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The intramural fibroid is a gynecological alteration characterized by the development of the fibroid between the walls of the uterus and that is in most cases related to the unbalance of the woman's hormone levels.
Although some cases are asymptomatic, intramural fibroids can cause abdominal pain, increased menstrual flow and changes in fertility, and it is important to consult the gynecologist to make an assessment and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be started, which may involve performing surgery or using medication to control myoma growth.
Main symptoms
Most cases of intramural fibroids do not lead to the appearance of signs or symptoms, being identified from gynecological imaging exams. However, some women may report the appearance of some symptoms when they increase in size or when there are several fibroids, the main ones being:
- Pain in the lower abdomen;
- Increased abdominal volume;
- Alteration in menstrual flow;
- Constipation;
- Difficulty urinating;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period, however, is not so common in this type of fibroid.
Thus, in the presence of signs indicative of gynecological changes, it is important to consult the gynecologist so that tests can be done to help make the diagnosis, such as transvaginal, abdominal ultrasound and diagnostic hysteroscopy, for example. Check out other tests and symptoms that help confirm the diagnosis of myoma.
Intramural fibroids make pregnancy difficult?
Impaired fertility by the fibroid is a controversial situation, as some scholars believe that this benign tumor does not interfere with the woman's ability to bear children. Others argue that, depending on their location, the fallopian tubes can be affected, which makes it difficult for the sperm to meet the egg, but this would be a very specific case.
The woman who has fibroids and becomes pregnant may have a normal pregnancy, however, in cases of very large tumors or that cause many symptoms, there may be greater difficulty for the development of the fetus. Therefore, it is important that the woman who has fibroids and who plans to become pregnant should follow up with the gynecologist, so that treatment can be started, if necessary.
Causes of fibroids
The development of myoma does not yet have a well-established cause, however it is believed that it is directly related to hormonal changes. In addition, some factors can increase the risk of developing this type of fibroid, such as early menarche, food rich in red meat and low in vegetables and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
In addition, women with a family history of myoma are also more likely to develop intramural fibroid throughout life.
Although intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroids, other sites that tumors can develop include the inner lining of the uterus, which is called submucosal fibroids, or in its outermost part, called subserous fibroids. See more details on fibroid types and causes.
How to treat
Treatment for intramural fibroids should be indicated by the gynecologist according to the characteristics of the fibroid and the general health of the woman, with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms and hormone therapy to prevent the growth of fibroid. However, in general, fibroids tend to regrow when a person stops taking medications.
Another possibility is to perform surgical procedures, which include embolization or occlusion of the uterine artery, as they are irrigated by blood vessels, which consequently lead to the death of the tumor.Tumor removal surgery, such as myomectomy or, in some cases, removal of the uterus, especially in women who no longer wish to become pregnant, can also be good options.