many options of surgery to help treat fibroids.
Myomectomy
This surgery removes the fibroids while leaving healthy tissues, and is for women who want to become pregnant in the future.
Hysterectomy
This surgery is usually performed if fibroids are too large, there is heavy bleeding, and a woman doesn’t want children. During a hysterectomy, the uterus is removed.
Endometrial Ablation
This minor surgery is done with laser, wire loops, boiling water, or freezing; and removes the lining of the uterus to control heavy bleeding. This is another surgery to consider if you do not want children.
Myolysis
This surgery is a freezing method used to destroy the fibroids.
While medical treatments are options to treat fibroids, making simple lifestyle changes can also serve as an option for managing fibroids. Avoid foods that may increase inflammation like high-fat processed meats. Avoiding dairy, refined sugars, alcohol, and caffeine can also help in managing fibroids. Because women experience heavy bleeding which can cause anemia, eating food high in iron is important. Green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and herbal teas may help in balancing hormones and managing fibroids.
Because African American women are more likely to have fibroids and experience more severe symptoms it is important to get ahead of it and get checked out, find out your options, and consider making lifestyle changes. See your doctor soon and remember to ask as many questions as possible.
Have you experienced fibroids? Are you currently experiencing fibroids? Share your story.
Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.