Fibroids, urinary incontinence
At Vatsalya Hospital, Bhilwara, we offer specialized care for women experiencing fibroids and urinary incontinence. These conditions can have a significant impact on a woman’s daily life, causing discomfort, pain, and emotional distress. Our team is dedicated to providing effective, personalized treatment options to help women manage these conditions and improve their quality of life.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are also known as leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids vary in size, ranging from small, undetectable masses to large tumors that can distort and enlarge the uterus. Although fibroids are common, they do not always cause symptoms and may go unnoticed unless they grow large or are located in sensitive areas.
Intramural Fibroids
These grow within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type.
Subserosal Fibroids
These develop on the outer surface of the uterus and can sometimes appear like stalks growing out from the uterus.
Submucosal Fibroids
Located just under the lining of the uterus, these fibroids can grow into the uterine cavity and cause heavy bleeding.
Pedunculated Fibroids
These are attached to the uterus by a thin stalk and can grow either inside or outside the uterus.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids:
Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Periods
This can lead to anemia due to excessive blood loss.
Pelvic Pain or Pressure
A sensation of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area.
Frequent Urination
Pressure on the bladder can cause the need to urinate more often.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosing fibroids typically involves a pelvic examination, ultrasound, MRI, or hysteroscopy to visualize the fibroids.
Treatment options depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms:
Medications
Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or GnRH agonists, can help regulate menstruation and shrink fibroids.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Options include uterine artery embolization (UAE) to cut off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink, or laparoscopic myomectomy to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus.
Surgical Options
In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended, particularly if other treatments have been unsuccessful or if the fibroids are very large.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can range from occasional dribbling to complete loss of bladder control. Urinary incontinence is a common issue among women, particularly as they age or after childbirth, but it can occur at any stage of life.
Types of Urinary Incontinence:
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are also known as leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids vary in size, ranging from small, undetectable masses to large tumors that can distort and enlarge the uterus. Although fibroids are common, they do not always cause symptoms and may go unnoticed unless they grow large or are located in sensitive areas.
Stress Incontinence
Leakage occurs during activities that increase pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Urge Incontinence
A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. This is often associated with an overactive bladder.
Mixed Incontinence
A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Overflow Incontinence
Involuntary release of urine due to an inability to empty the bladder completely, leading to overflow.
Functional Incontinence
Incontinence due to physical or mental impairments that prevent reaching the bathroom in time.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: The stress of carrying and delivering a baby can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
- Aging: As women age, the muscles of the bladder and urethra can lose strength.
- Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels after menopause can contribute to incontinence.
- Obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the bladder and pelvic muscles.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Diabetes, neurological disorders, and urinary tract infections can also lead to incontinence.
Diagnosis and Treatment (Urinary Incontinence) :
Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, urine tests, bladder diary, and urodynamic testing to assess bladder function.
Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss, fluid management, and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine can help manage symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can improve control over urination.
Medications
Various medications can reduce bladder overactivity or increase bladder capacity.
Medical Devices
Pessaries or urethral inserts can provide support and reduce leakage.
Surgical Options
Procedures such as sling surgery or bladder neck suspension may be considered for more severe cases.
Vatsalya Hospital’s Approach to Care
At Vatsalya Hospital, Bhilwara, we understand the physical and emotional challenges associated with fibroids and urinary incontinence. Our team of experienced gynecologists and urologists offers comprehensive, compassionate care to help women manage these conditions effectively.
Why Choose Vatsalya Hospital?
- Experienced Specialists: Our team is skilled in the latest treatments and surgical techniques for managing fibroids and urinary incontinence.
- Personalized Care Plans: We develop individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and reproductive goals.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to accurately assess and diagnose your condition, ensuring the best possible care.
