Fibroids In The Uterus – Common Tumors
Fibroids in the uterus are rather common in women. In fact, it is estimated that 20% of women will have uterine fibroids in her lifetime.
Fibroids are tumors that develop in the uterus. They occur most in women who are over the age of 30, but they can also occur in women who are younger than 20. Some of the symptoms of this condition include: heavy periods, abdominal pain, increased need to urinate and cramps in the pelvic region.
If you experience any of these symptoms, and suspect that you have uterine fibroids, it is advisable to meet your doctor as soon as possible. If they are not treated, it can lead to some more serious complications.
Untreated fibroids can lead to severe gynecological bleeding, urinary tract infection, and anemia, just to mention a few. In some cases even infertility can be caused by fibroids, even though this is very uncommon.
Having fibroids during pregnancy may also increase the risk of complications, but this is quite rare. Most women with this condition have normal pregnancies, but they are at increased risk of needing a C-section. However, health experts say that fibroids do not increase a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer and the tumors very rarely develop into cancer.
A doctor can perform various tests which may include: a pregnancy test and checking for ovarian tumors and inflammation in the pelvic region. Once a doctor has confirmed that a woman is suffering from fibroids, he or she has a variety of treatment options available. Some of those options include: birth control pills, an IUD, GNRH agonists and surgery to remove the uterus.
Birth control pills can help reduce the pain and cramping that is associated with fibroids. They can also help reduce the menstrual flow. A woman may also be advised to get an intrauterine device or IUD. An IUD can help reduce menstrual bleeding and it can also help alleviate the pain that is caused by fibroids.
A doctor may also prescribe a medication that is in the class of GNRH agonists. They help shrink the fibroids and reduce the pain, swelling and inflammation that they cause.
Women who do not want any more children may also elect to have their uterus removed, which is a procedure called a hysterectomy. Getting a hysterectomy is the only way to prevent the tumors from coming back. It is important to note that since this is a surgery there are risks involved, so it should always be a last resort.
No one knows exactly what causes fibroids. That is why there are no assured ways to prevent them completely. However, there are, in addition to medical treatments, plenty of natural remedies for fibroids that help women to live normal lives without serious symptoms.