Causes & Cures of Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that usually grow within the uterine wall of women. Fibroids begin within the muscle inside the uterus. They usually begin as a single mass but can develop into a large group of fibroids that can cause problems. Nearly 80 percent of all women will develop fibroids at some point in time, although many may never have any symptoms.

Causes

• The growth of fibroids within the uterus are stimulated by the production of estrogen. Other causes of fibroids are obesity; a family history of fibroids puts you at greater risk. The onset of periods before the age of 10 can make some women vulnerable. African American women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women. Eating a lot of red meat puts one at a greater risk, but eating lots of vegetables helps to protect against them. Women who have never given birth are also at a greater risk.

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary for each individual. They may be mild or severe. Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, a consistent feeling of being full, enlargement of the lower abdomen, frequent urination, lower back pain, pain during sex, complications during pregnancy and labor, and reproduction problems.

Treatment

• One should consult a physician if the symptoms of fibroids become severe. Treatment will depend on the size of the fibroids, location, whether or not you will want children in the future, the severity of the symptoms, and your current age. Women closer to menopause will usually begin considering a surgery. For milder symptoms, an anti-inflammatory such as Motrin will be suggested. Birth control pills can also help control bleeding.

Surgery

• There are different surgical methods that can help with the removal or symptoms of fibroids. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that goes in and removes only the fibroids while leaving the healthy tissue. This is an alternative for women who still want to have children.

  If a woman chooses a hysterectomy, it will be performed to completely remove the uterus. This will remove the fibroids and will protect against further growth.

  Myolysis is used to freeze the fibroid. A needle is inserted within the tumor that will destroy it. With Endometrial Ablation, the lining of the uterus is removed and is done to control heavy bleeding. Finally, Uterine Fibroid Embolization cuts off the blood supply to the fibroid and destroys it.

Prevention/Solution

• Some simple steps can be done as prevention against fibroids. The heavier one becomes, the more estrogen she will produce. Estrogen production increases the risk of fibroids. Maintaining a healthy weight will help prevent fibroids. Smoking should be avoided. Smoking has also been linked to the production of fibroids. Routine yearly check ups can also allow for early detection so that treatment can begin early.