health: fibroids
Uterine fibroids can affect three out of four women. Uterine fibroids are growths that are noncancerous.
“They develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually
creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue.” They usually appear in women as they age
during their 30’s and 40’s. African-American women are most likely to develop uterine fibroids than
white women. There are common symptoms that can occur with fibroids.
Symptoms:
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged menstrual periods-seven days or more of menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains
Most fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus. They are put into three groups
based on where they grow. Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavty. Intramural fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus. Subserosal fibroids
grow on the outside of the uterus.
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Women should see the doctor if they have the following:
• Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away
• Overly heavy or painful periods
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Pain consistently with intercourse
• Enlarged uterus and abdomen
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
There is not a known cause of why uterine fibroids occur. However, research has shown that there is evidence that fibroids run in families. Also, estrogen and progesterone can stimulate the growth of fibroids.
Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause.
If you suspect that you are having symptoms of uterine fibroids, there are several steps that you can take.
Make an appointment with your gynecologist and make a list of any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Tests and diagnosis:
Uterine fibroids can be detected by a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor can also conduct tests which
may include:
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce the picture. The ultrasound probe can be placed on the
abdomen or it can be placed inside the vagina to make the picture
X-Rays: Uses a form of radiation to see into the body and produce the picture
Cat Scan: Takes many X-ray pictures of the body from the different angles for a more complete image.
There are several different ways to treat fibroids. Possible surgical interventions include hysterectomy,
or removal of the uterus (and the fibroids with it) Myomectomy is the removal of just the fibroids within
the uterus.
Another technique for treating fibroids is known as uterine artery embolization (UAE). This technique
obstructs the blood supply to the fibroid and starve it of blood and oxygen. While this technique has not
been in use long enough to evaluate long-term effects of UAE versus surgery, it is known that women
undergoing UAE for fibroids have a shorter hospital stay than those having surgery but a greater risk of
complications and readmissions to the hospital.
For more Information………….callwomenshealth.gov at 1-800-994-9662
References: www.mayoclinic.com • www.womenshealth.gov • www.medicinenet.com
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