Noncancerous uterine growths known as uterine fibroids are fairly common. Although uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, occur in the same area, fibroids don’t enhance the risk of uterine cancer.
Fibroids can be small enough to be invisible to the naked eye or large enough to stretch and expand the uterus and can be isolated or spread out. In extreme circumstances, many fibroids may cause the uterus to enlarge to the point where it touches the rib cage and gains weight.
Uterine fibroids are a fairly common condition in women. In fact, an estimated 26 million women between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids. However, because uterine fibroids frequently don’t manifest any symptoms, you might not be aware that you have them. Inadvertent fibroids may be found by your doctor when performing a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.
Who is at risk for uterine fibroids?
Your likelihood of having fibroids may be influenced by a number of risk factors. These may consist of:
- Obesity and higher body weight than what is deemed healthy for you (more than 20% over).
- Fibroids run in the family.
- Not being a parent.
- Early menstrual cycle start (getting your period at a young age).
- Menopause at a late age.
Where do fibroids grow?
Fibroids can develop in a number of locations both inside and outside of your uterus. Your treatment depends on the size and location of your fibroids. Which sort of treatment will work best for you or if treatment is even required will depend on where, how big, and how many fibroids you have.
The areas of the uterus where your fibroids are found are referred to by various names. These names indicate the fibroid’s location as well as its attachment. There are particular areas where uterine fibroids can develop, such as:
- Submucosal fibroids: In this situation, the fibroids are developing inside the cavity of the uterus, where a developing fetus is housed during pregnancy. Imagine the growths descending into the uterus’s center, where there is currently empty space.
- Intramural fibroids: These tumors grow inside the uterine wall. Think of the uterus’ sides as the walls of a house. Within this muscular wall, the fibroids are expanding.
- Subserosal fibroids: This time, these fibroids are situated on the outside of the uterus and are intimately related to the exterior wall of the uterus.
- Pedunculated fibroids: These fibroids are the least typical form and are also seen outside the uterus. On the other hand, pedunculated fibroids have a short stem that connects them to the uterus. Since they have a stalk before a much wider top, they are frequently compared to mushrooms.
How fast do fibroids grow?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive rate of growth for fibroids. It can often be difficult to anticipate the rate of fibroid growth and when symptoms be begin or worsen.
For many women, development is gradual and does not significantly worsen symptoms. Some women have fibroids that don’t change much over time. Others may experience rapid fibroid growth along with crippling, life-altering symptoms like copious bleeding, excruciating pelvic pain, and an obviously enlarged abdomen.
On the other hand, there are instances when fibroids tend to contract, such as after childbirth or menopause. This may result in a decrease in the associated symptoms.
Can Fibroids Grow in Six Months?
Within six months, fibroids can develop, albeit they might not be visible. While some fibroids may not exhibit any symptoms at that time, others may grow to a size that compromises your health.
As they develop, you can appear to have put on weight or be pregnant. Other times, the change may not be easily noticeable from the outside, but may begin to press against organs as they develop.
Fibroid growth can also be accelerated by hormone changes, such as during pregnancy or the start of birth control use.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symotoms of fibroids or has a history of fibroids and is ready to find a solution & treatment, the 1Fibroid team is here to help.
