Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common medical problems faced by women - especially those between the ages of 30 and 55. However, fibroids can and do occur in women under the age of 35, even women in their early 20s.

While every woman is at risk, uterine fibroid tumors are highly prevalent among African American women; an estimated 50-80% will develop fibroids at some point in their life. Please take a moment to learn more about uterine fibroids, and the risks and symptoms associated with them. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Heavy Periods?
Pelvic Pain?
Enlarged Abdomen?
Frequent Urination
Constipation/Bloating?

If your answer is 'yes' to any or all of the above questions you might have uterine fibroids!

This is what former model Beverly Johnson had to say about uterine fibroids:


Hi, I’m Beverly Johnson. As a model, actress and business woman, much of my career and life has centered around taking care of my body and my health. Still, I was not immune to suffering from uterine fibroids, an often painful condition that affects up to 75% of American women.

I was uninformed and unprepared to manage the treatment of my uterine fibroids, and as a result, it took me many years to recover from the surgeries I had to treat them. Unfortunately, many women are in the same place I was when it comes to understanding uterine fibroids. A recent national survey* found the majority of women have misconceptions about uterine fibroids and lack basic information about treatment options.

You only have one body – take good care of it! Join me in the cause to ensure women are informed about uterine fibroids – who is at risk and the resources and host of treatment options that are available. Learn the answers to the 4 questions all women should ask about uterine fibroids, and help others by sharing this information with 4 or more of your friends, family members, and colleagues.

1. Am I at risk for uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors in or on the walls of the uterus. While all women are at risk for developing fibroids, they occur most often in women ages 30 – 55. African American women are three times more likely to develop fibroids than Caucasian women.


2. How do I know if I have uterine fibroids?Most uterine fibroids cause no symptoms, and may only be discovered when you have a routine pelvic examination. Uterine fibroids can range in size from one-quarter to six inches or more in diameter. As they grow uterine fibroids can distort the inside, as well as the outside, of the uterus and you may experience the following symptoms of fibroids:

Heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged monthly periods sometimes with clots
Anemia (fatigue due to low red blood cell count)
Pain or pressure between the hip bones or in the back of the legs
Pain during sexual intercourse
Frequent need to urinate
Constipation or bloating
An enlarged abdomen

Women should speak to their doctor if they experience any of the above uterine fibroid symptoms. There are a number of tests your doctor can conduct to confirm whether you have uterine fibroids.


3. What options are available for the treatment of fibroids?
There are several options available ranging from minimally invasive procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), to surgical options, such as a hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus) and myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids). Factors to consider when making your uterine fibroid treatment decision include: desire for fertility, recovery time, symptom recurrence rate, need for post-procedure hormone replacement therapy, the risk of early menopause, cost and additional effects on the body. Click here to see a chart of fibroid treatment options and the advantages anad disadvantages of each option.


4. To whom should I talk if I think I have uterine fibroids?
It is important for women to weigh their fibroid treatment options carefully. When seeking fibroid treatment options , women should conduct personal research, speak to other women and consult with their primary care doctor, gynecologist and/or an interventional radiologist (physician who uses imaging to conduct minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions including uterine fibroids).

CQ

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