Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Wakad, Pune

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign, non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They are incredibly common, affecting up to 70% of women by age 50. Fibroids can range in size from a small seed to large masses that distort and enlarge the uterus. They are classified by their location: intramural (within the uterine muscle wall), subserosal (projecting outside the uterus), and submucosal (bulging into the uterine cavity). While the word 'tumor' sounds alarming, it is crucial to understand that fibroids are benign and the risk of malignancy is exceedingly rare. However, depending on their size and location, they can significantly disrupt a woman's quality of life.

Many women have fibroids and never know it because they cause no symptoms. However, symptomatic fibroids most commonly present with heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding, which can lead to severe anemia and fatigue. Other symptoms depend on the fibroid's size and location. Large fibroids can press on surrounding organs, causing a feeling of pelvic pressure, frequent urination (bladder compression), constipation (bowel compression), or lower back pain. Submucosal fibroids, even small ones, can cause significant bleeding and fertility issues. Dr. Kalekar diagnoses fibroids through a clinical pelvic exam and confirms their size and precise location using a high-resolution pelvic ultrasound.

Our primary approach to fibroid management is conservative. If your fibroids are small and asymptomatic, 'watchful waiting' with regular ultrasound monitoring is all that is required. For women experiencing heavy bleeding or pain, we initiate medical management first. This includes non-hormonal medications to reduce menstrual blood loss (like Tranexamic acid) and pain relievers (NSAIDs). Hormonal therapies, such as oral contraceptive pills, progestins, or the Mirena IUD, are highly effective at controlling heavy bleeding and regulating the cycle, though they do not shrink the fibroids significantly. These medical options are often sufficient to manage symptoms until menopause, after which fibroids naturally shrink.

When medical management is ineffective, or if fibroids are causing severe bulk symptoms (pressure/pain) or interfering with fertility, surgery may be necessary. For women who wish to preserve their uterus or their ability to have children, Dr. Kalekar performs a Myomectomy — the surgical removal of the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. Whenever feasible, this is performed via advanced Laparoscopic Surgery. Laparoscopic myomectomy offers the benefits of tiny incisions, significantly less post-operative pain, and a much faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

For women who have completed their families and are suffering from severe, intractable symptoms due to multiple or very large fibroids, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be the most definitive solution. Hysterectomy guarantees that fibroids will not return and permanently cures heavy bleeding. Like myomectomy, Dr. Kalekar performs this procedure laparoscopically (Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy - TLH) whenever medically appropriate, ensuring a safer procedure with a rapid return to normal life. Every surgical decision is made collaboratively, ensuring you understand all options and are comfortable with the chosen path.

Common queries about uterine fibroids.

• Are they cancerous? No, fibroids are benign muscular growths; cancer risk is extremely rare.
• What are the symptoms? Heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and lower back pain.
• Do they all need surgery? No, small asymptomatic fibroids only need monitoring. Medical management is the first line for symptoms.
• Can they affect fertility? Submucosal fibroids (inside the cavity) can affect implantation and may need removal.
• What is a myomectomy? Surgery to remove the fibroids while preserving the uterus, often done laparoscopically.