What is Fibroid Degeneration?
Fibroid degeneration occurs when a fibroid receives inadequate blood supply. The fibroid undergoes degeneration, gradually shrinking to a size that can be sustained by the current blood flow.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop inside or on the muscular walls of the uterus. A woman is most likely to develop them from her early 20s and into her 40s and even 50s at times. Up to 80% of women will develop fibroids, although symptoms aren't always present.
Symptoms of fibroids include:
Pain during intercourse
Anemia due to heavy bleeding
Lower abdominal pain/swelling, which can be mistaken as weight gain or pregnancy
Frequent urination
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation
Backache or leg pains
Also referred to as leiomyomas or myomas, fibroids vary in size and can range from almost undetectable to the size of a grapefruit, which can then distort the shape of the uterus. These growths can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and discomfort during intercourse, leading to a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. While the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, factors such as genetics, hormones, and age may contribute to their development.
If you're experiencing any pain related to fibroids, please schedule an appointment with us to discuss it with our fibroid specialists.
What is fibroid degeneration?
Fibroid degeneration can occur when the fibroids outgrow their blood supply, causing the tissue to die and become twisted or calcified. When a fibroid receives an inadequate blood supply, it undergoes degeneration, gradually shrinking to a size that can be sustained by the current blood flow. However, this shrinking is often not permanent, as fibroids tend to grow back to their original size, restarting the cycle and causing uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms. The pain experienced during fibroid degeneration can range from a few days to a few weeks. As long as there is a blood supply to the fibroid, this cycle can continue.
What are the symptoms of fibroid degeneration?
The symptoms of degenerated fibroids can catch a woman off guard, as they are more severe and include sudden, sharp abdominal pain that is often localized to one side or quadrant of the pelvis, as well as abdominal swelling and bloating.
Acute, stabbing abdominal pain that lasts a few days to a few weeks
Swelling of the abdomen
Fever
While the symptoms of fibroid degeneration can be uncomfortable, treatments are available to help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Is fibroid degeneration a good thing?
Fibroid degeneration might sound good because a fibroid is shrinking in size, but it's not a sign of your fibroids going away for good. It's important to see a fibroid specialist at MIMIT Health for any painful symptoms related to fibroids.
Do degenerating fibroids need to be removed?
Until you talk with a specialist, it's difficult to say for certain. However, removing degenerating fibroids can provide relief and improve quality of life for those experiencing discomfort.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a treatment for fibroids that targets the blood supply to the fibroid, gradually shrinking the tissue until it disappears. Unlike surgery, embolization involves only a small incision and has a much shorter recovery time. This minimally invasive procedure has been proven effective in treating degenerating fibroids and giving women relief from the associated discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of a degenerating fibroid, consider speaking with your doctor about the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization.
Living with fibroids
Diet and exercise
Daily exercise is vital for everyone, not just those with fibroids. Aim for 30 minutes every day doing activities like walking or yoga. In terms of diet, ensure you're following a natural fibroid care plan—one that focuses on vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron.
UFE Support Group
Join this women-led UFE support group on Facebook where members can ask questions, get advice, and more when it comes to uterine fibroid embolization.