Gynecological Surgery in Dubai

Fibroids vs Polyps: Understanding The Difference

by GynaecologistUncategorized

Women often experience various gynecological health concerns, and two common issues that can arise are fibroids and polyps. Though they may sound similar, fibroids and polyps are distinct in nature, with differing symptoms, causes, and treatments. It’s crucial to understand the differences to ensure that proper care and treatment are sought. For those experiencing unusual symptoms, consulting a gynecology surgeon in Dubai is an important first step. Patientexperts.co can help you in connecting with the right specialist to address your concerns.

In this blog, we will break down what fibroids and polyps are, how they differ, and the importance of early diagnosis and management.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or around the uterus. These growths are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue, and they can vary in size from as small as a seed to as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids can develop in different areas of the uterus, and based on their location, they are classified into several types:

  • Intramural Fibroids: Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.
  • Submucosal Fibroids: Develop just under the lining of the uterus.
  • Subserosal Fibroids: Grow on the outer wall of the uterus and can extend into the abdominal cavity.
  • Pedunculated Fibroids: Attached to the uterus by a thin stalk.

What Are Polyps?

Polyps are also non-cancerous growths, but they differ from fibroids in structure and location. Polyps form in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) or the cervix. Uterine polyps are soft, unlike the denser, muscular fibroids. They can range in size from millimeters to several centimeters and may be either sessile (flat) or pedunculated (attached by a stalk). Polyps can develop at any age but are most common in women who are nearing or have reached menopause.

Key Differences Between Fibroids and Polyps

Though both fibroids and polyps can cause discomfort and abnormal bleeding, they have several differences:

  • Composition and Structure
  • Fibroids: Composed of dense, muscular tissue, fibroids tend to be more solid and firm.
  • Polyps: Made up of soft tissue from the lining of the uterus or cervix, polyps are more fragile.
  • Location
  • Fibroids: Can grow in various parts of the uterus (intramural, submucosal, subserosal).
  • Polyps: Usually grow in the uterine cavity (endometrial polyps) or the cervix (cervical polyps).
  • Size
  • Fibroids: These growths can become quite large, ranging from a few millimeters to several inches.
  • Polyps: Polyps are typically smaller, measuring only a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters.
  • Symptoms

Fibroids: 

Symptoms of fibroids may include:

  • Heavy and prolonged menstrual periods
  • Pelvic pain and pressure
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant (in some cases)

Polyps: 

Polyps are often asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Irregular menstrual bleeding
  • Spotting between periods
  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Post-menopausal bleeding
  • Cause
  • Fibroids: The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but hormonal factors (such as estrogen and progesterone) and genetics are believed to play a role.
  • Polyps: Hormonal imbalances, particularly excess estrogen, are considered to be a primary factor in the development of polyps.

Diagnosis of Fibroids and Polyps

Both fibroids and polyps are diagnosed through similar methods. A gynecologist in Dubai can recommend the following diagnostic procedures:

  • Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and detect fibroids or polyps.
  • Hysteroscopy: A procedure that involves inserting a thin, lighted tube into the uterus through the cervix to examine the uterine lining.
  • Sonohysterography: This procedure uses saline to expand the uterine cavity for better imaging during an ultrasound.
  • Endometrial biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken from the lining of the uterus to check for abnormalities.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns, Patientexperts.co can help you connect with the right gynecologist in Dubai who specializes in these diagnostic procedures.

Treatment Options

Treatment for fibroids and polyps varies based on the severity of symptoms, the size of the growths, and whether the woman wishes to have children.

Treatment for Fibroids:

  • Medication: Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, can help manage symptoms but won’t eliminate fibroids.
  • Non-invasive procedures: Uterine artery embolization (UAE) blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
  • Surgical options:
  • Myomectomy: Removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.
  • Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus, which is considered a permanent solution for fibroids.

Treatment for Polyps:

  • Medication: Hormonal medications may help reduce symptoms.
  • Removal procedures: Polyps can often be removed through a hysteroscopy.
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C): A procedure where the lining of the uterus is scraped to remove polyps.

In both cases, treatment decisions are based on the severity of symptoms, the size of the growth, and the woman’s overall health and reproductive goals. If you’re unsure of which treatment is best for you, expert  gynecology surgeons in Dubai can provide tailored advice. Patientexperts.co offers an easy way to find the right specialist for your situation.

Importance of Seeking Professional Help

While fibroids and polyps are typically benign, it’s important to seek the guidance of a medical professional if symptoms arise. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications such as anemia (from excessive blood loss), fertility issues, or the growth of larger fibroids or polyps. A gynecologist in Dubai can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.

If you are unsure where to start, Patientexperts.co can help you in connecting with experienced gynecologists in Dubai who can offer the best solutions for your health concerns.

When to See a Gynecologist in Dubai

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to consult a gynecology surgeon in Dubai:

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Spotting between periods or after menopause
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant

Regular check-ups and early detection play a significant role in managing fibroids and polyps effectively. Patientexperts.co can help you find a gynecologist in Dubai who specializes in diagnosing and treating these conditions, ensuring that you receive the best possible care for your reproductive health.

Conclusion

Though fibroids and polyps may share some similarities, they are fundamentally different conditions that require distinct approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these differences is the first step toward managing your health. If you are experiencing unusual symptoms or suspect you may have fibroids or polyps, don’t hesitate to reach out to a gynecologist in Dubai through Patientexperts.co for advice, diagnosis, and treatment options.

By taking charge of your reproductive health and connecting with the right healthcare professionals, you can improve your quality of life and avoid potential complications. Contact us today to know more. 

Uterine Fibroids: Exploring Symptoms and Treatment Options

Uterine Fibroids: Exploring Symptoms and Treatment Options

by Gynaecologist

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas, are muscle cell growths in the uterine (womb) wall that are benign (not malignant). They are the most prevalent pelvic tumour, affecting around 70% of women by the age of 50. This is a condition that affects women of all ages, but it is more common in those of childbearing age. Fibroids can range in size from invisible to the naked eye to the size of a grapefruit or greater. The majority of women with fibroids have no symptoms and do not require treatment.

Tests to find out uterine fibroids:

Uterine fibroids are often discovered by chance during a normal pelvic exam. Your doctor may see irregularities in the shape of your uterus, indicating the presence of fibroids. If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, you may need the following tests: 

Ultrasound: This test employs sound waves to capture an image of your uterus. It can confirm, map, and measure fibroids. A doctor or technician moves the ultrasound instrument, known as a transducer, across your abdominal area. This is known as transabdominal ultrasonography. Or, the device is inserted into your vagina to obtain photographs of your uterus. This is known as a transvaginal ultrasound. 

Laboratory tests: If you have irregular monthly bleeding, you may require blood tests to determine the cause. A full blood count to check for anaemia owing to continuing blood loss may be one of them. Other blood tests can look for bleeding issues and thyroid abnormalities.

If an ultrasound does not provide adequate information, you may require additional imaging examinations, such as: 

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI: This test can reveal more about the size and location of fibroids. It can also detect various sorts of tumours and help choose treatment options. An MRI is most commonly utilised in people with a bigger uterus or those nearing menopause, also known as perimenopause.

Hysterosonography: Hysterosonography is the use of sterile salt water (saline) to increase the area inside the uterus, known as the uterine cavity. This makes it easier to obtain photos of submucosal fibroids and the uterine lining if you’re attempting to conceive or have heavy menstrual flow. Another term for hysterosonography is a saline infusion sonogram.

Hysterosalpingography: Hysterosalpingography is the employment of a dye to highlight the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes on X-ray pictures. If you are experiencing infertility, your doctor may recommend it. This test can determine whether your fallopian tubes are open or blocked, and it can detect some submucosal fibroids.

Hysteroscopy: During this exam, your doctor inserts a small, illuminated telescope called a hysteroscope through your cervix into your uterus. The uterus is then filled with saline. This extends the uterine cavity, allowing your doctor to examine the uterine walls and fallopian tube apertures.

Symptoms:

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding, such as heavy or protracted period 
  • Anaemia due to blood loss 
  • Constipation or Rectal Pain
  • Large fibroids induce enlargement of the abdomen.
  • Frequent urination or trouble urinating 
  • Menstrual pain. 
  • Pain during intercourse. 
  • Pelvic pressure 
  • Low backache 
  • Reproductive issues (such as infertility and miscarriage) 
  • Vaginal bleeding not related to menstruation

Treatments

There is no single optimum treatment for uterine fibroids. Numerous therapeutic options exist. If you have symptoms, consult with your healthcare team about how to seek relief. 

  • Watchful waiting: Many persons with uterine fibroids exhibit no symptoms. Alternatively, they have mildly bothersome symptoms that they can live with. If this is the case for you, watchful waiting may be the best option. Fibroids are not cancerous. They rarely interfere with a pregnancy. They frequently grow slowly — or not at all — and tend to diminish after menopause, when reproductive hormone levels fall.
  • Medicines: Medicines for uterine fibroids target hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. They address symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort. They do not remove fibroids, although they may diminish them. Medications include: 
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These treat fibroids by preventing the body from producing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. This induces a transient menopause-like state. As a result, menstrual cycles end, fibroids decrease, and anaemia often improves. 

GnRH agonists include leuprolide (Lupron Depot, Eligard, etc.), goserelin (Zoladex), and triptorelin (Trelstar, Triptodur Kit). Many people get hot flashes when utilising GnRH agonists. Typically, these medications are taken for no longer than six months. That’s because symptoms recur when the medication is removed, and long-term use can lead to bone loss. Sometimes GnRH agonists are used with low-dose oestrogen or progestin. You could hear this referred to as add-back therapy. It can reduce negative effects and may allow you to take GnRH agonists for up to 12 months.

Your doctor may give a GnRH agonist to reduce the size of your fibroids before surgery. Alternatively, you may be prescribed this medication to assist you move into menopause. 

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists: These medications can treat heavy menstrual bleeding in persons with uterine fibroids who have not gone through menopause. However, they do not decrease fibroids. GnRH antagonists can last for up to two years. Taking them in conjunction with add-back therapy helps reduce negative effects including hot flashes and bone loss. Sometimes these medications already contain low-dose oestrogen or progestin. GnRH antagonists include elagolix (Oriahnn) and relugolix (Myfembree).
  • A progestin-releasing intrauterine device: A progestin-releasing IUD can help with fibroids-related excessive bleeding. It simply alleviates symptoms, though. It does not shrink or remove fibroids. It also prevents pregnancy. Tranexamic acid (Lysteda; Cyklokapron). This nonhormonal medication can help with heavy menstrual cycles. You only take it on days when you’re bleeding heavily. 
  • Other medications: Your doctor may recommend other medications. For example, low-dose birth control medications can help regulate menstrual bleeding. However, they do not lower fibroid size. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can help decrease pain associated with fibroids, but they do not diminish fibroids-related bleeding. NSAIDs are not hormonal medications. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). If you have excessive menstrual bleeding with anaemia, your doctor may recommend vitamins and iron supplements.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids or seeking a comprehensive treatment plan, consulting a skilled gynaecologist is essential. For those in the UAE, numerous highly qualified gynaecologist in Dubai are equipped with the latest knowledge and technologies to provide personalized care. By partnering with a dedicated specialist, you can navigate your treatment journey with confidence, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your reproductive health and overall well-being.