Fibroids are noncancerous tumours, they grow on the wall of the uterus, they may appear within the organ or on the outer surface. Some women can have single or multiple growths of this muscular tissue.
Most Fibroids are small, do not show any symptoms, and may not require treatment as you might not even know. Some even shrink and disappear, in other cases, continue to grow. The growth is considered medium when it is about 5 cm, large when it is 10 cm and beyond.
When fibroids grow in large sizes, such as the size of a watermelon, they weigh heavier and might seem as if one is pregnant.
Before it gets this big though, you must have observed symptoms such as heavy bleeding, terrible menstrual cramps, bloating, pelvic pain, prolonged period, infertility problems, or miscarriage.
And yes, fibroids can get ruptured requiring emergency care, this case is quite rare. Uncommon, is heavy bleeding leading to lack of red blood cells and large fibroids pressing on the bladder and ureter, leading to kidney damage. All of these symptoms should not be taken lightly, consult your doctor immediately.
It is estimated that over 70% percent of women will have fibroids in their lifetime, you are not alone.
Risk factors for Fibroids include;
Age: Women within 30 and up to menopause are more likely to have fibroids. After menopause, fibroids shrink and if present and are less likely to grow.
Women who are overweight are at a higher risk as well.
Family history.
In countries where the health system is a mess, removing fibroids surgically (Laparoscopic myomectomy) is a dread to most women, asides from that, new fibroids may develop after surgery. Now being aware you have fibroids if it is small, without symptoms and it does not bother you, naturally it might shrink or remain so for years.
Asides from Laparoscopic myomectomy for removal, there are other procedures. The efficiency of a procedure will be determined by the size and number of the growth, your age, the extent of the symptoms, and other health conditions.
After surgery, avoid strenuous activities, do not have sex until your doctor says it is okay, do not dive back into work, take out enough time to rest, and pick up gradually.
Diet and nonprescription herbal remedies may reduce symptoms or reduce the risk of developing fibroids but then how do you know the proper amount to use without hurting yourself.
We know you are anxious, if you are in Nigeria, then you are super scared. You would not die…. Not today. Importantly, get yourself into safe hands. Research on your doctor, read reviews, meet up and trust the process. You may not even need surgery, just observation.
