10 Things Women Should Know About Fibroids

1. WHAT IS A FIBROID? A fibroid (also called a leiomyoma) is a non-cancerous growth in the womb (focus is on uterine fibroids). A fibroid usually originates from the smooth muscles of a woman’s uterus (womb). The growth can be single or multiple and there are various types. Fibroids are the most common benign growths in women and they are seen mainly when women reach their middle or latter part of their reproductive years. In short, they are seen mainly in a woman’s child-bearing years. A fibroid may grow rapidly, shrink or stay the same. They can be so tiny that you cannot even see them with the naked eyes or get so large that they occupy all the abdominal region of a woman and even reach the chest (see pictures). Fibroids can grow anywhere in the body but are mainly seen in the womb (uterus), oesophagus and the small intestine. They can also stay in a woman’s body for decades. 2. WHAT CAUSES FIBROIDS? Well, doctors do not exactly know what causes fibroids but a number of factors have been associated with the condition. One is the gene. Fibroids run in families and identical twins have been noticed to have it more than non-identical twins. Another factor that has been pointed are the hormones (chemical substances produced in the body) oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones are normally produced in the body but for some unknown reasons, they promote the growth of fibroids. And that also explains why women do not have fibroids after menopause because the levels of these hormones drop drastically. Also, it must be stated that the rate of incidence of fibroids is higher in the following women: -Black women (African descent) -Obese women (slow down on those burgers, ok?) -Women who have never given birth before or women who have never carried a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks. Such women are called nulliparous women and they also stand an increased risk of breast cancer. Yes, giving birth reduces the risk of breast cancer. -Women who have suffered from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome which is actually very common in ladies. Other diseases associated with fibroids include diabetes and hypertension. 3. CAN FIBROIDS CAUSE INFERTILITY?Yes. As a matter of fact, a small percentage of women are infertile as a result of fibroids. This is when the fibroid is located where the embryo is supposed to implant (sit). In some other cases, the fibroids are so big that they clog the oviducts (Fallopian tubes) thus blocking the eggs coming from the ovaries into the uterus. 4. CAN FIBROIDS LEAD TO MISCARRIAGE OR EVEN AFFECT A PREGNANCY? In very rare cases, fibroids can interfere with a pregnancy. Depending on the size, location and other factors, a fibroid can trigger a miscarriage, cause bleeding, premature birth or even affect the way the baby is positioned. Please, always see your doctor for proper examination before, during and after pregnancy. Do not just brush any symptom as ‘ordinari headache or stomach ache’. But the interesting thing is that fibroids do not grow during pregnancy as the pregnancy itself confers some degree of protective effect. 5. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HAVING FIBROIDS? Although when fibroids are small, there is really nothing to worry about as they do not lead to symptoms but there are some other cases where the fibroids are either big or cause uncomfortable symptoms for the woman. Once a woman experiences any of the following symptoms which can result from fibroids, then it is time to seek assistance: -Dyspareunia: This is pain during sexual intercourse. Since sex is a very crucial component of marriage, see your doctor if you are always feeling hurt during coitus with your spouse. It may be due to a fibroid growth. -Heavy and painful menses: You will agree with me that this is not funny at all. -Frequent urination. -Other forms of bleeding like gynecological bleeding which is heavy non-menstrual bleeding. This can lead to anaemia and iron deficiency if care is not taken. -Constipation. -Bloated abdomen. 6. CAN A MAN HAVE FIBROIDS?Yes, as stated earlier, a man can also have fibroids (but this piece is focusing on uterine fibroids which is seen only in women). In 1919, a diagnosis was made at a US Army General Hospital of a male patient (a soldier) with multiple fibroids (five to be specific) in the pelvis (Annals of Surgery, Ann Surg.1920 June; 71(6): 755–756.1.). So, it is not only a woman thing. Men also have breast cancer too for those who may not know. Medics may want to read more on the case of male fibroids HERE 7. WHAT ARE THE FORMS OF TREATMENTS AVAILABLE? Some women usually get terrified when a diagnosis of fibroids has been made. Well, the truth is that there is actually nothing to worry about as fibroids is mainly a benign (non-cancerous) condition and there are various modes and forms of treatments that you can employ and cheaply too. I am not very sure but I don’t think myomectomies are that expensive even in Nigerian teaching hospitals (government, kit up our hospitals and appreciate the efforts of doctors). These include: -Drugs: There are specially formulated drugs that women can take to dissolve the growths or address the various symptoms that are produced (like the painful menses). Always consult with your doctor and do not embark on self-medication. -Surgery: Called myomectomy, the aim of this surgical operation is to remove the fibroids. Another form of surgery is the entire removal of the womb (called hysterectomy) but this is usually recommended as a last option. Many American women opt for this but Nigeria is not Yankee. Many Nigerian women still cherish their wombs (apo omo) even if they have given birth to a dozen children…lol! -Ultrasound can also be used to destroy the fibroid growth. Always consult your doctor and do not take to self-medications. Do not even swallow any herbs or drink any agbo (local concoction) that your female friends recommended for you because ‘it works like wonders’. Have an appointment with your doctor and get the most ideal treatment. 8. CAN FIBROIDS LEAD TO CANCER AND CAN THERE BE FIBROIDS AFTER MENOPAUSE? Yes, but luckily, this is an exceedingly rare occurrence. A fibroid can turn cancerous to become what is known as a leiomyosarcoma. Yes, postmenopausal fibroids are possible but are rare indeed. 9. HOW CAN FIBROIDS BE PREVENTED? There is no specific preventive measure against fibroids but you can adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of some factors mentioned above. Eat healthy, exercise more and leave a stress-free life. 10. THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR TIME