July 21st is Uterine Awareness Day. The following is a fictional story I created from information about the symptoms and treatment of uterine fibromas.
My name is Jenny. Today, July 21st is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Day. I know that this isn't a topic that is often talked about, even among close female family members but I wish it was. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids three years ago. I began to have unusual issues during my period two weeks after my 15th birthday. It began with very painful periods that were unusually long. Some days I couldn't walk to school. At times it seemed that only a hot shower would relieve the pain.
My mom wanted me to see a doctor but I told her I could deal with it. I'd had discomfort before and the hot showers were helping. Besides, I hate feeling vulnerable in a doctor's office and didn't want to have to talk about menstruation. After a few months though I relented and agreed to see a doctor who prescribed medication. Month after month I would try a new prescription. Every one of the medications made me nauseous. I was tired of feeling nauseous and still dealing with pain. Why was this happening to me?!
Then I began to have heavy periods. I was changing my sanitary pad every hour (some days more often) during my period. They were soaked! I also felt so tired most of the time and I'd missed so many of my soccer games. My mom began to leave clean sheets in my room for night time accidents while I slept. One day she quietly confessed to me that she had similar issues during her periods. She encouraged me to see a different doctor. She suggested a gynecologist might be better able to help.
I felt awkward talking to yet another person about my menstrual issues. This doctor appeared to take me seriously and suggested lab work be done. I hate needles but I wanted help. After seeing the results of my blood tests, the gynecologist told me that I had developed an iron deficiency (anemia) because of the heavy loss of blood each month. She also told me that the lower back pain and bloating I'd had could be caused by fibroids. "What are fibroids?" I asked, "What causes them?" I was trying hard not to sound panicked.
The gynecologist briefly told me what they were and what might have caused them. She mentioned that fibroids are often hereditary. "Why," I asked, "aren't preventative measures taken if fibroids are hereditary?" She didn't have an answer for me.
I was scheduled to have an ultrasound. I was anxious about it but hopeful that a solution could finally be found. I was so done with having painful, heavy periods! I wanted to get back to playing soccer regularly.
I was able to have HIFU (High-intensity Focused Ultrasound) procedure done to shrink the size of the fibroids. Targeted ultrasound waves were used to modify and destroy the fibroids. The other option was surgery to remove them. I was so relieved to avoid having surgery. Now I regularly have an ultrasound so the gynecologist can monitor my condition. It's not great, but my anxiety about my health is much lower which is way better than what I was dealing with before.
I don't understand why preventative examinations aren't done at a certain age. Especially when fibroids can be hereditary and some young girls are at a higher risk of developing them. Aren't mammograms done to diagnose breast cancer in the early stages? It's ridiculous to wait until symptoms appear or become worse and not require doctors to schedule tests when a medical condition is hereditary!
I hope that my experience will help other young girls ask about treatment options if they suspect they need further medical care.
Thanks for reading my story.
Jenny
It is believed that fibroids develop from a single cell in the uterine muscle tissue. A cell will divide repeatedly and may eventually create a firm, rubbery mass. Fibroids have been found growing in the muscular uterine wall, bulging into the uterine cavity, and projecting to the outside of the uterus. Fibroids may grow quickly or slowly or remain the same size for a long time. Some will even shrink without treatment.
Uterine fibroids aren't normally dangerous but they may cause discomfort. Complications such as heavy blood loss may cause a drop in red blood cells (anemia) leading to fatigue.
Research continues on the causes of fibroids but there is little known about prevention.
Risk Factors
- Race: Studies have found that the development of uterine fibroids is more prevalent in black women than in other racial groups. As well, black women develop fibroids at younger ages and are more likely to have more or larger fibroids along with the risk of severe symptoms.
- Heredity: If a close relative (mother or sister) had fibroids, there is a high chance that you will develop them too
- Other Risks: menstruation beginning at an early age, obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, a diet high in red meats and low in green vegetables, fruit, and dairy, as well as consumption of alcohol all appear to increase the risk of developing fibroids. Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet free of alcohol may decrease your risk of developing fibroids.
Symptoms:
Many who have fibroids don't have any symptoms. For those that do, the location, size, and number of fibroids will influence the symptoms.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Menstrual periods extending past a week
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation Backache
- leg pains
Treatment
Many girls have uterine fibroids with no signs or symptoms, while others have mildly annoying symptoms that they can cope with. A conversation with a medical professional could become necessary though if the above-listed symptoms become more serious.
Fibroids are not cancerous, rarely interfere with pregnancy, normally grow slowly or not at all, and tend to shrink after menopause due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.
Treatment may involve medication targeting the hormones. Fibroids may not be eliminated but may shrink. There are procedures that can reduce the size of fibroids or destroy them without requiring surgery. You can read more about them here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-2035 4294
Of course, you should have a conversation with a medical professional to learn more about your specific situation and what treatments are available where you live.
