Dr Noah O. OLAOMO
Welcome to another edition of our discussion on Fibroid, I hope you have been taking notes for yourself and you can sure refer others to Doctors Room. Today, we would be looking at the coexistence of fibroid and pregnancy, however, it usually causes additional challenges for the woman. Some of these include-
- Increased frequency and severity of pain in pregnancy
- Increased likelihood of miscarriage
- Abnormal position of the baby in the womb: Fibroid nodules may prevent the baby from lying head down if they are in the lower part of the womb.
- Increased possibility of Caesarean section. Fibroid in pregnancy may increase the possibility of CS through:
- Blocking the passage way for the baby. Fibroids that are lying in the lower part of the womb can obstruct the labour thus resulting in CS.
- Increased abnormal lie and position of the baby: Fibroid can contribute to abnormal lie like breech and transverse lie thus resulting in Caesarean section.
- Increased likelihood of bleeding after delivery. Fibroid delays contraction of the womb after delivery and this may result in excessive bleeding.
Despite all these, the good news is several women still deliver naturally despite fibroid coexisting with their pregnancy.
There are various investigations that can be done for women with this condition, some of these are-
- Ultrasound scan: An ultrasound scanning is a very effective way of diagnosing fibroid. It is very safe. It can be done through the abdomen or per vagina.
- Other investigations are usually done to assess the impact of the fibroid, rule out other diseases or in preparation for surgery. These may include PCV to assess the level of blood and screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and C in preparation for surgery.
Management of Fibroid
The management of fibroid depends on the age and reproductive desire of the woman.
There are two ways of managing, it could be surgical or medical.
Surgical Management
Removal of Fibroid Nodules ( Myomectomy):
This is the removal of fibroid nodules only leaving the uterus behind. This ensures the womb is preserved. This is the option of choice for women who wants to preserve their wombs. It is also for young women and women with infertility.However, there is the possibility of the fibroid occurring again.
Removal of The Womb (Hysterectomy)
The definite solution to fibroid is removal of the womb. This option is for women who have completed their family size, are close to menopause, have other gynaecological problems and do not want to retain their uterus. Once the uterus is removed, fibroid cannot occur again.
Medical Management
Fibroids cannot be cured with drugs, concoction or any injection.
However, drugs are useful in controlling some of the symptoms;
Excessive bleeding: There are drugs that are useful in stopping and controlling excessive bleeding.
Menstrual pain: Analgesics of different types are very useful in controlling menstrual pain.
Blood tonics: These are used to boost the blood level of people with anaemia and to maintain a good level of PCV in others.
Thank you
Dr Olaomo Noah Oluwafemi is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a love for writing. His desire is to enhance people’s lifestyle and effect positive change in their health through his writings
