Uterine fibroids are growths that can develop inside or outside of the uterus. While you may or may not be surprised at being diagnosed with the condition, it might be helpful for you to know that a lot of Black women are dealing with the same thing. The growths are not cancerous but you can manage the condition through a variety of treatment options. While you’re working with your doctor to determine your next steps, there are a few things you should know about dealing with fibroids.
1. Your Symptoms Can Change Over Time
Not everyone who has fibroids has symptoms and some people remain asymptomatic for a while. However, it’s unlikely to remain that way. New symptoms may appear or existing ones can get worse. When that happens, make sure to tell your doctor in case it’s something you need to be concerned about.
2. It’s Best To Stop Smoking
Studies show that smoking has a bad effect on the circulatory system, leading to increased inflammation and pain. Since these are two key characteristics of fibroids, it makes sense to quit. If it’s hard for you to step away from cigarettes, look into support programs and accessories that can help.
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3. Changing Your Diet Can Help
This change is also related to the fact that fibroids and inflammation are related. Health experts recommend kicking foods that promote inflammation out of your diet while including some anti-inflammatory ones. That means you can do without processed foods, red meat, high-fat dairy, alcohol, and caffeine. Instead, whole grains, apples, tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage are great additions.
4. You Should Start Moving
Two benefits of exercise are a reduction in inflammation and positively affecting the way your body manages pain. If you already have an exercise routine, then you can keep going as long as you’re getting at least 30 minutes each day. People who aren’t usually working out, however, should start slowly with short walks.
5. You’ll Need To Monitor Your Blood Pressure
Recent studies have shown there’s a link between high blood pressure and fibroid issues. The best approach to this is to keep your blood pressure under control. Eating well and exercising are great places to start. If you’ve been officially diagnosed with hypertension, make sure to take your medication as prescribed.
6. Keep Your Stress Under Control
Chronic stress can cause numerous issues with your body. That includes making the symptoms of your fibroids worse. Since it’s almost impossible to avoid stressful situations, it will help to develop relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, or the occasional massage.
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7. Develop A Pain Management Strategy
When your pain flares, there are different ways to ease it. Over-the-counter painkillers can help, but there are more natural options. Resting and putting your legs up helps. Some people also get relief from heating pads.
8. There May Be More Tests In The Future
You may have done ultrasounds and blood tests to determine what kind of fibroids you have, but that doesn’t mean those are the last ones. Just as your symptoms can change, your fibroids can too. They can grow and cause increased pain or bloating.
Checking on them is the only way your doctor will know if your treatment plan needs to change. Bear in mind that certain fibroids can twist or burst, so never ignore severe pain.
9. You Might Not Start Medications Right Away
It might surprise you if your doctor takes a wait-and-see approach to your fibroids. However, not all fibroids will get a delay in medications. In this case, you’ll be expected to tell your doctor if you’re experiencing changes in your pain level or any signs that the fibroids have grown.
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10. Surgery Is A Last Resort
Sometimes when you hear about fibroids, surgery is the first thing that comes to mind. That’s not the case.
Many doctors consider that to be a last resort and there are several non-invasive procedures that might be recommended first.
Even if you get to the point of needing surgery, clinical trials can offer options that traditional treatments may not.
As you’re learning how to live with uterine fibroids, you’ll develop coping strategies that work for you. The important thing is that you maintain effective communication with your doctor about any changes in your symptoms. In that case, they’ll be able to make changes to your treatment program.
