Fibroids....The Pesky Suckers

This month will cover all things that can be viewed as reproductive challenges.  Everything from fibroids to PCOS will be covered in the blog this month.  It’s important to discuss these challenges because not only can they impact a woman’s ability to reproduce but also create mental and emotional difficulties.  We’ll start the month off discussing fibroids.

Fibroids are (mostly)benign tumors located inside the uterus, within the muscle wall, and outside the uterus.  They can be large or small, symptomatic or asymptomatic.  Fibroids can cause a whole host of problems from heavy bleeding to pain in the lower abdomen and back to extended menstruation.  Statistics report that up to 80% of women have them by the age of 50.  There are no “known” causes but what is known is that hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and family history may contribute to their formation.

Many women are plagued with fibroids and their symptoms.  Those at greater risk for fibroids are women who have a family history of fibroids, those aged 30 or older, African-American, and those who have a higher body weight.  Fibroids can impact a woman’s fertility depending on the location and size of the fibroid.  The good news is, is that there are treatments available.  Treatments for fibroids consist of myomectomy, hysterectomy, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), and myolysis.  Countless women have and are currently riddled with fibroids.  Knowledge is power and gives women the ability to make informed decisions about their body and their future.  If you’re left wondering if this in your family genetics or could be a cause of symptoms experienced, here are some suggestions.

1.     Go talk with your family and find out your medical history.  Ask if any of the women in your family suffered with fibroids and if treatment was necessary.

2.     Make an appointment with your OB/GYN to run tests and get a clear picture of what may be going on.

3.     Research your options and see what will work best for you.

4.     Talk to your doctor and present the options you feel are best.  Together, as a team create a plan.

5.     Take action before you are forced to make a choice you wouldn’t have chosen.