Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that attach themselves to the uterine wall. Uterine fibroids may vary in size from microscopic fibroids to fibroids that occupy the entire uterine cavity. Uterine fibroids may appear as one or many. They often grow and enlarge over time and extend beyond the uterine cavity.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids are painful menstrual cycles and pelvic cramps. There may be abdominal fulness and increased urine frequency. In some women, there may no apparent symptoms to indicate uterine fibroids. Women suffering from uterine fibroids may notice backache and leg pain. There is heavy menstrual bleeding. The symptoms depend on the location of the uterine fibroids.

Fibroids have been associated with changing levels of estrogen hormones. With menopause, uterine fibroids shrink on account of the reduced levels of estrogen. A doctor will conduct a pelvic examination to detect fibroids in the uterus. Ultrasound helps in better visualization of the uterine cavity. Hysterosalpingography involves use of dye to observe the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

Most often uterine fibroids are left untreated. If the fibroids are growing too rapidly or causing abnormal bleeding, then suitable treatment will need to be adopted. In some cases, uterine fibroids affect fertility. Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the age of the woman and severity of symptoms. Surgical options to treat uterine fibroids involve myomectomy (removal of fibroids leaving uterus intact). A hysterectomy is performed in post-menopausal women. Uterine artery embolization (UAE)involves using imaging techniques to locate and block the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. Sometimes medication is prescribed to lower estrogen levels. But they have disturbing side-effects.

CA 125 blood test

CA 125 blood test measures the level of blood antigens that are considered tumor markers. Typically the CA 125 blood test is used monitor the progress of ovarian cancer. But the CA 125 blood test is not considered a very accurate diagnostic tool. This test is used in combination with transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic examination. CA 125 blood tests often return false positive results. Besides hardly about 50% of women with ovarian cancer have elevated levels of CA 125. CA 125 levels can be elevated due to menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids and pregnancy. The newer CA 125 blood test is said to be more accurate. This test is called CA 125 - II. Readings of above 35 U/ml are considered abnormal. CA 125 blood test is used to check the effect of treatment on women suffering from ovarian cancer. It is not used to check otherwise healthy women for ovarian cancer.

Hysterosalpingogram

A Hysterosalpingogram or hsg is a diagnostic x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test allows the gynecologist to observe the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes for any problems such as blockage, endometrial polyps, fibroids, genital tuberculosis or abnormalities in the uterine cavity. HSG is often used in cases where a sterilization reversal is sought. The gynecologist or radiologist uses a cannula to fill the uterus with iodine. This helps in outlining the fallopian tubes so that any abnormalities in the tubes or uterine cavity is observed. In cases of infertility due to tubal blockage, HSG is used to evaluate the location and extent of blockage. The Hysterosalpingogram procedure takes a few minutes and can be moderately uncomfortable for the woman, with possibility of cramps. Women who have tubal disease may develop pelvic infection. In rare cases, the woman develops iodine allergy. Some women notice spotting for a couple of days after the HSG.