By the time most women reach age 50, they will have had at least one uterine fibroid, which is a non-cancerous (benign) lump that grows on the wall of the uterus.
Approximately 70% of women have fibroids, yet many don’t even recognize it, and not all need treatment. Most fibroids grow half a centimeter to one centimeter per year. Therefore, if you do not experience signs and symptoms that may cause you discomfort, you should not be alarmed. Your doctor will certainly check your growth with routine exams and also imaging tests. If you start to feel some symptoms, you can discuss treatment options.
There are many myths about uterine fibroids, from how they can affect fertility, to whether or not they can cause cancer.
Therefore, here we debunk the 5 most common myths about uterine fibroids.
Myth 1: Hysterectomy is the only valid treatment.
That is a big lie, because a hysterectomy can generate many problems in the future, such as:
– Urinary incontinence.
– Major hormonal changes.
– Sex life is directly affected with diminished or absent sexual desire.
– Profound fatigue, loss of vigor and subsequent weight gain.
– Personality change.
It is often incorrectly recommended, when women can obtain equal improvement with alternative and less invasive procedures, such as uterine artery embolization or myomectomy.
We are committed to your health, that’s why we look for the best alternatives in treatments for uterine fibroids.
Myth 2: The fibroid that grows is cancer.
Uterine fibroids are non cancerous growths on the uterus that often appear during the childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never turn into cancer.
Fibroids can be found in all shapes and sizes and can grow, shrink, or stay exactly the same over time. They can cause extensive blood loss and uncomfortable cramping and can become large enough to put pressure on the bladder, and the intestines,Therefore creating constipation, urinary incontinence, and agonizing intercourse.
Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, we can help.
Dade County: (305) 701-3001.
Myth 3: Fibroids only affect women in their 30s or 40s.
Not only women of advanced age have uterine fibroids, women as young as 20 years old can have uterine fibroids. Some women still do not know that they have this disease, so here we tell you what the most common symptoms are so you can identify them:
– Heavy menstrual bleeding
– Menstrual periods that last more than a week
– Pelvic pressure or pain
– Need to urinate often
– Difficulty emptying the bladder
– Constipation
– Back or leg pain
It is important to find out if you have uterine fibroids, or to have constant check-ups, that way you can get treatment on time and not compromise the health of the uterus.
If you are a black woman, you should be constantly checked, as black women are more likely to have fibroids than women of other racial groups. Also, black women get fibroids at younger ages, and they are also likely to have more or larger fibroids and more severe symptoms.
It may not be possible to prevent uterine fibroids, though only a small percentage of these benign tumors require treatment. However, it’s possible that a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating fruits and vegetables, can help lessen symptoms that may occur during your childbearing years.
Myth 4: You cannot conceive, nor can you get pregnant.
It is difficult to get pregnant with fibroids, but it is not impossible.
Many women with fibroids have successful pregnancies without having their fibroids removed. One exception: submucosal fibroids, which are found in the middle part of the uterus. We recommend removal of these fibroids before childbearing, because they can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Motherhood can also cause fibroids to grow, possibly even in pelvic pressure. Fibroids can also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and premature delivery.
After birth, these fibroids normally shrink once again.
Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, we can help.
Dade County: (305) 701-3001.
Myth 5: Taking contraceptives will remove my fibroids.
False, no contraceptive will remove uterine fibroids, but some contraceptive methods will help with the symptoms of fibroids.
Combined hormonal contraceptives are often used as pills, such as Seasonal and Yasmin, patches or rings. These methods can have many health benefits, which is why they are very popular. They help relieve menstrual flow and cramping that comes with periods, and decrease the incidence of ovarian and uterine cancers.
There is no data to prove that one method is better than another. It just comes down to patient preference and choice.
Progestin-only methods may also be successful in treating these symptoms. These include pills, implants, and IUDs.
– Intrauterine device (IUD), also called intrauterine contraception (IUC), helps reduce heavy and painful bleeding, but does not treat the fibroids themselves. It is not recommended for women who have very large fibroids that could block the uterine cavity.
– Contraceptive implant: Releases a low and regular dose of a progestational hormone to thicken the lining of the cervix and thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Contraceptive implants also often inhibit ovulation.
HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH UTERINE FIBROIDS?
Educating yourself is great, but every patient is different. Don’t hesitate to contact us
Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, we can help.
Dade County: (305) 701-3001.
Myth 1: Hysterectomy is the only valid treatment.
That is a big lie, because a hysterectomy can generate many problems in the future, such as:
– Urinary incontinence.
– Major hormonal changes.
– Sex life is directly affected with diminished or absent sexual desire.
– Profound fatigue, loss of vigor and subsequent weight gain.
– Personality change.
It is often incorrectly recommended, when women can obtain equal improvement with alternative and less invasive procedures, such as uterine artery embolization or myomectomy.
We are committed to your health, that’s why we look for the best alternatives in treatments for uterine fibroids.
Myth 2: The fibroid that grows is cancer.
Uterine fibroids are non cancerous growths on the uterus that often appear during the childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never turn into cancer.
Fibroids can be found in all shapes and sizes and can grow, shrink, or stay exactly the same over time. They can cause extensive blood loss and uncomfortable cramping and can become large enough to put pressure on the bladder, and the intestines,Therefore creating constipation, urinary incontinence, and agonizing intercourse.
Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, we can help.
Dade County: (305) 701-3001.
Myth 3: Fibroids only affect women in their 30s or 40s.
Not only women of advanced age have uterine fibroids, women as young as 20 years old can have uterine fibroids. Some women still do not know that they have this disease, so here we tell you what the most common symptoms are so you can identify them:
– Heavy menstrual bleeding
– Menstrual periods that last more than a week
– Pelvic pressure or pain
– Need to urinate often
– Difficulty emptying the bladder
– Constipation
– Back or leg pain
It is important to find out if you have uterine fibroids, or to have constant check-ups, that way you can get treatment on time and not compromise the health of the uterus.
If you are a black woman, you should be constantly checked, as black women are more likely to have fibroids than women of other racial groups. Also, black women get fibroids at younger ages, and they are also likely to have more or larger fibroids and more severe symptoms.
It may not be possible to prevent uterine fibroids, though only a small percentage of these benign tumors require treatment. However, it’s possible that a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating fruits and vegetables, can help lessen symptoms that may occur during your childbearing years.
Myth 4: You cannot conceive, nor can you get pregnant.
It is difficult to get pregnant with fibroids, but it is not impossible.
Many women with fibroids have successful pregnancies without having their fibroids removed. One exception: submucosal fibroids, which are found in the middle part of the uterus. We recommend removal of these fibroids before childbearing, because they can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Motherhood can also cause fibroids to grow, possibly even in pelvic pressure. Fibroids can also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and premature delivery.
After birth, these fibroids normally shrink once again.
Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, we can help.
Dade County: (305) 701-3001.
Myth 5: Taking contraceptives will remove my fibroids.
False, no contraceptive will remove uterine fibroids, but some contraceptive methods will help with the symptoms of fibroids.
Combined hormonal contraceptives are often used as pills, such as Seasonal and Yasmin, patches or rings. These methods can have many health benefits, which is why they are very popular. They help relieve menstrual flow and cramping that comes with periods, and decrease the incidence of ovarian and uterine cancers.
There is no data to prove that one method is better than another. It just comes down to patient preference and choice.
Progestin-only methods may also be successful in treating these symptoms. These include pills, implants, and IUDs.
– Intrauterine device (IUD), also called intrauterine contraception (IUC), helps reduce heavy and painful bleeding, but does not treat the fibroids themselves. It is not recommended for women who have very large fibroids that could block the uterine cavity.
– Contraceptive implant: Releases a low and regular dose of a progestational hormone to thicken the lining of the cervix and thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Contraceptive implants also often inhibit ovulation.
HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH UTERINE FIBROIDS?
Educating yourself is great, but every patient is different. Don’t hesitate to contact us
Looking to find the Best Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Miami, we can help.
Dade County: (305) 701-3001.
