Fibroids: painful female suffering

2013

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Like a thousand pinpricks in the back, the pain caused by a fibroid can be felt. A feeling of pressure in the abdomen to severe pain, strong and particularly long menstrual bleeding are also indicia. Depending on the location and size of the fibroid, indigestion or frequent urination may be added. "In Germany, about 70 percent of women of childbearing age have fibroids, " says Dr. Ingo von Leffern, gynecologist and director of the Albertinen Women's Hospital in Hamburg.

The benign tumors in the muscle tissue of the uterus can be as small as a pea, but also grow strongly or occur in large numbers. The hormone estrogen stimulates their growth. Half of the affected women are causing complaints. However, many think that the pain or heavy bleeding was part of the womanhood. But that's not true.

Anyone who has complaints, should talk to the gynecologist. Our checklist can help you. A tactile or ultrasound examination gives clarity. Even with unwanted childlessness, fibroids should be looked at.

They are a possible cause. In pregnancy, they increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. If fibroids are detected as a mere incidental finding during the routine examination and do not cause discomfort, they do not need to be treated. However, if they are the reason for pain or restrictions, therapy is an option. Very often the uterus is still removed. However, this should be the last step. "Especially women who want to have children want to keep their uterus and are looking for therapy alternatives, " says Dr. med. from Leffern.

Medically, antiestrogens - the antagonists of estrogen - can shrink fibroids . But often they grow after weaning. This hormone therapy also has side effects such as hot flashes, loss of libido or bone weakness - as in menopause . Often, therefore, it is only used in women in which the menopause is imminent.

Once they have entered, fibroids will automatically shrink as estrogen production stops. New are tablets with the active ingredient ulipristalacetate, especially for myoma treatment. They block the action of progesterone, which occurs in the uterine lining, and cause the structures to shrink. Advantage: It does not come to menopausal-like side effects. But: The tablets are currently only approved for pretreatment of an OP. Because the tumors are large or always grow after, should be operated on - by abdominal section or minimally invasive intervention.

Another possibility is embolization. By means of a catheter, plastic particles are directed into the blood vessels supplying the myoma. These are blocked, the fibroid dies off. With MRI-guided focused ultrasound, it is destroyed by heat in an uterus-friendly way. Important to know: Embolisation and ultrasound are not taken over by all health insurances - clarify this beforehand.