Approximately 80% of women will experience polyps or fibroids at some point in their lifetime. They are frequently mistaken for one another as they are both growths that develop in or on the uterine wall.
Knowing the difference between polyps and fibroids and the signs to watch for will help women seek the right treatment and avoid potential health issues.
Budget Fertility Center, a renowned gynecology clinic, offers advanced polyps and fibroids treatment in Mumbai under some of the top fertility specialists and gynecologist in Mumbai, who are pioneers in their field. Here you are assured of result-oriented and affordable treatments tailored to your unique need.
To assist you in understanding polyps vs. fibroids, we have outlined the similarities and differences below.
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are benign growths of connective tissues and muscles that can develop in or on the uterus. Up to 80% of women will experience uterine fibroids by the time they are 50.
Most of the time, uterine fibroids grow slowly, are asymptomatic, and resolve on their own. However, depending on their size and location, they may impact pregnancy or fertility.
In some cases, fibroids may cause uncomfortable symptoms and complications, such as:
- Lower back pain
- Painful cramps during menses
- Excessive bleeding
- Abdominal swelling
- Infertility
- Urinary frequency
- Painful intercourse
- Fatigue due to heavy bleeding
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, taking charge of your treatment options is necessary rather than letting the problems go untreated.
You can visit the expert gynecologists at Budget Fertility Center for comprehensive fibroids treatment in Mumbai.
What causes fibroids?
There is no known cause for uterine fibroids. Their growth may be linked to female hormones progesterone and estrogen. Other factors that could influence fibroid growth are:
- Genetics
- Being obese or overweight
- Consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and red meat
What are the treatments for uterine fibroids?
The gynecologist at Budget Fertility Center will decide on the best course of treatment after assessing your case through detailed consultation and diagnostic test results.
Treatment options for fibroids include:
Medications
- Vitamins and iron
- Hormonal birth control
- NSAIDs
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists
Surgery
The type of surgical procedure will depend on the severity of your issue and whether you want to have children in the future.
- Myomectomy
- Uterine fibroid embolization
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysterectomy
- Radiofrequency ablation
The gynecologist doctor in Mumbai at Budget Fertility Center are experts in minimally-invasive surgical modalities, which offer quicker recovery and fewer complications.
Now that you know what uterine fibroids are let’s move on to polyps.
What are polyps?
Uterine polyps are growths that develop due to abnormal shedding of the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus during menstruation. Also known as endometrial polyps, they are an overgrowth of cells that would otherwise be flushed out of the woman’s body.
Uterine polyps can occur at any age but mainly develop in women aged 40 to 49. It can range in size and number and carry a slight chance of developing into precancerous or cancerous growths.
The symptoms of uterine polyps are:
| InfertilityIrregular menses bleedingExcessively heavy periodsBleeding between periodsVaginal bleeding after menopause |
What are the causes of uterine polyps?
The exact cause of polyps is unknown, but researchers associate fluctuating hormone levels with its occurrence. Apart from it, other risk factors are:
| ObesityHigh blood pressureUse of tamoxifen while treating breast cancerBeing peri or postmenopausal |
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Use of tamoxifen while treating breast cancer
- Being peri or postmenopausal
What are the treatments for uterine polyps?
If the gynecologist suspects that you have polyps, they may advise a sonohysterogram or transvaginal ultrasound to look inside your uterus.
Some uterine polyps do not require treatment and may even go away on their own, while some may be treated with medications, like gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.
If the polyps carry the risk of becoming cancerous or cause severe symptoms, the doctor may remove them surgically with a procedure called a polypectomy.
What distinguishes uterine fibroids and polyps?
The tissue they are made of is the primary distinction between fibroids and polyps. As was previously discussed, polyps are composed of endometrial tissue, the tissue that lines the uterus, whereas fibroids are composed of muscle cells and connective tissue.
While irregular bleeding is the primary indication of polyps, fibroids can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. In your 40s and 50s, polyps are more prevalent, and uterine fibroids can develop in younger age groups.
However, a few similarities do exist between uterine fibroids and polyps. They both are unpredictable and vary in location, size, and number.
Even though these disorders rarely pose a life-threatening risk, it is necessary to have the proper information to guarantee the best possible outcomes for your health.
Bottom line
Please be vigilant if you suffer any symptoms or possess any risk factors mentioned above. Do not accept them as a new normal or the ageing process. Both uterine polyps and fibroids are treatable. Do not let them restrict you. Schedule an appointment at Budget Fertility Center to discuss your concerns.
The expert gynecologist in Mumbai at our center will diagnose the root cause of your symptoms and discuss the best course of action to treat them. They are committed to offering women compassionate gynecology treatment throughout their lives, which includes gynecologic surgery, fertility services, preventive healthcare, and more.
