Fibroids are very common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. While they can occur at any age, they are most common during a woman’s childbearing years (ages 30 to 40). They are non-cancerous tumors that develop in the uterus and are also known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas.

There are several types of uterine fibroids, and they can vary significantly in size. Sometimes they can be so small that they’re barely noticeable, while others can grow to the size of a melon. It can also grow outside the uterus, inside the uterine cavity, or even attached to the cervix.

While they are usually benign, meaning not cancerous, they can cause fertility problems for some women. Fibroids can distort the shape of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. It can also block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting.

Many women with fibroids can achieve pregnancy with no treatment at all. However, if it’s causing fertility problems, treatment may be necessary. In some rare situations, it can also make it impossible for some women to carry a pregnancy for a long time, resulting in unexpected miscarriages.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include pain and pressure in the pelvis. Fibroids can also lead to weight gain due to their size and location. There are a few scientific evidence that also shows how fibroids and weight gain are relatable :

Other symptoms can include:

– Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding

– Pain during sex

– Frequent urination

– Constipation

– Backache or leg pain

Treatments :

Several treatment options are available for fibroids, including medication, surgery, and natural therapies. The best course of treatment will depend on the size and location of the fibroid(s) and the symptoms experienced.

Medication: Medications can be used to shrink it or stop its growth. The most common medicine used to treat it is a GnRH agonist, which works by lowering estrogen levels in the body. This can lead to temporary menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Other medications that may be prescribed include progesterone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control pills, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Surgery: Surgery is usually only recommended if the medication does not work or is enormous. Several surgical procedures can remove it, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and abdominal myomectomy.

• Hysteroscopy: is a procedure in which a small telescope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to view and remove.
• Laparoscopy: is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small incision is made in the abdomen, and a telescope is inserted into the pelvic cavity.
• Abdominal myomectomy: The surgeon incisions the abdomen and removes it through this opening during an abdominal myomectomy.

Natural therapies: Several natural therapies are effective in shrinking or slowing the growth of fibroids. These include herbal supplements such as chaste berry, green tea, milk thistle: acupuncture, and massage.

Final takeaway :

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and are trying to conceive, it is essential to talk to your doctor about your treatment options. With proper treatment, many women can achieve a healthy pregnancy.