Fibroids are very common nd as we all know it is seen in women only as men doesn't have uterus otherwise called womb
Fibroid is present in almost 30% of women especially women over 25years of age. So don't be surprised if you see a woman of that age group being diagnosed of the condition
Fibroid is a benign tumour of the uterus .it is also called a leiomyoma
Fibroid is the commonest tumour of female population though benign meaning that it's not cancerous
Fibroid can be present anywhere inside nd outside the uterus (Womb) however the commonest sites and types are:
As a matter of fact I have seen a lady of 18years having symptomatic fibroid
If it's in interior part of the uterus where implantation of fertilized egg occurred this place is called the endometrial cavity and fibroid around this site is called a SUBMUCOUS FIBROID
If it's outside the border of the muscle of the uterus it is called subserosal fbroid
If the fibroid is within the muscle of the uterus it is called intramural or myometrial fibroid
Some are attached to the uterus by a narrow pedicle containing blood vessels this is called pedunculated fibroid
Some are within the fallopian tube called intra ligamentary fibroid
Some are seen around the cervix (cervix is the downward part of the uterus) this is called cervical fibroid
What exactly causes fibroid?
Vast majority of fibroids are asymptomatic but may be identified coincidentally
Causes of fibroid are unknown however there are some factors that has been associated with it's prevalence or Risk factors which are:
1) African racial origin; fibroid has been said to be 3 times higher in blacks than Caucasians.
2) Positive family history:
3) Nulliparity; this means someone that has given birth before
4) obesity
[2/6, 7:24 AM] Kola Abass: What are the symptoms of fibroids?
[2/6, 7:24 AM] Kola Abass: Symptoms are majorly of 2types;
Menstrual disturbances
Pressure symptoms
Also unless fibroids cause symptoms they do not require any treatment
Menstrual symptoms inform of heavy menstrual flow,irregular menstruation
Pressure symptoms like urinary frequency ,urgency and low abdominal pain
Though pain is unusual except during degeneration
Also subfertility is part of the symptoms
:Let's note that fibroid does not the risk of miscarriages in pregnancy
After delivery heavy bleeding may occur which is called post partum haemorrhage due to inefficient uterine contraction because of the presence of the fibroid
Major common investigations for fibroids are;
Cli
In late pregnancy fibroids located in the cervix can cause abnormal lie of the baby
Fibroid does not increase the risk of miscarriages in pregnancy
Clinical and radiological investigation
Clinical evaluation and ultrasound scanning
Treatment are
Conservative management for asymptomatic fibroid
Medical treatment using some medications which will reduce the symptoms and possibly shrink the fibroid nodules. Medical treatment has higher failure rate
However treatment is always considered depending on individual and based on the patients complaints,patient's aspiration for menstrual function and fertility
The only trusted treatment for fibroid is the removal of the uterus called hysterectomy
There are different conditions that can affect the prostate n they are:
Prostatitis
Benign prostate enlargement
Prostate cancer
Prostatitis :This is simply the Inflammation (Infectious swelling) of the prostate, sometimes caused by infection and is treated with antibiotics.
Enlarged prostate : Called benign prostatic hypertrophy or enlargement or BPH:This is a non cancerous increase in the size of the prostate.
This prostate growth affects virtually all men over 50. Symptoms of difficult urination tend to increase with age.
What are the symptoms ofprostate enlargement?
The symptoms of prostate enlargement are called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
As the prostate enlarges it may cause narrowing of the urethra(the tube controlling passage of urine) .
This may partially obstruct the flow of urine and can lead to obstructive symptoms such as:
Poor stream: The flow of urine is weaker and it takes longer to empty your bladder.
Hesitancy : You may have to wait at the toilet for a while before urine starts to flow.
Dribbling : Towards the end of passing urine, the flow becomes a slow dribble.
Poor emptying : You may have a feeling of not quite emptying your bladder.
The enlarged prostate may also make the bladder irritable(Irritable symptoms) which may cause:
Frequency : You may pass urine more often than normal. This can be most irritating if it happens at night.
Getting up several times a night to pass urine is a common symptom and is called NOCTURIA.
Urgency: This means you have to get to the toilet quickly when you need to go.
Usually the symptoms are mild to begin with - perhaps a slightly reduced urine flow, or having to wait a few seconds to start passing urine.
Over months or years the symptoms may become more troublesome and severe and Complications develop in some cases.
What are the possible complications?
Urinary symptoms do not worsen in everyone. Serious complications are unlikely to occur in most men with an enlarged prostate. Complications that sometimes occur include:
In some cases, a total blockage of urine occurs so you will no longer be able to pass urine. This is called urinary retention. It can be very uncomfortable and you will need to have a small tube (catheter) inserted to drain the bladder.
It occurs in less than 1 in 100 men with an enlarged prostate each year.
In some cases, only some of the urine in the bladder is emptied when you pass urine. Some urine remains in the bladder at all times. This ongoing condition is called chronic retention. This may cause repeated (recurring) urine infections, or incontinence (as urine dribbles around the blockage rather than large amounts being passed each time you go to the toilet).
Note 1: An enlarged prostate does not always cause symptoms. Only a quarter to a half of men with an enlarged prostate will have symptoms. Also, the severity of the symptoms is not always related to the size of the prostate. It depends on how much the prostate obstructs the urethra.
Note 2: Not all urinary symptoms in men are due to an enlarged prostate. In particular, if you pass blood, become incontinent, or have pain, it may be due to bladder, kidney or other prostate conditions.
Do I need any tests?
Benign prostatic enlargement is usually diagnosed based on the typical symptoms as described earlier.
Tests are not needed to confirm the diagnosis but to make sure no complications have developed. Tests are also useful in ruling out other causes of your symptoms and sometimes give the doctor an idea of the size of your prostate. The following tests may be done:
A doctor may examine your prostate to see how big it is. This is done by inserting a gloved finger into your back passage (through the anus into the rectum) to feel the back of the prostate gland. The size of your bladder may be assessed by examining your tummy (abdomen).
Urine and blood tests may be done to check the function of you kidneys , to exclude a urine infection and to check there is no blood in the urine.
A referral to a bladder specialist (urologist) may be advised if your symptoms are troublesome or if complications develop. Tests may be done in these more severe cases, particularly if surgery is being considered as a treatment. For example:
A look inside the bladder with a special telescope (cystoscopy) .
A urine flow test to assess how bad the obstruction has become.
An ultrasound scan to see whether much urine remains in the bladder after you pass urine (void).
Voiding diary. You may be asked to complete a diary over a week or so. This will have information about the number of times during the day and night you void, the amount passed and also the number and types of drinks you have had.
A prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be offered, although this test is not done routinely. This can be used as a marker for the size of the prostate. Larger prostates make more PSA.
Note: A high PSA level is also found in people with prostate cancer. It has to be stressed that most men with prostate symptoms do not have prostate cancer.
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