Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most typical benign tumors of the uterus of women of childbearing age, especially nulliparous women. Symptomatic UFs are associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, etc. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of traditional medicines and enema therapy in reducing fibroid size and associated symptoms. METHODS: In this pilot study, 22 patients from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, diagnosed with UFs were divided into two groups: the trial (n=11) and control (n=11) groups. Trial group patients received Ayurvedic medicines along with Uttar Basti (enema therapy) using Kapharbuda-har oil (prepared in the Ayurvedic pharmacy of Banaras Hindu University, UP, India) for three months. On the other hand, control group patients were given Ayurvedic medicines along with Uttar Basti using til (sesame) oil over the same period. After the treatment, the fibroid size and associated symptoms were monitored. RESULTS: After three months of treatment, all patients in the trial group reported symptomatic relief. Complete fibroid resolution was observed in two patients, while one fibroid completely resolved in another patient who had three fibroids. Five patients showed a reduction in fibroid size, whereas one patient experienced an increase in size. On the other hand, the control group patients didn't get relief from symptoms, and the fibroid size either increased or showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: From the present study, we can conclude that Ayurvedic treatments could be effective in controlling the size and symptoms associated with UFs.