Cases of uterine fibroids on the rise among young women: Doctors

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Infertility cases are increasing at an alarming rate in the country. In recent years, there has been a concerning surge in infertility cases among young women, with a significant number of them suffering from uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often go unnoticed until they lead to reproductive health issues.

According to recent studies and medical reports, the incidence of uterine fibroids has seen an increase in young women between the ages of 18 and 35. These benign tumors can cause severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and in many cases, fertility problems. Uterine fibroids can impact a woman's ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term, making it a significant concern for those desiring to start a family.

Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to preventing long-term fertility issues. "We urge women to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving," says Dr Kekin Gala, obstetrics and gynaecology, Apollo Spectra, Mumbai.

Common causes of infertility, including PCOS, ageing, inadequate egg reserves and cancer, among others, may be recognisable to you. Fibroids can, in rare instances, make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant or carry a child to term. A doctor or fertility specialist can help you approach pregnancy safely if you have fibroids and are trying to get pregnant.

Gala says, ‘‘Two out of three women are currently suffering from uterine fibroids."
Uterine cysts often cause heavy discharge, constant pain in the abdomen and irregular periods. Sometimes a uterine tumor is located in an area that causes unbearable pain in the abdomen during sexual intercourse. Back pain, difficulty in conceiving and miscarriage are also symptoms of uterine fibroids.

At present, the incidence of uterine tumours is highest among women in the age group of 25 to 30 years. Obese women have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies and therefore are more likely to develop tumors in their uterus.

Another health expert, Dr Kiran Coelho, gynaecologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai says, "Environmental factors may play a role, as exposure to certain pollutants and chemicals can contribute to the development of fibroids at an early age. Fibroids tend to block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg. Additionally, they can interfere with implantation by affecting blood flow to the uterine lining. These structural abnormalities can severely hinder a woman's ability to conceive naturally and increase her risk of miscarriage."

The rise in infertility among young girls due to uterine fibroids is concerning. Experts urge girls above 15 to consult their gynaecologist on a regular basis and know about their reproductive health.

Dr Madhuri Mehendale, gynaecologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai adds, "In some women, the effect of these hormones leads to overgrowth of the uterine muscle tissue and thus causes the formation of fibroids. 2 out of 10 women who come to the hospital for treatment have fibroids."

These fibroids are rarely diagnosed before puberty and are known to shrink in size after menopause. Similarly, they are known to increase in size during pregnancy when the estrogen and progesterone content in the body is higher. Therefore, if you notice the symptoms of menstruation twice a month, excessive bleeding, painful menstruation, difficulty urinating or frequent urination, do not ignore it and consult a doctor immediately.

In addition to this, it is important to note that not all fibroids need surgery. Only after consulting a doctor, one will know if their condition needs treatment or not.