Uterine Fibroids- What You Need To Know
Written by Fareedah Ameen
Caveat: This article doesn’t serve as expert medical advice. It is important to consult your doctor when you notice something is off with your body.
Almost everyone knows at least one woman who has been diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids (Medical term: Leiomyoma), this is so because it is a condition which occurs in up to 70% of women.
Definition
Uterine Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths of the uterine smooth muscle. It is the commonest tumor of the female reproductive system.
Who does it affect?
It occurs in women within the reproductive age group i.e. women who are between the age of menarche and menopause.
Its prevalence is also dependent on some predisposing factors such as:
- Race: commoner in Africans and African-Americans.
- Age: higher incidence rates in older women between 35 and 49 years old, but can occur in younger women too.
- Genetics: it occurs more commonly in women who have a family history, especially in 1st-degree relatives.
- Low parity.
Symptoms
Although, research shows that about 1 in 3 women have uterine fibroids, only a small percentage of people present with symptoms which may include:
- Menorrhagia (increased menstrual flow or duration).
- Pelvic Pain.
- Abdominal Distension.
- Pressure Symptoms like Increased urinary frequency, constipation.
- Lower Back pain.
- Infertility.
Uterine Fibroids can only be diagnosed clinically after an examination by a gynecologists and radiological confirmation using ultrasounds or MRI.
Treatment Options
Uterine Fibroids can be treated: medically, surgically or by the use of both options.
- Medical treatment involves the administration of some hormonal medications which may shrink the size of the fibroids to avoid or delay surgery (if necessary).
- Surgery may be done to remove the fibroids in order to relieve the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The surgical options include
- Myomectomy: removal of the fibroids from the uterine wall
- Hysterectomy: total removal of the uterus.
- Hysteroscopic Resection: use of a specially designed telescope and surgical instruments to remove the fibroids.
The choice recommended would depend on the size of the fibroids, the patient’s wish for children and other factors which will be discussed by the patient’s gynecologists.
However, with medical advancements, there are minimally invasive alternatives for example, Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) which involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids causing them to shrink.
Treatment Outcomes
The prognosis of patients post-operatively is very good as the treatment helps to improve the quality of life and also increases fertility rates in women with infertility.
Myth-Busters!
Let’s debunk some common myths in our society about Uterine Fibroids.
MYTH 1: Fibroids must be removed.
FACT: It is estimated that only about 25% to 50% of women with fibroids experience the symptoms and require surgery.
MYTH 2: People with fibroids can’t get pregnant or stay pregnant.
FACT: Although, there is a link between fibroids and infertility, not all Fibroids affect fertility as the possibility of this depends on the size and location of the fibroids amongst other factors.
MYTH 3: Taking herbal concoctions can make fibroids disappear.
FACT: Some research suggests that diet and herbal remedies may help with some fibroids symptoms. However, many studies in this area are not carried out in humans and have not been scientifically proven.
In conclusion, uterine fibroids are the most common non-malignant gynecological tumors of the female reproductive system. They are usually not life-threatening but may affect a woman’s quality of life, if they present with symptoms. Uterine fibroids can only be clinically diagnosed after physical and radiological examinations. It can be treated medically or surgically and has been reported to have positive treatment outcomes.
Caveat: This article doesn’t serve as expert medical advice. It is important to consult your doctor when you notice something is off with your body.
Fareedah Ameen is a final year Medical Student at the University of Ilorin. She enjoys reading articles and fictional books, making mocktails and creating content. You can connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Edited by Oluwatobiloba Ganiyu
Female, Editor, Medical student, ambivert, goofball, Christian. Always interested in learning new things. Connect with Oluwatobiloba on Instagram.
Published by Akinsipe Temitope
Temitope is a young storyteller who thinks all stories are worth telling. She loves to inspire people to do what they love and follow their passions, tell their stories, and live in the present moment. Connect with Temitope on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
