Uterine fibroids
What's the scoop?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in a woman's uterus (womb). They may also be referred to as myomas or leiomyomas, however all names mean the same thing.
Fibroids are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and range in size from being so tiny that you can't even see them to so large that they can make the uterus grow in size where they develop.
Who's more at risk?
Many women will experience fibroids at some point during their childbearing years (after her first period and before menopause), however more often than not, they never know they had fibroids.
Are there different types?
Yes. There are three main types of fibroids that are identified based on the located they grow in:
- intramural
- subserosal
- submucosal
Intramural fibroids
Intramural fibroids are the most common and grow in the muscular wall of the uterus.
Subserosal fibroids
Subserosal fibroids grow outside of the uterine and therefore can develop to be quite large.
Submucosal fibroids
Submucosal fibroids grow in the muscle layer beneath the inner lining of the uterus, so they will grow into the uterine (womb) cavity.
In some cases the subserosal and submucosal fibroids are barely attached to the uterus which is known as pedunculated fibroids.
While the causes of fibroids is unknown, they tend to grow off of the female hormone, oestrogen, and they usually shrink when oestrogen is low. Women can be at a higher risk of fibroids if they
- still get their monthly period
- are African-Caribbean
- are overweight or obese
- have not had a child
I have them. Now what?
The are many methods to treat fibroids ranging from medications that control heavy periods and bleeding, hormone pills or injections, the birth control pill, anti-inflammatory pills, and medicines to shrink the actual fibroids.
Surgery, heat (ablation), and x-rays can aslo be used to remove or treat the fibroids.
Because there are so many options available, it's important to ask your doctors opinion and what is the best coure of treatment for you.
What's the scoop?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in a woman's uterus (womb). They may also be referred to as myomas or leiomyomas, however all names mean the same thing.
Fibroids are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and range in size from being so tiny that you can't even see them to so large that they can make the uterus grow in size where they develop.
Who's more at risk?
Many women will experience fibroids at some point during their childbearing years (after her first period and before menopause), however more often than not, they never know they had fibroids.
Are there different types?
Yes. There are three main types of fibroids that are identified based on the located they grow in:
- intramural
- subserosal
- submucosal
Intramural fibroids
Intramural fibroids are the most common and grow in the muscular wall of the uterus.
Subserosal fibroids
Subserosal fibroids grow outside of the uterine and therefore can develop to be quite large.
Submucosal fibroids
Submucosal fibroids grow in the muscle layer beneath the inner lining of the uterus, so they will grow into the uterine (womb) cavity.
In some cases the subserosal and submucosal fibroids are barely attached to the uterus which is known as pedunculated fibroids.
While the causes of fibroids is unknown, they tend to grow off of the female hormone, oestrogen, and they usually shrink when oestrogen is low. Women can be at a higher risk of fibroids if they
- still get their monthly period
- are African-Caribbean
- are overweight or obese
- have not had a child
I have them. Now what?
The are many methods to treat fibroids ranging from medications that control heavy periods and bleeding, hormone pills or injections, the birth control pill, anti-inflammatory pills, and medicines to shrink the actual fibroids.
Surgery, heat (ablation), and x-rays can aslo be used to remove or treat the fibroids.
Because there are so many options available, it's important to ask your doctors opinion and what is the best coure of treatment for you.
Symptom list:
Uterine fibroids
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
