All You Need To Know About Uterine Fibroids

Uterine is the medical word to describe the womb (the place in the female body where babies form and grow). Fibroids are lumps that develop in the womb.

Fibroids are not cancerous hence the name benign. Benign is a medical word for growth on or in the body that is not cancerous.

Where Are They More Likely To Grow?

They can grow anywhere in the womb but its location depends on its name. Fibroids can be single or a few may form in the same area. Fibroids that form in the same area are known as cluster.

A single fibroid can be as small as the size of black eyed beans and as large as a melon. A cluster of fibroids can also vary in size.

What Causes Fibriods And How Common Are They?

There is no known cause of fibroids but studies have shown that they are linked to a particular hormone called oestrogen. Hormones are chemical messages made by the body itself to enable the different body parts work together as well as talk to each other. The job of oestrogen is to help regulate a woman’s monthly periods. The levels of oestrogen are normally high during pregnancy.

Uterine fibroids are known to shrink or stop growing during menopause. This is when a woman’s monthly period stops, the levels of oestrogen are normally low after menopause.

Uterine fibroids are very common, about 40 in every 100 women develop fibroid at some point in their life. It is most common amongst women between the ages of 30-50 years old.

Who Is More Likely To Develop Fibriod?

Women from African- Caribbean origin are more likely to develop uterine fibroids. Studies have shown that about 55 out of 100 African- Caribbean women will develop fibroids. Uterine fibroids are also common in obese women because they tend to have higher levels of oestrogen than their light weight counterparts.

What Are The Symptoms Of Fibroids?

Majority of women with fibroid do not have any symptoms. However 1 in 3 women experience some symptoms such as;
👍 Heavy, long or painful monthly periods
👍 Frequent urinating
👍 Bleeding in between periods
👍 Constipation
👍 Piles
👍 Pain or discomfort during sex
👍 Fertility problems
👍 Miscarriages

How Are Uterine Fibriods Diagnosed

Ultrasound scans will generally diagnose a uterine fibroid. Women are advised to see their health care providers if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms.


Treatment

When uterine fibroids have been diagnosed and the symptoms are causing the woman problems then it is always advisable for the woman to speak to her doctor.
The first point of call when it comes to treating of fibroids should be medicine if they do not work and the uterine fibroid is affecting a woman’s daily activities then she should speak to her doctor and surgical operation can be considered.


The writer is Head of Childbirth and Maternal Services at Craddlecare Maternity Trust.