Let’s talk about fibroids! Uterine fibroids are very common non-cancerous tumours that develop from smooth cells in the muscle layer of the uterus. They are usually described according to their location in the uterus:
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Intramural fibroids grow within the uterine muscle
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Submucosal fibroids poke into the uterine cavity
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Subserosal fibroids project to the outside of the uterus
Anyone with a uterus can have fibroids, but they’re more common in Black people and also more common as people get older. Sometimes fibroids are very small and don’t cause any symptoms at all. They might be discovered if you have a pelvic exam or imaging, like an ultrasound, for unrelated reasons. Others might have larger and/or multiple fibroids which are more noticeable and cause symptoms like pelvic pain or pressure, heavy, long, painful periods, and sometimes infertility.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms, a bulge in your lower abdomen, irregular bleeding or have trouble with urinating.
Got problematic fibroids? You do NOT need to suffer!
There are many treatments available for fibroids. What might be appropriate for someone depends on the location of the fibroid, size, and the symptoms they experience.
Non-hormonal medication options:
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Anti-inflammatory medications - Also known as NSAIDS, these medications like Naproxen and Ibuprofen can help with pain and in some cases reduce menstrual bleeding.
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Tranexamic Acid is a medication used to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. A healthcare provider can provide guidance on the recommended dose and/or provide a prescription.
Hormonal medication options:
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Combined hormonal contraceptives - the pill, contraceptive patch and contraceptive ring, hormonal IUDs, the Depo Provera shot and the contraceptive implant can help manage heavy periods.
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There are also short term hormonal medications which can stop periods, reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, and shrink fibroids.
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Endometrial ablation, a procedure which destroys the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) and helps decrease heavy bleeding that can be caused by fibroids.
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Uterine Artery Embolization, a procedure which shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply.
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Myomectomy, a surgical procedure which removes fibroids.
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Hysterectomy, a surgical procedure which removes the entire uterus.
There are risks and benefits to all of these options and some may be more accessible than others. For more information about available treatments and to figure out what might be the right choice for your specific needs and goals, talk to your healthcare provider.
You deserve to have relief from your fibroids ❤️