1. What are fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are also referred to as leiomyoma or myoma and they not cancerous. They are smooth muscle growths. Up to 70% of all women are likely to get fibroids in their lifetime. Again, about two women in every ten women who have gone through menopause have fibroids.
Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or they can be many. Their size varies; they can be as small as a seed or pea, or as big as a grapefruit.
2. Fibroids are very common
According to the National Institute of Health, 80% of all women will develop uterine fibroids at some point in their lives. One study also found that 70% to 80% of all women will get fibroids by the age of 50. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s.
3. The causes of fibroids are still not known
Nobody knows for sure the causes of fibroids. Scientists and researchers think that several factors contribute. The factors include;
- Family history
- Obesity
- Alcohol use
- A diet which has a high amount of red meat
Although fibroids develop from the muscular tissue of the uterus, they have a very distinct genetic profile than the healthy uterine muscle tissue. They also have more estrogen and progesterone receptors. These two hormones multiply during pregnancy, and they promote uterine fibroid growth.
4. Fibroids are not cancer
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors. However, uterine fibroids can have similar symptoms to a rare form of cancer called uterine sarcoma. It’s sporadic for a cancerous fibroid to occur [less than one in 1,000]. Having fibroids doesn’t increase the chances of developing a cancerous fibroid. Again, having fibroids doesn’t increase the chances of getting other types of cancer in the uterus.
5. Fibroids may or may not cause symptoms
Some women don’t show any symptoms with their fibroids and are usually surprised when they are diagnosed with fibroids during a routine gynecological check-up. Depending on the fibroid location, it can sometimes be felt during a pelvic exam. The symptoms of fibroids may include:
- Heavy bleeding or painful periods
- Frequent urination
- A feeling of fullness in the pelvic area
- Pain during sex
- Enlargement of the lower abdomen
- Constipation
- Back pain
Heavy bleeding as a result of fibroids may make you develop anemia. A big fibroid that pushes the uterus out of shape can also make it challenging to maintain a pregnancy. It may become hard to get pregnant when a fibroid blocks the fallopian tube.
6. Fibroids come in different shapes and sizes
Fibroids can either be as small as a seed or grow large enough to affect the shape and size of the uterus. Fibroids that grow out of the wall of the uterus may develop on a thin step hence support the more massive growth. Fibroids are also classified according to their location in the uterus. The ones that grow within the uterine wall are referred to as intramural fibroids. The ones that protrude into the uterine activity are called submucosal fibroids. Fibroids that project onward from the uterus are called subserosal fibroids.
7. You can still get pregnant even if you have fibroids-but you may have difficulties
The majority of women with fibroids have issue-free pregnancy. However, fibroids may cause some complications. Some studies indicate that some types of uterine fibroids can alter the size and shape of the uterus, hence affecting a woman’s ability to get pregnant. According to experts, fibroids only cause about 2% of infertility cases. Fibroids can also make a woman have heavy bleeding after delivery.
8. Fibroids treatment
The majority of women with fibroids don’t show any symptoms. For women who have symptoms, there are treatments available. If you suspect that you have fibroids, you can talk to a fibroids specialist in Chicago at USA Fibroid Centers to confirm the fibroids. It can be through CT- scan or ultrasound. After that, you will discuss with the doctor the best way to treat your fibroids.
If you have fibroids with mild symptoms, you will be given medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or Lupron. Fibroids with moderate or extreme symptoms require surgery. The surgeries include myomectomy, Hysterectomy, or endometrial ablation.
