Fibroids, also called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are noncancerous (benign) growths of the uterus that often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. They originate from the smooth muscle layer (myometrium) of the uterus.
Types of Fibroids
Fibroids are classified based on their location:
1. Intramural Fibroids
👉Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus
👉Most common type
2. Subserosal Fibroids
👉Grow on the outer surface of the uterus
👉May grow large and press on other organs
3. Submucosal Fibroids
👉Develop just beneath the uterine lining
👉May protrude into the uterine cavity
👉Often cause heavy bleeding and fertility issues
4. Pedunculated Fibroids
👉Attached to the uterus by a stalk
👉Can be submucosal or subserosal
Causes
👉Exact cause is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
👉Hormonal factors: Estrogen and progesterone promote fibroid growth.
👉Genetic changes: Mutations in fibroid cells.
👉Family history: More common in women with a family history.
👉Other factors: Obesity, early menstruation, high red meat intake, vitamin D deficiency.
Symptoms
👉Some women have no symptoms. When present, they may include:
👉Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
👉Pelvic pain or pressure
👉Frequent urination
👉Difficulty emptying bladder
👉Constipation
👉Back or leg pain
👉Pain during intercourse
👉Infertility or pregnancy complications
Diagnosis
👉Pelvic Examination
👉Ultrasound (Transvaginal or Abdominal)
👉MRI (for size, number, and type)
👉Hysterosonography (saline infusion sonography)
👉Hysteroscopy
👉Laparoscopy
Treatment
1. Medical Treatment
Hormonal Therapy
👉Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists
👉Birth control pills
👉Progesterone therapyNon-hormonal
👉NSAIDs for pain
👉Tranexamic acid for bleeding
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures
👉Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)
👉MRI-guided focused
👉ultrasound (FUS)
3. Surgical Treatment
👉Myomectomy: Removal of fibroids only
👉Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus (definitive)
Complications
👉Severe anemia (from heavy bleeding)
👉Infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss
👉Urinary or bowel obstruction
👉Degeneration of fibroid (painful)
👉Pregnancy complications (preterm birth, malpresentation)
Prevention
👉There is no sure way to prevent fibroids, but you may reduce risk by:
👉Maintaining a healthy weight
👉Eating a balanced diet (high in fruits and vegetables)
👉Controlling blood pressure
👉Regular physical activity
Nursing Diagnosis
1. Acute Pain related to pressure from fibroids
2. Ineffective Tissue Perfusion (Uterine) related to fibroid growth
3. Impaired Urinary Elimination related to pressure on the bladder
4. Risk for Constipation related to pelvic mass
5. Risk for Anemia related to excessive menstrual bleeding
6. Disturbed Body Image related to bloating or surgical procedures
7. Anxiety related to potential infertility or surgery
Nursing Considerations
👉Monitor vital signs and bleeding patterns.
👉Assess for signs of anemia (fatigue, pallor).
👉Educate patient about:
ℹ️Medications
ℹ️Surgical options
ℹ️Fertilit
👉Provide emotional support, especially regarding reproductive concerns.
👉Promote nutritional support (iron-rich foods for anemia).
👉Assist with pain management strategies.
👉Prepare patient for diagnostic and surgical procedures.
