Fibroid

A fibroid is a benign tumor located in the uterine wall. On the one hand, the fibroid (medical term: myoma uteri) can be located directly in the uterine wall, but on the other hand, it can also be located in muscle tissue. When the growth or lump of the fibroid is located in the muscle tissue it is referred to as uterus myomatosus.

Women's Healthcare Center Amsterdam specializes in women's healthcare and can determine if you suffer from fibroids based on your symptoms and an examination. Click on the Dutch version of this page for the full brochure.

Cause uterus myomatosus, fibroids

The growth of fibroids is initiated by the female hormone estrogen. Thus, fibroids form mainly during the period when women are fertile. Although fibroids are almost always benign, there is a very small chance of a malignant tumor forming.

Fibroids are not very easy to detect because they do not always cause symptoms or are not noticeable. Only when a fibroid is in an unfortunate location can it cause (painful) symptoms. In addition to painful symptoms, menstruation may also become more severe.

There is a reasonable chance that you, as a woman, will suffer from fibroids. About 20% of women under the age of 40 suffer from fibroids, with dark-skinned women generally more likely to get them.

Different types of fibroids

Flesh trees can occur in four different types. The location at which this fibroid occurs varies in this. With this, the symptoms given by the particular fibroid also differ.

The different types of fibroids are:

• Intraligamentous fibroids. Location: suspension ligament of the uterus;
• Subserous fibroid. Location: outside of the uterus;
• Intramural fibroid. Location: in the wall of the uterus;
• Submucous fibroid. Location: under the endometrium.

Symptoms of uterine myomatosus or fibroids

Many women who have fibroids will carry them with them undetected and thus remain without symptoms.

Women who do suffer from the presence of fibroids may experience the symptoms below:

• Oppressive pain at the bottom of the abdomen
• Pressure on the bladder and increased urge to urinate
• Pain radiating to the back
• Pain during sex
• Increased pain during menstruation
• Irregular bleeding during menstruation
• Vaginal discharge (fluoride vaginalis)
• Problems getting pregnant

Treatment for fibroids

If you suspect the presence of a fibroid or suffer from symptoms that match the list above, it is advisable to contact WHC Amsterdam. We can then determine the exact cause of your symptoms and see if they are in fact fibroids.

We do this by means of an ultrasound scan. This gives us an image of the area around your uterus and abnormalities can be detected quickly and painlessly. If the ultrasound scan does not provide complete clarity, one of our gynecologists can perform a vaginal examination. This involves feeling inside the vagina with a finger to check for irregularities.

Often an ultrasound scan or a vaginal examination are sufficient to diagnose fibroids. However, if symptoms persist, it may be necessary to perform keyhole surgery. This is very rare, however, and you will not be harmed.

If your symptoms are due to a fibroid, there are several treatment options. A common treatment for fibroids is medication in the form of a pill (e.g. microgynon or lunestrenol). In addition, keyhole surgery may be used to remove the fibroid or blood vessels to the fibroid may be embolized to allow the tissue to die off.

Want to learn more about fibroids, their treatment or have questions? Women's Healthcare Center in Amsterdam is happy to help. We are an independent treatment center (ZBC) for gynecology, urology and radiology. You can reach us at 020 64 20 229 or use our contact form.