Symptoms and Treatment for Uterine Fibroids Endometrial Polyps and Ovarian Cysts

Uterine fibroids:

noncancerous muscle growths within the walls of the uterus.Endometrial polyps: abnormal tissue growths within the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus.

Ovarian cysts:

fluid-filled sacs on one or both ovaries that usually form during ovulation.

Though the symptoms of all the above vary, they all contribute to pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding and other complications, including infertility.

Treatment depends on the symptoms, and includes conservative, non-surgical as well as surgical methods.

Uterine Fibroids

Also called Leiomyomas or Myomas, Uterine Fibroids are benign muscular growths within the walls of the uterus, ranging from ¾ inch to several inches in diameter. In fewer than 1 in 1,000 cases, what was diagnosed as a uterine fibroid might turn out to be a cancerous mass. Uterine Fibroids typically affect woman by the age of 50 and might not cause any symptoms – remaining undetected until a routine examination.

Symptoms: Painful periods, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure; lower back pain, frequent or difficult urination.

Treatment:Treatment is determined depending on the symptoms. It is important that you do not self-medicate and that you consult your Gynaecologist at the very onset of the symptoms, so that you can receive timely treatment. Hormonal medications, including certain birth control pills, are prescribed to relieve the symptoms. Surgical removal is also an option.

Endometrial Polyps

Symptoms: Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding; bleeding between menstrual periods; very heavy bleeding during menstrual periods; bleeding after intercourse or exercise. Consult your Gynaecologist immediately for an Ultrasound or Hysteroscopy to confirm the presence of Endometrial Polyps. A biopsy may be required to check for cancer or precancerous cells.

Treatment:Sometimes polyps goes away on its own without treatment. If there is no cancer risk, then it is advised to wait for the polyps to disappear on its own. A symptomatic Endometrial Polyps must be removed, especially in the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells. Hormonal medication may provide short-term relief.

Ovarian Cysts

These fluid-filled sacs may develop in one or both of a woman’s ovaries, and the most common types of cysts form during ovulation. In most cases these cysts go away without treatment in a few months. Complications arise when the cysts become abnormally large. They may also rupture or prove to be cancerous. Additionally, some women produce many small cysts on their ovaries due to a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Symptoms:

Bloating, abdominal pressure, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, frequent and/or difficult urination, sudden, sharp pain due to a ruptured cyst.

Treatment:

Most cysts resolve on their own without treatment. Periodic Pelvic Ultrasounds may be used to monitor the growth and development of the cyst. Oral contraceptives may be prescribed to prevent them forming during ovulation.

To prevent fibroids, polyps and cysts, be certain to undergo a routine examination regularly and be in touch with your Gynaecologist to report any symptoms that need attention.