Endometriosis and Fibroids: A Closer Look at Similarities and Differences
Endometriosis and Fibroids pose a significant challenge to female health.
About 10 percent of all females in their reproductive years have Endometriosis, while 20 to 50 percent have Fibroids.
They are often misinterpreted as the same but hold significant differences.
One of the two is enough to cause pain and discomfort, but according to claims, sometimes the conditions can overlap.
Is it a possibility to have both Endometriosis and Fibroids? If yes, then what are the chances?
Several questions remain, which will be answered in this article, along with a glance at the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of Endometriosis and Fibroids.
Read ahead to explore more about these two health issues.
Endometriosis vs Fibroids: Overview
The following table summarizes the comparison of Endometriosis and Fibroids for a quick glance.
| Factors | Endometriosis | Fibroids |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Endometriosis is the overgrowth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus | Noncancerous growths in the uterus |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse, etc | Heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent pain, and urination, etc |
| Causes | It occurs due to retrograde menstruation, genetics, environmental factors, etc | It occurs due to genetics, insulin growth factors, hormonal changes, etc |
| Prevalence | Affects about 10 percent of females in their reproductive years globally | Affects 20 to 50 percent of females in their reproductive years, and it can further go up to 77 percent |
| Risk factors | Early periods, no pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding, etc | Old age, obesity, high blood pressure, no pregnancy, etc |
| Diagnosis | Laparoscopy is a procedure of making a small cut in the abdomen to check for tissues through a thin tube with light | Ultrasounds, both abdominal and transvaginal, can be used to check for Fibroids. MRIs and Hysterectomies are other available options |
| Treatment | Treatment of Endometriosis involves birth control, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgeries | Treatment of Fibroids includes hormonal birth control, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgeries |
Fibroids vs Endometriosis
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus.
They affect 20-50 percent of the women in reproductive age, and the rate can go higher up to 77 percent.
In contrast, Endometriosis is the overgrowth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which resembles the uterine lining.
It affects 10 percent of reproductive-age women.
Fibroids and Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis and Fibroids share some common symptoms, while the rest are significantly different.
The symptoms of Endometriosis include:
- Pain during or after sex
- Infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant)
- Painful bowel movement and diarrhea
- Pain while urinating
The symptoms of Fibroids include:
- Feeling pressure on your rectum.
- Chronic vaginal discharge
- Inability to pee
- Increased abdominal distention (enlargement)
- Bleeding between your periods
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
Their common symptoms include:
- Painful periods
- Abdominal or back pain
- Heavy periods
- Constipation
Causes of Endometriosis and Fibroids
The exact cause of both Endometriosis and Fibroids is unknown.
However, certain factors that can be a reason for Endometriosis are:
- Genetics: Some genes can be responsible for causing Endometriosis. It can also be passed on in families
- Environmental factors: Exposure to chemicals, eating habits, and other such factors can also contribute to the problem
- Blood or Lymph transport: Endometrial tissues can spread through blood like cancer cells
- Retrograde menstruation: When the blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity, the tissue can accumulate in the reproductive system
- Surgical cause: Endometrial cells can directly attach to the abdomen after surgery, like a C-section
Likewise, Fibroids are related to:
- Genetics: Changes to the genes of the uterine muscles, i.e., abnormal genes, can be one of the causes of Fibroids
- High hormone levels: The hormones Estrogen and Progesterone thicken the lining of the uterus and help the Fibroids grow
- Extracellular matrix (ECM): ECM makes cells stick together, which can result in Fibroids
- Insulin growth factor: It is one of the factors that helps the body maintain tissues, which can boost Fibroid growth
Fibroids vs Endometriosis risk factors
Despite no clear explanation about what causes Endometriosis and Fibroids, certain factors can increase their risk.
The risk factors of Endometriosis include:
- Starting periods early( before 11)
- Family history of Endometriosis
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Infertility
- Short menstrual cycle (less than 27 days)
The risk factors of Fibroids are:
- Old Age
- African American race
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- No history of pregnancy
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Family history of uterine Fibroids
- Food additive consumption
- Use of soybean milk
How to diagnose Fibroids vs Endometriosis
Diagnosis of Endometriosis and Fibroids is crucial for treatment.
Fibroids diagnosis
Diagnosing Fibroids is comparatively easier since it can be done through various simple methods.
The first option is an ultrasound scan, where an ultrasound probe is moved outside of the abdomen to determine the condition of Fibroids.
Another ultrasound scan option is transvaginal ultrasound, also called Sonohysterogram.
This method requires the insertion of an ultrasound probe into the vagina.
For early and accurate diagnosis, an MRI can be used.
This method helps determine detailed placement information, size, number, and condition of Fibroids as well.
The last option is Hysteroscopy, which is an advanced test for Fibroids.
It helps to determine submucosal Fibroids and polyps in the body.
Endometriosis diagnosis
In contrast to Fibroids, diagnosis of Endometriosis can be complex.
Its diagnosis procedure is a surgical method called Laparoscopy.
It determines the stage of Endometriosis.
In this procedure, the doctor creates a few incisions in the lower abdomen to insert a tiny camera and a tube.
It assists in fetching data for Endometriosis, like lesions, adhesions, or scar tissues.
Best treatment for Endometriosis and Fibroids
The treatment options of Endometriosis and Fibroids can also overlap sometimes due to similar symptoms.
Treatment for Endometriosis
Treatment options for Endometriosis include medications and surgeries.
To relieve Endometriosis pain, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are used.
For worsened menstrual symptoms like heavy bleeding, hormonal birth control is an effective option.
It includes contraceptives such as the combined pill, contraceptive patch, Intrauterine System (IUS), and contraceptive implant.
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Regestrone 5mgDanogen 100mgIn case the medicines are insufficient for treatment, surgeries like Laparoscopy and Hysterectomy are used.
Treatment for Fibroids
In contrast to Endometriosis, if Fibroids do not have any symptoms, you will not need treatment.
If symptoms arise, a doctor may suggest hormonal birth control like an IUD or pills to reduce symptoms of Fibroids such as heavy and painful periods.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), like Ibuprofen and Mefenamic acid, are another option to ease menstrual pain and bleeding.
When looking to shrink Fibroids, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs (GnRH) are used.
Moreover, they can offer relief from symptoms like frequent constipation and urination.
An additional treatment for Fibroids is Ulipristal acetate.
This medicine is prescribed for occasional use in case of severe to moderate symptoms.
Besides, surgical methods can also offer relief and manage symptoms.
Hysterectomy (uterus removal) or Myomectomy (Fibroid removal) are two primary options.
A doctor may also opt for Endometrial ablation to remove only the lining of the uterus instead.
Sometimes, to avoid surgery for large Fibroids, Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) can be useful.
It uses X-rays and scans to detect the problem and blocks blood vessels to cut off supply from Fibroids to shrink them.
Can you have Endometriosis and Fibroids together
It is possible to have Endometriosis and Fibroids together.
A study by Outi Uimari found that about 20 percent of the patients having symptomatic Fibroids also had Endometriosis.
Moreover, roughly 26 percent of those with Endometriosis also developed Fibroids.
In such instances, the discomfort and symptoms may become worse and hard to manage.
So, you must consult a doctor if you observe any abnormalities or signs.
It can help to mitigate the impact and even seek timely treatment for relief.
Conclusion
Endometriosis and Fibroids are different conditions that also share similarities.
Endometriosis is the overgrowth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, while Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus.
Factors like genetics and environmental contributors can cause Endometriosis.
On the other hand, hormones and insulin growth factors can cause Fibroids.
Both share common symptoms like painful and heavy periods, back pain, and discomfort.
Factors like early periods and infertility can put you at a higher risk of Endometriosis, while old age and obesity can increase the chances of Fibroids.
Their treatment options are also similar, which involve hormonal birth control and surgeries.
However, the treatment method can differ depending on the need and severity.
With timely action and the right treatment, the severity of symptoms and complications can be effectively controlled and managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is worse: Fibroids or Endometriosis?
Endometriosis can be more dangerous in comparison to Fibroids. It is a painful condition which can affect the uterus and other organs. On the other hand, Fibroids are noncancerous growths. If you do not develop symptoms, treatment is not required.
Can Fibroids cause Endometriosis?
Fibroids can be a cause of Endometriosis. A study has found that 20 percent of people with Fibroids also develop Endometriosis. However, the cause or relationship between them is still unclear. If both conditions occur together, you may experience more discomfort and severe symptoms.
What is the difference between Fibroids and Endometriosis?
Endometriosis and Fibroids are different conditions that can be misinterpreted as each other. Endometriosis is the overgrowth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. In contrast, Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They are both related to the female reproductive system but have different causes and risk factors.
Does Endometriosis cause Fibroids?
Endometriosis may be a cause of Fibroids. A study found that 26 percent of the women having Endometriosis also had Fibroids. Despite the connection between them, the actual cause remains unknown.
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