Imagine your uterus like a cosy, muscular house that protects a baby during pregnancy. Sometimes, little lumps called fibroids can grow in the walls of this house. When they grow inside the muscle of the uterus, they're called intramural fibroids.

Let's break this down in simple words. In this article, we'll explore what intramural fibroids are, what causes them, what symptoms they might cause, and how doctors treat them. We'll also hear some real-life stories and helpful tips and answer some common questions.

What Are Intramural Fibroids?

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that can grow in a woman's uterus. They're made of muscle and fibrous tissue.

When fibroids grow in the middle of the uterus muscle, that's what we call an intramural fibroid.

The word intramural comes from Latin: intra means inside, and mural means wall. So, an intramural fibroid is a lump inside the wall of the uterus.

These fibroids are the most common type — they make up about 70–80% of all fibroids in women!

How Big Can Intramural Fibroids Get?

Intramural fibroids can be small, like a tiny seed, or big, like a grapefruit. They usually grow slowly, but sometimes they can get bigger quickly — especially if there's a lot of estrogen in your body.

Some women have just one fibroid, while others might have many. You might even have fibroids in different parts of the uterus!

What Causes Intramural Fibroids?

Doctors don't know precisely why fibroids grow, but they believe it's linked to hormones and genetics.

1. Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone (two female hormones) can make fibroids grow. That's why they often develop during your reproductive years and shrink after menopause.
2. Genetics: If your mom, sister, or grandmother had fibroids, you might be more likely to get them too.
3. Other factors:
   1. Starting your period at a young age
   2. Eating a lot of red meat and not enough green vegetables
   3. Obesity

Note: It's important to know that fibroids are not cancer, and they don't turn into cancer.

Symptoms of Intramural Fibroids

Not everyone with intramural fibroids has symptoms. Many people don't even know they have them!
But if they get big or press on other parts of your body, they can cause:

• Heavy periods – You might bleed a lot during your period or have periods that last longer than usual.
• Pelvic Pain or pressure – You might feel like there's something heavy in your lower belly.
• Frequent urination – Big fibroids can press on your bladder, making you pee more often.
• Constipation – Sometimes, fibroids push on the bowel and slow things down.
• Pain during sex – This can happen if fibroids press on sensitive areas.
• Trouble getting pregnant – While many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies, sometimes fibroids can make it harder to get pregnant.

A Real-Life Example: Meera's Story

Let's meet Meera, a 34-year-old teacher. Meera started noticing that her periods were getting heavy — she needed to change her pads every hour! She also felt bloated all the time, like she was always "full."

When she went to the doctor, they did an ultrasound and found she had a large intramural fibroid. It was pushing on her bladder and causing her symptoms.

The doctor explained her options, and Meera chose to have a procedure called a myomectomy to remove the fibroid. After the surgery, she felt much better — and her periods became normal again.

How Do Doctors Find Intramural Fibroids?

If you're having symptoms, your doctor might suggest:

• Pelvic exam: The doctor feels your belly to check for lumps.
• Ultrasound: A small device called a transducer sends sound waves to create pictures of your uterus.
• MRI: This test uses magnets and a computer to make detailed pictures.
• Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy: Tiny cameras help doctors see inside the uterus if they need more information.

These tests help the doctor determine the size and location of the fibroids.

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Treatment Options for Intramural Fibroids

The good news? There are lots of options to help!

1. Watch and Wait:
   If your fibroids are small and not causing problems, you might not need treatment at all. Your doctor might keep an eye on them with check-ups and ultrasounds.
2. Medications:
   Doctors can prescribe medicine to help with symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain. Here are some examples:
   • Birth control pills – These can make your periods lighter.
   • Hormonal IUD (like Mirena) – This small device in your uterus can help reduce bleeding.
   • GnRH agonists – These medicines lower estrogen and can shrink fibroids, but they're usually used for a short time.

   Note: Medicines don't make fibroids go away forever, but they can help you feel better.

3. Surgery:
   If fibroids are causing significant problems, surgery might be the best option. There are a few types:
   • Myomectomy: The doctor removes just the fibroids and leaves the uterus. Suitable for women who wish to have children in the future.
   • Hysterectomy: The doctor removes the whole uterus. This is a permanent solution — no more periods or fibroids — but it means you can't get pregnant afterwards.
   • Uterine artery embolization (UAE): A doctor blocks the blood vessels that feed the fibroid so it shrinks.

How to Take Care of Yourself

Even though fibroids can be frustrating, there's a lot you can do to feel better:

• Eat lots of fruits and veggies – A healthy diet can help balance your hormones.
• Exercise regularly – Regular physical activity helps improve blood flow and hormone balance.
• Manage stress – Deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies can help.
• Track your periods – Use a calendar or app to notice changes.

Living with Intramural Fibroids

Living with fibroids can feel overwhelming at times, but you're not alone. Millions of women have fibroids, and many don't even know it! Here are some tips to help you feel more in control:

• Talk openly with your doctor – Don't be shy about symptoms.
• Find a supportive friend or family member – It can help to talk about what you're going through.
• Remember: Fibroids are common and treatable!

5 Common FAQs about Intramural Fibroids

1. Are intramural fibroids dangerous?
No, they're almost always benign (non-cancerous). They can cause annoying symptoms, but they don't turn into cancer.

2. Can I get pregnant if I have intramural fibroids?
Yes! Many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies. But if fibroids are big or in tricky spots, they might make it harder to get pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you're trying to conceive.

3. Will fibroids come back after surgery?
They can. Surgery removes the existing fibroids, but it doesn't stop new ones from growing. However, many women find relief for years after treatment.

4. Do home remedies work for fibroids?
Home remedies, such as eating well, exercising, and practising stress relief, can help manage symptoms. But they won't make fibroids disappear. It's essential to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

5. When should I see a doctor?
If you have heavy bleeding, bad cramps, trouble peeing, or belly pain that doesn't go away, see your doctor. They can figure out what's going on and help you feel better.

Final Thoughts

Intramural fibroids are lumps of muscle inside the walls of your uterus. They're common, and they're not cancer. Many women don't have any symptoms, but some might have heavy periods, Pain, or Trouble getting pregnant.

The good news? There are various ways to treat them, ranging from medication to surgery. If you're worried about fibroids, talk to your doctor. They'll help you find the best plan for you.

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