Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in the uterus. Up to 80% of women acquire uterine fibroids by age 50; however, not all women have symptoms. Fibroids may develop as a single tumor or numerous, getting to the size of a grapefruit. Depending on their location, many fibroids may be seen via a pelvic exam or verified by ultrasound.
RELATED: New Treatment Alert: I Have Fibroids; I Have Options
Fibroids Are Serious
Few women with fibroids know about non-invasive therapies that don't harm fertility. Researchers want to alter that. "Fibroids are generally not treated seriously," explains Taraneh Shirazian, head of NYU Langone's Center for Fibroid Care. "Many women are told to wait until menopause or have a hysterectomy and not given other options."
Some doctors are inexperienced in newer, less invasive treatments and provide hysterectomies solely in limbo patients. Either they can't obtain therapy or must take dramatic action. In 2010, there weren't many choices. Women must know they have options, even if their providers don't supply them.
You May Also Like
Complications
Fibroids are benign growths that develop in the uterine lining. They may cause symptoms such as urinary retention, constipation, back pain caused by the tumors pressing on nerves, fatigue, and anemia due to excessive menstrual flow. In addition, they make pregnancy more difficult.
They are responsible for miscarriages, early labor, and blood distribution irregularities in the uterus, according to Gaby Moawad, clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. In pregnant women, fibroids are known to struggle for space with the developing baby.
Researchers are exploring ways to prevent fibroids from occurring again in the body. Alterations to one's way of life and several treatments might be of assistance. According to several research findings, making changes to one's diet and getting more vitamin D may be helpful. There are other options available to cut down on the incidence rate.
RELATED: Black Women With Fibroids Need To See a Sub-Specialist, Here's Why
Black Women Suffer Fibroids More Intensely
Research reveals Black women acquire fibroids sooner than white women and have more severe cases. Black women may acquire fibroids in their 20s and teens and are more likely to undergo hysterectomies, which can affect fertility and pregnancy. Researchers don't grasp the disparities. It's fibroid research's greatest question.
Black women's fibroids are different from other women's. You must never delay fibroid treatment. Many doctors who can't undertake newer treatments recommend menopause to relieve problems. Don't prolong a patient's poor quality of life due to fibroids.
Treatments For Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors that may be treated medically, surgically, or with non-invasive treatments. They may get guidance from your service provider.
Surgical Treatments
- The only full treatment is a hysterectomy, which eliminates the uterus and fibroids.
Myomectomy methods:
- Hysteroscopy. A small, illuminated scope inserted into the vagina helps locate and remove fibroids.
- Laparoscopy. The physician uses a lighted scope and modern surgical equipment to remove fibroids via tiny abdominal incisions.
- Laparotomy. The doctor makes a lengthy abdominal incision to remove big, numerous, or deep uterine fibroids.
- Robotic myomectomy. The surgeon makes tiny incisions to insert a robotic-assisted camera and surgical equipment. The gadget shows fibroids in 3D.
RELATED: 7 Fibroid-Fighting Foods You’ll Love
Nonsurgical Treatments
- Transcervical radiofrequency ablation. This non-invasive method shrinks fibroids. An ultrasound- and radiofrequency-emitting probe decreases uterine cancers.
- Endometrial ablation. Heat energy destroys the uterine lining, which causes fibroids' heavy menstruation. The best prospects are nonpregnant women and those with medical problems that enhance surgical risks.
- Embolizing uterine fibroid. This works for ladies with big fibroids. It shrinks fibroids by stopping their blood supply. Interventional radiologists often conduct this outpatient.
- Medications. Oral contraceptives control bleeding, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists shrink fibroids and lessen bleeding, progestins thin the uterine lining and may reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, iron supplements treat anemia, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs control mild pain.
