What Size Fibroid Should Be Removed? Understanding Your Options

What Are Fibroids and Why Do They Need Removal?

Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. Honestly, when I first learned about them, I had no idea how common they were. They affect a significant portion of women, especially those between 30 and 50 years old. While most fibroids are harmless and don't require removal, there are instances where surgery is recommended.

So, what size fibroid should be removed? The short answer isn’t as simple as a specific size, as it depends on several factors, including symptoms, location, and growth rate. But don't worry, we’ll break it down together.

When Should a Fibroid Be Removed?

Symptoms That Indicate a Need for Removal

Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why you might consider removing a fibroid. You don’t need to panic if you discover one during a routine checkup. But if the fibroid is causing symptoms, that’s when action may be needed.

Some common symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Severe pelvic pain or pressure
• Urinary issues (frequent urination or incontinence)
• Constipation or bloating
• Pain during sex

I remember a conversation with a friend of mine, Lisa, who had a fibroid the size of a grapefruit. She said it caused so much pressure on her bladder that she felt like she had to pee every five minutes. Imagine trying to get through a workday with that! If you’re dealing with symptoms like this, it’s definitely time to talk to your doctor about the possibility of removal.

Fibroid Size: When Size Really Matters

Now, when it comes to the size of the fibroid, things can get tricky. There isn't a clear-cut size where removal becomes mandatory. However, larger fibroids (typically over 5 cm) are more likely to cause problems. But here's the kicker—size doesn’t always equate to the severity of the symptoms. A small fibroid in a tricky spot can sometimes cause more discomfort than a larger one that’s easier to treat.

Let me tell you, I learned this the hard way with a family member who had a small fibroid that wasn’t much in terms of size but caused significant pelvic pain. So, while larger fibroids are more often the ones removed, smaller ones with symptoms still may need attention. Go figure, right?

Types of Fibroids and Their Impact

Intramural Fibroids

Intramural fibroids are the most common type. They develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Honestly, when I read about these, I thought, "Great, sounds like a party inside the uterus." But seriously, these can be problematic because they can distort the shape of the uterus and cause significant symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain.

If an intramural fibroid is large, removal might be necessary, but a smaller one might only need monitoring, especially if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.

Subserosal and Submucosal Fibroids

Okay, let’s talk about these two types, because they’re important when considering surgery. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer wall of the uterus, while submucosal fibroids develop just underneath the uterine lining. These can lead to problems like frequent urination, pelvic pressure, and irregular bleeding.

For submucosal fibroids, even smaller ones can be problematic, especially if you're trying to conceive. My cousin had one of these and had difficulty getting pregnant. After its removal, she was able to conceive relatively quickly. So, don’t ignore those smaller ones if they’re in a location that affects your fertility or quality of life.

How to Decide If Removal Is Right for You

Your Health Care Provider’s Role

So, when should you make the final call on fibroid removal? First, talk to your doctor. They’ll likely recommend imaging tests like ultrasounds to determine the size, location, and number of fibroids. Based on that, your doctor can guide you toward the right decision. Honestly, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have open conversations with your healthcare provider.

I had a long chat with my sister’s gynecologist when she faced fibroid issues. The doctor explained that there were several options, including medication, myomectomy (removal of the fibroid), or even a hysterectomy if the fibroids were really extensive. The doctor also emphasized that if symptoms are manageable, surgery might not be necessary.

Surgical Options: Myomectomy vs. Hysterectomy

If it’s determined that removal is needed, the next step is to decide on the type of surgery. A myomectomy removes only the fibroids, leaving the uterus intact, which is great for women who still want to preserve their fertility. A hysterectomy, on the other hand, removes the entire uterus, often recommended when fibroids are numerous, very large, or causing severe issues.

Honestly, I think a lot of women hesitate to talk about hysterectomies because of the long-term impacts. But after hearing a few stories, I realized that if you're done having children and the fibroids are really affecting your quality of life, it might be worth considering.

Conclusion: How to Know When to Remove a Fibroid

In the end, deciding when to remove a fibroid depends on a mix of factors: size, symptoms, location, and your personal health goals. It’s not just about the size—fibroids can be small and still cause major issues or be large with minimal symptoms.

Take the time to explore your options with your doctor. If the fibroid is causing significant pain, affecting your fertility, or disrupting your life, removal might be the right choice. But don’t forget, every case is different, and what works for one person may not be the best option for another.

So, if you’re dealing with fibroids, don’t ignore the symptoms. Talk to your doctor and explore the best path forward for you.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.