Submucosal fibroids are the type of uterine fibroids that can potentially cause prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and urinary and bowel problems like constipation and bowel obstruction.
“But the most surprising complication of these fibroids is that they cause infertility problems and even decrease the success rate of fertility treatments like IVF. They have a higher potential to cause problems than another type of uterine fibroids”, says a gynaecologist specialist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
What are submucosal fibroids, what causes them, and how are they treated to prevent possible complications? With inputs from a female gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri, we answer all your questions today.
What are Submucosal Fibroids?
Submucosal fibroids are a subset of the broader category of uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growth that develops in the muscular walls of the uterus. They vary in location, size, and number and are usually classified based on their site.
Submucosal fibroids are the type of fibroids that grow beneath the uterus lining, which, when they grow, protrude into the uterine cavity, thus directly affecting menstrual bleeding and pregnancy outcomes.
Are Submucosal Fibroids a More Dangerous Type of Uterine Fibroids?
As said, submucosal fibroids have more potential to cause problems due to their location beneath the uterine cavity. When these fibroids grow, they may put pressure on the uterine cavity, cause prolonged bleeding and cause fertility problems, negatively impacting pregnancy outcomes, according to the gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri.
What Causes Submucosal Fibroids?
Hormonal imbalance, disruption in uterine tissue, and genetic predisposition are the common causes of uterine fibroids, which also apply to submucosal fibroids. It is always a combination of all the above factors, along with environment and lifestyle choices, that are believed to increase the risk of submucosal fibroids.
Younger women with a family history and obesity are more prone to fibroids. Vitamin D deficiency, a diet rich in red meat and lower in dairy, fruits, and vegetables, also is believed to be a risk factor for submucosal fibroids.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Submucosal Fibroids:
Submucosal fibroids are usually discovered during routine pelvic exams and are confirmed with blood tests, imaging studies, and hysteroscopy. There are several approaches to managing and treating submucosal fibroids:
- Watchful waiting: This approach is taken when the fibroids are small, asymptomatic, and not causing significant issues. Regular monitoring is done to assess their growth and impact.
- Medications: Medications that reduce pain and symptoms and hormone agonists that temporarily shrink the fibroids are used to manage submucosal fibroids. Painkillers, oral contraceptives, vitamins, and iron supplements may also address specific symptoms and improve overall reproductive health.
- Non-invasive procedures: MRI-guided ultrasound surgery is a surgical procedure that can be used to destroy fibroids. Uterine artery embolization, which involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, is another option to shrink the fibroids.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure uses heat to destroy the fibroids and relieve symptoms.
- Myomectomy: Both laparoscopic myomectomy and abdominal myomectomy are surgical procedures that remove the fibroids, offering permanent relief.
The choice of treatment is recommended by the gynaecologist based on the specific condition of the patient, the severity of the fibroids, and their impact on reproductive health. For more information on submucosal fibroid treatment in Mumbai, you can contact Dr. Neelima Mantri.
