Fibroids and The Female

Okay women, let's talk health for a moment. It is no foreign subject matter that many young women are discovering that they have multiple fibroids in their uterus. There are many questions, concerns and myths about living with fibroids. So let's take a moment to get empowered and an understanding. If you do not already have an Ob/Gyn or PCP, it would be very wise to search for one in your network or go by referral through other women. Your body is your temple and the only one that you have. Let's do what is necessary to take care of it and treat it right. Regular checkups are a big part of detection. Let's read....

What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are growths (tumors) that develop from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. They are the most common growths of the uterus and female pelvic organs. One study found that approximately 50% of women have them. Most often they are benign. Very rarely they can become cancerous (less than 0.5% of the time).

The growth of fibroids is dependent on estrogen production. This is the reason why fibroids have the potential to enlarge during pregnancy (when increased levels of estrogen are present) as well as to regress after menopause (when there is decreased levels of estrogen). They can be multiple or exist as a single large growth. They can be located on the surface of the uterus, in the wall of the uterus, or in the uterine cavity.
Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms and many women are unaware that they have them. When they do cause symptoms, it ranges from abnormal bleeding to pelvic pressure.

Fibroids in African American women
Fibroids are more common in African American women than in women of other racial groups. One study showed that fibroids are three times more common in African American women than in Caucasian women. Additionally, fibroids tend to be larger and occur at an earlier age in African Americans. It is unclear as to why such differences exists.

What are the signs and symptoms of fibroids?
Abnormal menstrual cycle
Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding.
Abnormally heavy menstrual periods that come more frequent than your normal cycle (less than every 28-30 days).
2. Pelvic pain/pressure
Painful menstrual periods.
Pain during or after sexual intercourse.
Pressure on the bladder which can cause frequent urination.
Acute or severe pelvic pain from twisting of the fibroid on its stalk, or from degeneration of the fibroid.

Complications of fibroids
The most common complication is heavy bleeding which can lead to anemia. The anemia can be so severe as to necessitate blood transfusions, and/or an emergency surgery such as a hysterectomy.
Very infrequently, fibroids may be a cause of infertility and/or pregnancy loss.

How can you be evaluated for fibroids?
Fibroids can be diagnosed during a physical exam by your doctor. He or she can often feel an enlarged, irregular uterus. Your doctor may use other tests (ultrasound, hysterogram) to help confirm the diagnosis, and/or to determine the best treatment option for you.

Treatment options
There are many options for the treatment of fibroids. Treatment options will vary based on your symptoms, age, and desire to conceive. Further discussion with your doctor will help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Motrin or other anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for pain.
Birth Control Pills help to regulate the menstrual cycle, control heavy bleeding, and alleviate some of the pain and pressure.
Lupron: another type of hormone that may aid in shrinking the fibroids and stopping bleeding.
Ablation: a surgical procedure in which the lining of the uterus is destroyed to prevent further bleeding.
Uterine artery embolization: a procedure that destroys the blood supply to the fibroids thus causing them to shrink (resulting in less bleeding).
Myomectomy: a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids and to leave the uterus otherwise intact..
Hysterectomy: a surgical procedure that removes the uterus, and thus, the fibroids.

Empowerment Points
Fibroids are the most common growth (or tumor) of the female reproductive tract.
Many women who have them are unaware of them.
The most common symptoms are irregular bleeding and pelvic pain or pressure.
Initial management consists of medical therapy. If this is unsuccessful, there are many surgical options available, including options to preserve the uterus. Discussion with your doctor will help decide the best management for you.