Bloating & Fibroids

Fibroids are benign muscular growths that develop in the wall of the uterus. According to Women's Health, fibroids are also referred to as leioymas or myomas. Fibroids usually develop in groups, but it is possible for just one fibroid to grow. Fibroids can also range in size from microscopic to weighing several pounds.

Statistics

Fibroids usually affect women of childbearing age, which is defined as the time after the first menstrual cycle to the beginning of menopause. According to Medline Plus, approximately one in five women in this age group has fibroids. Fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor and affect African American women more frequently than Caucasian women. Overweight women also develop fibroids more often than women who are at their ideal weight.

Types

There are two types of fibroids: submucosal and subserosal. Submucosal fibroids grow in the inner cavity of the uterus and often pose a problem for women trying to get pregnant. Subserosal fibroids occur on the outside of the uterus and can exert pressure on the rectum, according to MayoClinic.com.

Causes

The exact cause of fibroids has not been determined, but MayoClinic.com lists a number of factors that are thought to contribute to the development of fibroids. One of these factors is genetic mutations in the genes that are responsible for the growth of the uterine muscle. Another factor is the imbalance of the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Symptoms

As a fibroid grows in size, it can cause the abdomen to bloat and become visibly swollen. The bloating can cause a sensation of fullness in the abdomen and increased pressure on the pelvis. Other symptoms of fibroids include heavy periods, prolonged bleeding during menstruation, frequent urination, difficulty completely emptying the bladder, constipation and pain in the back, according to MayoClinic.com.

Treatment

Small fibroids do not usually require any treatment. If fibroids are small, they will be monitored regularly and treated only if they grow in size. If a fibroid causes a significant amount of pain, over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers may be used to reduce the severity of the pain. Low dose birth control pills may also be used to maintain hormonal balance and stop the growth of fibroids, according to Women's Health. A medication called a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist may be given to decrease the size of fibroids. If medications are ineffective or the symptoms of fibroids interfere with daily life, surgery may be needed.

A myomectomy is used to remove only the fibroids from the affected area of the uterus. If there are a large number of fibroids present, a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the entire uterus, may be necessary.