Silent health issue of fibroids prevalent in 70% of female population warrants re-evaluation
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign growths that develop in or around the uterus, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50. These growths, often referred to as 'benign', can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, abdominal cramping, pain during sex, bloating, constipation, and rectal pressure.
The exact causes of uterine fibroids are not well understood, but hormonal influence, genetic predisposition, and age are thought to contribute to their development. Estrogen and progesterone promote fibroid growth, and they tend to enlarge during pregnancy due to higher levels of these hormones.
Treatment options for uterine fibroids vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the size and location of the fibroids. For asymptomatic fibroids, monitoring their size and symptoms may be sufficient. Hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills, can help manage symptoms like heavy bleeding.
Minimally invasive procedures like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and myolysis, which block blood flow to the fibroids or destroy fibroid tissue with heat or cold, are also options. Surgical options include myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, and hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, typically for severe cases.
It's crucial to note that treatment decisions should consider a woman's plans for pregnancy, as surgical treatments like myomectomy and hysterectomy aren't feasible for those hoping to conceive. Smaller, possibly asymptomatic fibroids may be monitored through repeat scans.
Unfortunately, fibroids are critically underdiagnosed in women of color, and awareness around fibroids remains low. Breaking down stigma around menstrual health and complications in pregnancy is essential to prevent delays in seeking potentially life-changing treatment.
Women who are found to have fibroids during pregnancy need careful monitoring and must be vigilant for signs of 'red degeneration', a condition that occurs when fibroids have grown so fast during pregnancy that their centres break down, causing vomiting, fever, and extreme pain over the abdomen and pelvis, requiring immediate medical attention.
Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for determining the best treatment approach based on individual circumstances. With increased awareness and understanding, women can take control of their health and seek the care they need.
- Science and genetics, particularly the influence of hormones and genetic predisposition, are thought to contribute to the development of uterine fibroids in women, a condition that affects up to 80% of women by age 50.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, it's crucial to foster awareness and break down stigma surrounding menstrual health, as fibroids remain critically underdiagnosed in women of color.
- Treatment for uterine fibroids can vary widely, ranging from monitoring asymptomatic fibroids, using hormonal therapies like birth control pills, to minimally invasive procedures like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and myolysis.
- For women with fibroids during pregnancy, careful monitoring and prompt action are essential, as a condition called 'red degeneration' may occur, causing severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
- When it comes to treatment decisions, it's important to consider factors such as future plans for fertility, as certain surgical treatments like myomectomy and hysterectomy may not be feasible for those hoping to conceive.
- In the future of womens' health, Medicare and health-related policies can play a significant role in ensuring access to necessary therapies-and-treatments for uterine fibroids, promoting overall fitness-and-exercise and well-being.
