by Suman Gupta
2 out of 10 women who come to the hospital for treatment have fibroids, Expert Says
Infertility cases are increasing at an alarming rate in the country. In recent years, there has been a concerning surge in infertility cases among young women, with a significant number of them suffering from uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often go unnoticed until they lead to reproductive health issues.
According to recent studies and medical reports, the incidence of uterine fibroids has seen a increase in young women between the ages of 18 and 35. These benign tumors can cause severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and in many cases, fertility problems. Uterine fibroids can impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term, making it a significant concern for those desiring to start a family.
Fibroid problems increase the risk of infertility in women. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to preventing long-term fertility issues. We urge women to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving.
Dr Kekin Gala, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Mumbai Said, Many of the causes of infertility, including PCOS, ageing, inadequate egg reserves, cancer, among others, may be recognisable to you. Fibroids can, in rare instances, make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant or carry a child to term. They may make pregnancy more difficult and, in the worst cases, result in infertility. A doctor or fertility specialist can help you approach pregnancy safely if you’re trying to get pregnant and have been told you have fibroids. Raising awareness of the disease is crucial so that women who acquire fibroids can get help and treatment quickly.
Dr Gala Said, ‘‘2 out of every 3 women are currently suffering from uterine fibroids. Uterine cysts often cause heavy discharge, constant pain in the abdomen and irregular periods. Sometimes a uterine tumor is located in an area that causes unbearable pain in the abdomen during sexual intercourse. Back pain, difficulty in conceiving and miscarriage are also symptoms of uterine fibroids. At present, the incidence of uterine tumors is highest among women in the age group of 25 to 30 years. Obese women have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies and therefore are more likely to develop tumors in their uterus. Such women face difficulties in pregnancy. Often there is a risk of infertility if not treated on time.
Dr Kiran Coelho, Gynecologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai Said, Uterine fibroids are benign growths seen in the uterus and can lead to a variety of health problems for women, including infertility. There is a significant increase in the number of girls being diagnosed with uterine fibroids, raising concerns about their future fertility. So, environmental factors may play a role in this uptick, as exposure to certain pollutants and chemicals can contribute to the development of fibroids at an early age. Fibroids tend to block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. Additionally, they can interfere with implantation by affecting blood flow to the uterine lining. These structural abnormalities can severely hinder a woman’s ability to conceive naturally and increase her risk of miscarriage. The rise in infertility among young girls due to uterine fibroids is alarming and calls for further investigation. It is the need of the hour for girls above 15 to consult the gynaecologist on a regular basis and know about their reproductive health.
Dr Madhuri Mehendale, Gynecologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital added, “In some women, the effect of these hormones leads to overgrowth of the uterine muscle tissue and thus causes the formation of fibroids. 2 out of 10 women who come to the hospital for treatment have fibroids. fibroids are rarely diagnosed before puberty and are known to shrink in size after menopause. Similarly, they are known to increase in size during pregnancy when the estrogen and progesterone content in the body is higher. Therefore, if you notice the symptoms of menstruation twice a month, excessive bleeding, painful menstruation, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, do not ignore it and consult a doctor immediately. In addition to this all fibroids dont need surgery. its need evaluation by your doctor if they can be left alone or need treatment. approximately 60% women who have being masses in uterus have a fibroid uterus.”
