Whats a fibroid?

Fibroids are tough, fibrous, non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. They’re also known as Leiomyomas or Myomas (an example of fancy schmancy medical terminology). If your doctor has told you that you have fibroids, don’t panic! You’re not alone – almost 70% of women will experience them at some point in their lives (another way to say ‘you’re not special’ without sounding insensitive).

So…Why Does it Happen?

While there isn’t an exact reason why fibroids happen (because stuff just happens sometimes ya know?), we do know they form from abnormal growths on smooth muscle thay make up the uterus’ walls. Fibroids can be either small and unnoticeable or quite large and painful.

Let me guess…, symptoms?

Itching? Nope. Burning? Also nope(are signs of Yeast infection) . While fibroids aren’t always symptomatic (cue sighing relief), depending on size and location, they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding or pelvic pressure (yes we finally get into symptoms after making everyone anxious about guessing whatthey are).

Other possible Lady-garden issues one might feel with fibroids include:

• Longer periods
• Frequency going to bathroom feels like waiting for customer service with any cable company
• Constipation (which is really fantastic for dropping weight)
• Pain/discomfort during sex

Like anything else most things affecting people medically some women never display any of these.. further proving sometime your lady garden just acts up because…

In rare cases…

Rarely (<1%) occurrences could lead to cancers if left untreated …but let’s go ahead preface again while here now treating them is typically simple.

Heh reminder

Don’t just live feeling off please see a local healthcare provider

Sometimes doctors may only expect Fibroids on clinical examination but I’m sure you’re as curious to know like me ‘how would one test for fibroids or tumors in the lady garden’. Glad you asked!

There are a few tests that can help doctors diagnose fibroids:

Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test where high-frequency sound waves bounce off of internal organs, creating detailed images which your lovely doctor gets to looka t.

This method helps show any abnormal bumps (sounds less scary than tumor doesn’t it?) inside/on the uterus…. most gals describe this procedure as uncomfortable rather than painful. (Thankfully)

P.S:Remember every woman’s experience and pain tolerance differs so keep that in mind.

MRI

Short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It takes pictures of how we’re built using strong magnets basically nothing too extreme here (insert facepalm if chiropractor ever played YouTube videos with people getting sucked into MRIs while also laughing about it) If deemed needed by doctor MKI will give even more detailed info on the tumors including their size, location etc.

Surgery?

Seldom something worth persuing…especially looking at recent years developments outside of medicine (aka technology). Normally surgeons perform 2 types Procedures:

1.The First involves either removal entirely or cutting down their number to a zero depending on severity whichever surgery(s) depends.

Techniques involved include:
– Abdominal hysterectomy
– Laparoscopic hysterectomy
– Robotic-assisted laparoscopic

The Second not involving non-invasive options ie without breaking skin similar to LASIK eye surgeries common now typically used alongside other procedures :

Ex).

-Laparoscopy-guided radiofrequency ablation (Lafe)
-Myolysis
-Uterine artery embolization

Post-Op recovery should be felt within days…

Normal postoperative Expectations :
-Mild Pain
-Cramping/spotting
-Month-longpelvic rest needed

If it’s not surgery, What Can I do?

Outside of above procedures plenty options available for fibroid relief!(Yay!)

1. Pain medication can assist during their period days.
   Pain medications (NSAIDs) are over-the-counter pain relievers that help reduce inflammation.

2. Hormonal contraception can be fantastic for balancing out menstrual effects especially those leading to bleeding.

3. Alternatively supplements like the mineral magnesium may also act as a muscle relaxant and help reduce some symptoms(Super-sleep-aid too).

4. Eat healthier, suggests one in any health related field (when don’t they recommend this? lol) Your diet affects many areas of your body including hormones and inflammation…wanna avoid hormonal fluctuations..cut back on carbs!

But remember most importantly Talk with your healthcare provider before making changes or exploring options.That said, there are a few things you could try-so discuss them…

Getting Pregnant With Fibroids

If pregnancy is something wanting to hold onto while dealing still needing treatment/fibroids gone considered by doctor provides following recommendations:

1.Quit Nicely: Stopped smoking (quit halfway wouldn’t work)

If pregnant the risk of miscarriage skyrocket when women smoke or second-hand smokers nearby so worth noting harder here due to smoking restrictions indoors all around now anyways!

2.Maintaining Healthy Diet : As noted earlier even more important when considering trying to conceive.(remember reducing Carb intake maybe helpful)

3.Taking Iron Supplements

During pregnancies iron requirement change plus add heavier periods(yey right?)this extra assistance beneficial managing energy levels staying healthy throughout pregnancy.

Summary :

The vast majority of fibroids aren’t cancerous/troublesome particularly (asymptomatic), Although if problems resulting from numerous other non-invasive solutions exist treated using non invasive procedures these days so there’s no reason anyone should go through unnecessary surgeries.

Early diagnosis lessens risks from fibroids, where symptoms have showed up (abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain/pressure) let your doctor know about them they may induce a series of tests… if found you have non-cancerous uterine tumors ask about best treatment options available.

With physicians testing more often and treatments making new advancements likely leading to different detections perhaps in our lifetime. Until then passing the word regarding early detection remains the key – spread awareness so others can protect themselves.

Having been informed should be everyone’s target over learning just from friends which not only leaves gaps but also relies on personal anecdotes!