Uterine fibroids

These are benign tumors which are non-cancerous found in the uterus of women in their 30's and 40's.
Often,fibroids occur as multiple tumor masses which are slow-growing and often cause no symptoms.

CAUSES

No one is sure why fibroid tumors develop,however the following are risk factors:

*Family history
*Age
*Ethnic origin.It occurs more in African women
*Eating habits.Eating a lot of red meat predisposes a woman to develop fibroids

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

.Heavy bleeding
.Frequent urination
.Constipation
.Abdominal distension/fullness
.Back pain
.Repeated miscarriages
.Pain during sex

DIAGNOSIS

-Ultrasound
-CT scan of the abdomen
-Full blood count
-Laparoscopy

How are fibroids treated

.Treatment depends on:
     > If you want to get pregnant
     >Your age
     >Size & location of fibroids
     >If no symptoms and the fibroids are not affecting you you can opt not to receive treatment at all

MEDICATION

Medication for uterine fibroids target hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.

They don't eliminate fibroids but may shrink them.

Less effective with larger fibroids

.Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists
.Contraceptive pill
.Tranexamic acid
.Anti-inflammatory drugs
.Progestin IUD

SURGICAL TREATMENT

.Fibroids that are severe and life threatening require surgery where the doctor and patient may opt for:
  *Hysterectomy-surgery to remove the uterus.You cant get pregnant after this
  *Myomectomy-Surgery to remove the fibroids without taking out the healthy tissue of the uterus.You can become pregnant after this.