It was a rare Saturday afternoon when I finally had a break in my schedule. My best friend, Emily, had texted me earlier, insisting we both needed some self-care. So there we were, in Sophia’s Pedicure Spa, soaking our feet in warm, lavender-scented water. The hum of quiet conversations and the gentle clinking of nail polish bottles provided a soothing backdrop.
As the nail technician massaged my feet, I noticed Emily was unusually quiet. She kept glancing at her phone, her brows furrowed.
“Everything okay?” I asked, leaning back in the plush chair.
She sighed, biting her lip. “I went to my gynecologist last week, and they found fibroids.” Her voice trembled slightly. “I didn’t even know what they were. Now I’m worried. What does this mean?”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “It’s more common than you think, Em. Let’s talk through it. You might feel a bit overwhelmed now, but understanding what fibroids are and how to manage them can make all the difference.”
What Are Fibroids?
I explained to Emily, “Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus. They’re not cancerous, but they can cause a lot of discomfort. They vary in size – from tiny like a pea to as large as a grapefruit.”
Fibroids can grow inside the uterine wall, on the outside of the uterus, or even hang like a stalk into the uterine cavity.
What Causes Fibroids?
As Emily’s pedicurist started applying a bright red polish, I continued, “Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes fibroids, but hormones – specifically estrogen and progesterone – play a big role. They tend to grow during your reproductive years and shrink after menopause when hormone levels drop.”
I ticked off some common factors on my fingers:
- Age: Most common between 35 and 45.
- Family History: If your mother or sister had fibroids, you’re more likely to have them.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone can promote their growth.
- Ethnicity: More common in African and Afro-Caribbean women.
- Obesity: Higher body weight can influence hormone levels.
- Pregnancy: Fibroids can sometimes grow rapidly during pregnancy due to increased hormones.
What Are the Symptoms?
Emily leaned forward, listening intently. “But what did you feel?” she asked.
I listed the symptoms as clearly as possible:
- Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia): Periods that are unusually heavy or last longer than a week.
- Pelvic Pain or Pressure: A dull, dragging pain in the lower abdomen or back.
- Spotting Between Periods.
- Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Cramps that are more severe than usual.
- Pain During Intercourse.
- Frequent Urination or Bladder Issues: Fibroids pressing on the bladder can cause urgency or difficulty emptying.
- Constipation or Bowel Pressure.
- Abdominal Swelling: Some women even notice a hard lump in their lower belly.
“Some women don’t have symptoms at all,” I added. “But if fibroids grow large, they can definitely cause problems.”
Diagnosing Fibroids
“Okay, so how do they figure out if you have fibroids?” Emily asked, her eyes more curious now than worried.
“There are several ways,” I explained:
- Pelvic Ultrasound: The most common method. It’s non-invasive and helps visualize the fibroids.
- Hysteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera looks inside your uterus.
- MRI or CT Scan: Provides a detailed image for large or complicated fibroids.
- Blood Tests: To check for anemia caused by heavy bleeding.
Treatment Options for Fibroids
“Treatment depends on the size of the fibroids, your symptoms, and whether you want to have children in the future,” I told her as the pedicurist worked on her toenails.
1. Watchful Waiting
“For small or symptom-free fibroids, sometimes the best approach is simply keeping an eye on them. They may not need treatment if they aren’t causing problems.”
2. Medications
- Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills, IUDs, or medications to regulate hormones and reduce heavy bleeding.
- GnRH Agonists: Temporarily shrink fibroids by blocking hormone production, but they can’t be used long-term due to side effects.
3. Non-Surgical Procedures
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): Blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
- Endometrial Ablation: Destroys the lining of the uterus to reduce bleeding.
4. Surgical Options
- Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. Ideal for women who want to have children.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus. A last resort if other treatments don’t work.
Complications of Fibroids
“Are there any serious risks?” Emily asked.
“Yes, sometimes,” I said gently. “Fibroids can lead to:
- Infertility: Depending on their size and location.
- Anemia: From excessive bleeding.
- Pregnancy Complications: Like miscarriage or preterm labor.”
“But the good news is,” I added, “these complications are manageable with proper care.”
Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips
The pedicurist finished painting Emily’s toes a cheerful pink. I smiled. “Self-care is important, not just for our feet but for our health too!”
Here are some tips I shared:
- Exercise Regularly: Helps balance hormones and manage weight.
- Healthy Diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Manage Stress: Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Stay Hydrated.
- Regular Check-Ups: Early detection makes a huge difference.
FAQs About Fibroids
1. Can fibroids turn into cancer?
No, fibroids are benign and very rarely turn cancerous.
2. Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?
Yes, but it depends on the size and location of the fibroids. Some may need treatment first.
3. How can I reduce my risk of fibroids?
Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and manage your hormone levels.
4. Will fibroids go away after menopause?
They often shrink after menopause due to lower hormone levels.
5. How can I manage heavy bleeding caused by fibroids?
Talk to your doctor about medications, hormonal treatments, or surgical options.
Final Thoughts
As we put on our sandals and paid the bill, Emily looked more at ease. “Thank you for explaining everything, Priya. I feel better knowing I have options.”
“Of course,” I said, giving her a hug. “We’ve got this. Now, how about some coffee to end our self-care day?”
She smiled. “Sounds perfect.”
