🚑Fibroid Awareness Week🚑

🚑Fibroid Awareness Week🚑

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroid tumors are benign growths that appear on the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common tumors of the body. You may hear them called other names like leiomyoma, leiomyomata, or myoma. They range in size from microscopic to masses that fill the entire abdominal cavity. In some cases they can be as large as a full term pregnancy. They can affect women of all ages, but are most common in women ages 40 to 50. In most cases, there is more than one fibroid in the uterus consisting of dense fibrous tissue, being nourished and sustained by the uterine arteries.

They are often described based upon their location within the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located beneath the serosa (the lining membrane on the outside of the uterus). These often appear localized on the outside surface of the uterus or may be attached to the outside surface by a pedicle. Submucosal (submucous) fibroids are located inside the uterine cavity beneath the lining of the uterus. Intramural fibroids are located within the muscular wall of the uterus.

More women today face Fibroids and it is not much fun. 

How do you find out if you have Uterine Fibroids?

Women typically undergo an ultrasound at their gynecologist’s office to visualize the uterus for fibroid tumors. Ultrasound, however, does not show other underlying diseases or all the existing fibroids, particularly their positions. Some doctors will suggest MRI to reveal if the fibroid is pressing against the spine, and rule out the possibility of other causes of back pain. Finding the appropriate treatment is key to getting relief from back pain and fibroid symptoms. 

Fibroids Symptoms

The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids in women include:

• Heavy or excessive menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged menstrual periods—seven days or more of bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pain

If you have any of those symptoms, get tested because you may have Fibroids.

Signing out
Dr. Destiny Basset
aka Big Sister On Point 💓