Fibroids: What Every Woman Should Know

Fibroids are a common health condition that many women have, often without even knowing it. These are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. In this blog, we’ll explain what fibroids are, why they happen, how they might affect your daily life, the symptoms you should watch out for, and the different treatment options available. Everything is explained in simple words to help every woman stay informed, aware, and confident about her health.

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or on the uterus, which is the part of the body where a baby grows during pregnancy. Even though they are sometimes called tumors, there’s no need to panic because fibroids are almost always harmless and not related to cancer. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and are quite common in many women.

Fibroids can be as small as a seed or as big as a melon. Some women have just one, while others may have multiple fibroids of different sizes. They can grow inside the uterus, on its wall, or even outside the uterus on a stalk.

How Common Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are extremely common. It’s estimated that up to 70-80% of women will have fibroids by the age of 50. They usually appear in women between the ages of 30 and 50, but can happen at any age during the childbearing years.

Types of Fibroids

Doctors classify fibroids based on where they are located in the uterus:

• Intramural fibroids grow in the muscle wall of the uterus.

• Submucosal fibroids grow into the cavity of the uterus.

• Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer wall of the uterus.

• Pedunculated fibroids grow on a stalk, either inside or outside the uterus.
  

Causes: Why Do Fibroids Happen?

Doctors still aren’t exactly sure why some women develop fibroids and others don’t, but here are some known risk factors:

• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, two female hormones, encourage fibroids to grow. That’s why fibroids often shrink after menopause, when these hormone levels drop.

• Genetics: If your mother, sister, or grandmother has had fibroids, you are more likely to get them too.

• Age: Women aged 30 or older are more likely to develop fibroids.

• Body weight: Being overweight can increase your risk.

• Race: African American women are more likely to get fibroids, often at a younger age.

What Are the Symptoms?

Here’s the surprising thing: many women with fibroids don’t have any symptoms at all. Fibroids are often discovered during a regular pelvic exam or an ultrasound for another reason.

When there are symptoms, they might include:

• Heavy or long periods: Needing to change pads or tampons very often is a common sign.

• Menstrual pain and cramps: Periods may be more painful than before.

• Bleeding between periods

• Pain or pressure: In the lower belly or pelvis.

• Bloating or swelling: In the lower abdomen.

• Frequent urination: Fibroids can press on the bladder.

• Back or leg pain

• Constipation or discomfort with bowel movements

• Trouble getting pregnant: Some fibroids can make it harder to conceive or increase miscarriage risk, but most women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies.

Remember, these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues. It’s important to see your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Doctors often find fibroids during a pelvic exam. If they suspect fibroids, they might suggest:

• Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create a picture of your uterus and can show the size, shape, and location of fibroids.

• Other imaging tests: Sometimes, a doctor may use an MRI or a special X-ray.

When Do Fibroids Need Treatment?

Most fibroids do not need treatment when they are small and not causing symptoms. Some even shrink on their own, especially after menopause.

However, if fibroids are causing pain, heavy bleeding, or affecting your fertility, your doctor will discuss treatment options.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

1. Medical Management

• Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or similar medications can help with pain, but won’t treat the fibroids themselves.

• Hormonal medications: Birth control pills or hormone-releasing IUDs can help control bleeding and cramps.

• GnRH agonists: These medicines temporarily shrink fibroids by lowering hormone levels, putting your body into a temporary menopause-like state. This is not a permanent solution and is often used before surgery.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A tiny tube is inserted into a blood vessel, and small particles are injected to block the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink.

• Endometrial ablation: This procedure destroys the lining of the uterus to help with heavy bleeding, but it is not for women who want to have children in the future.

3. Surgical Treatments

• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids, keeping the uterus intact. This is an option for women who still want to have children.

• Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus, usually done if other treatments don’t work or if fibroids are very large. This is a permanent solution, and it means you will no longer have periods or be able to become pregnant.

4. Lifestyle and Self-Care

• Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight may help lower your risk of fibroids or ease some symptoms.

Are Fibroids Dangerous?

The good news is that fibroids are almost always non-cancerous. It is extremely rare for a fibroid to become cancerous. However, for some women, fibroids can cause troubling symptoms or lead to complications if they aren’t treated. Rarely, large fibroids can cause anemia if heavy bleeding is not controlled.

Can You Prevent Fibroids?

Because doctors are still unsure why fibroids occur, there is no guaranteed way to prevent them. However, leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping regular checkups with your doctor can help catch any problems early and keep you feeling your best.

When to See a Doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have:

• Heavy periods that interfere with your daily life.

• Painful periods or pelvic pain that is new or worsening.

• Trouble getting pregnant.

• Any unusual bleeding.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Myths and Facts About Fibroids

• Myth: All fibroids cause symptoms.
  Fact: Most women with fibroids have no symptoms at all.

• Myth: Fibroids always need surgery.
  Fact: Many fibroids don’t need any treatment.

• Myth: Fibroids can turn into cancer.
  Fact: Almost all fibroids stay benign.

• Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you have fibroids.
  Fact: Most women with fibroids have normal pregnancies, though some types can sometimes make conception trickier.
  
  Read More - Your First Visit to a Gynecologist? Here’s What to Expect

Fibroids are very common and usually not harmful. But for some women, they can cause problems. The most important thing is to be aware of your body, notice any changes, and talk to your doctor if something feels wrong. You are not alone, and there is always help available. If you have heavy bleeding, pain in your lower belly, or are having trouble getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. You can work together to find the best solution for your health. Learn more, talk about it, and take care of yourself and the women around you.