 18 months.
If fibroids are discovered before or during pregnancy, your healthcare provider will monitor them for changes and complications.
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