If you learned you had a lump in your uterus, a uterine fibroid, your initial feelings might be worry and fear. Let’s pause and take a breath — uterine fibroids are quite common, can be treated, and most women don’t face negative effects.
Whare are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are smooth, fibrous muscle tumors that form in your uterus. Because they’re typically painless, fibroids are usually discovered during a routine pelvic exam or pregnancy ultrasound. Despite the “tumor” label, fibroids aren’t cancer and never become cancerous.
“These growths are common,” said Molly Uhing, MD, Avera OB/GYN at Avera Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology. “About 30 to 40% of women in their 30s to 40s experience uterine fibroids.”
You might have one fibroid, or multiple growths. They can vary in size as well, being either microscopic or so extreme in the pelvic area that the woman appears pregnant.
Are there any symptoms with uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are often asymptomatic, so you might be caught off guard when your provider reveals you have one or more.
However, like any other medical concern, symptoms can happen. Tell your provider if you’re experiencing:
- Pain: stomach region, low back or during sex
- A growing belly without explanation
- Pressure in the pelvic area
- Period issues: heavy bleeding, painful periods, or changes in length or frequency of periods
- Bathroom issues: constipation or difficulty peeing, including going too often
“If fibroids contribute to heavy, long periods, this can cause anemia,” said Uhing. Anemia, a drop in red blood cells, not only is characterized by tiredness, you may need a blood transfusion to regain health.
What might put me at risk of developing uterine fibroids?
A few factors can put you at a higher risk for developing fibroids, including:
- Being old enough to get pregnant
- Race, with black and Hispanic women being the most at risk
- Family history of uterine fibroids
- A poor diet, particularly low in fruits, vegetables and good vitamin D sources
- Higher levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), the substance in your body that “glues” your cells together
Can uterine fibroids be prevented?
In general, there’s not much you can do to prevent uterine fibroids. They tend to run in the genes of families, with the hormones progesterone and estrogen triggering their growth.
Hormone therapy could reduce risk but might also contribute to fibroids — something you would need to monitor closely with your primary care provider.
A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, adequate sleep and weight maintenance are all good practices to prevent or slow a variety of health conditions, including uterine fibroids.
How are uterine fibroids treated?
If the fibroids in your uterus aren’t causing issues, your provider might not suggest intervention. Some even shrink on their own.
However, when quality of life is interrupted, there are options to relieve your symptoms.
“Women are busy moms and workers, so I’m happy there are ways to remove uterine growths with a smooth recovery,” said Uhing.
There are two main objectives when treating uterine fibroids: to address any bleeding abnormalities as well as the uterine masses/enlarged uterus.
Resolving Bleeding Abnormalities and Smaller Fibroids
- Hormonal therapy
- High doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Oral transexemic acid
- Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation
“Bleeding in the setting of smaller fibroids can be addressed by laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation, where we use radiofrequency to remove the fibroids with pinpoint accuracy,” said Uhing.
