A fibroid is a kind of tumor that grows in the uterus muscle. Fibroids are usually non-cancerous. One in six women in the United States gets fibroids at some point. They are more common as women age but can also occur in girls as young as eleven. Fibroids Houston, TX may cause no symptoms or lead to cramping, heavy periods, and pelvic pain. The cause of fibroids is unknown. Fibroids can vary in size, ranging from small to large. Small fibroids mostly do not require treatment, but large can be treated through medications, minimally invasive techniques, or surgery. Fibroids are associated with many myths and misconceptions, and here are some.
Fibroids always cause pain
In most women, fibroids do not cause symptoms. In most women, the condition is undiagnosed. If fibroids cause symptoms, you may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramping, pelvic pressure, abdominal swelling, and difficulty getting pregnant. Sometimes you may not know you have fibroids until you have trouble getting pregnant. Small fibroids often do not cause pain.
Fibroids always cause infertility
Not every woman with fibroids has fertility issues. Most women with asymptomatic fibroids do not have fertility problems. Sometimes fibroids can block one of your fallopian tubes or change your cervix shape leading to infertility. If your fibroids cause challenges getting kids, your doctor can treat your condition to improve your odds of getting kids. Most women with fibroids get healthy pregnancies and kids.
Hysterectomy is the best treatment for fibroids
If you do not show fibroids symptoms, your doctor may suggest you do not get any treatment. If fibroids disrupt your health and wellness, your doctor may recommend medications or minimally invasive techniques. Most women prefer non-surgical procedures like UFE, which blocks blood flow, making them shrink and disappear. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be a suitable treatment method.
Fibroids are cancerous
Most people assume fibroids are cancerous and are associated with uterine cancer. Fibroids are noncancerous growths and have no link to uterine cancer. They may cause painful symptoms affecting your quality of life, but they are not typically life-threatening. Severe fibroid cases can turn into cancer, but studies show that less than one in one thousand incidents cause a cancerous fibroid.
Once your fibroids are removed, they cannot recur
Unluckily, new uterine fibroids can develop after treatment. If you are diagnosed with fibroids, ensure you get regular checkups. Routine screening can help your physician detect new or recurring fibroids. Your doctor may recommend a different treatment procedure if you develop new fibroids. Minimally invasive techniques like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) eliminate fibroids permanently in most women.
Fibroids vanish after menopause
Menopause does not always cause your fibroids to disappear. Sometimes, hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopausal symptoms can lead to the growth of new fibroids. You will still need treatment for your fibroids after menopause if they affect your health. Your doctor can determine the best treatment for you depending on the size or number of your fibroids.
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in or on the uterus. If you have uterine fibroids, you can consult your doctor to help separate fibroid myths from facts. Schedule an appointment at Alate Health for fibroid treatment to relieve your painful symptoms.