© Abdone | Dreamstime Stock Photos

© Abdone | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Being a woman with a uterus does have it’s benefits. Babies anyone? Yet owning a uterus does not come without some risks. Fibroids being one of such risks.

Here are answers to 5 of the most asked questions about fibroids

1. What is a fibroid?

Fibroid is a non-cancerous tumor of the uterus.

The uterus is a hollow muscular organ that has 3 layers; the outer layer, the middle muscular layer and the inner soft layer that gets partially sloughed with the monthly menstrual cycle. This inner layer of the uterus is in direct contact with the fetus.

A fibroid can grow in any one of the 3 layers of the uterus.

2. Are fibroids common?

They are insanely common. There is a high chance that you are growing something in your uterus as we speak; a baby or a fibroid.

3. Do fibroids lead to changes in my periods?

The fibroid type that grows within the uterine cavity has a tendency to cause heavy bleeding and cramping especially during the menstrual period.

4. Do fibroids cause infertility?

The fibroid variant that grows within the uterus cavity can potentially get in the way of implantation of the early product of conception thereby causing a miscarriage.

However, fibroids and pregnancy coexist with little or no problems for the most part.

5. What treatment options are available?

The way to go would be try out the non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment options first.

♦ Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) help with managing the cramping and may also help reduce the intensity of the menstrual bleed. Good option for mild symptoms.

♦ Birth control pills and hormonal injections like Lupron work even better for the more symptomatic fibroids.

Invasive treatment options for fibroids

♦ Uterine ablation (burning off) of the blood vessels around the uterus can help quieten a “volcanic” uterus that prone to eruptions.

♦ For women with fibroids in the inner layer of the uterus that want to conceive, surgical removal of the fibroid sparing the uterus may the reasonable option for preserving fertility.

♦ If all fails or you simply want to cut to the chase and be done with your baby carriage, complete removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) would be the way to go.

Still have questions on the treatment options for fibroids?  Be sure to leave your questions and comments below.

Dr. Bola

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4 Comments

  • Another good article, Dr. Bola. I really appreciate the information that both you and Dr. Carol share with us.

    It’s wonderful that women have you doctors to turn to with their questions and concerns. Thank you so much!

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