Five years ago, I went on a routine check-up for detecting kidney stones as I was having
trouble with frequent urination. When my gynecologist ran the sonography, she seemed a little
surprised. She asked me if I had trouble with my menstruation cycle, to which I denied having
any problems. After a few minutes, she informed me that I had multiple small and large uterine
fibroids, and also explained I had no reason to worry but that I shouldn’t delay my family
planning for more than a year or two, as I may have trouble later on.
Now imagine, you have just turned 26, getting married in a year or two maybe, and you are
detected with something you have no idea about! I was not ready for this. I started reading up
and gaining information about this as I was asked to have a regular check-up every 6 months
to monitor the size of the fibroids.
I know, the first unavoidable thought we have when we read “fibroids” is cancer! On July 21st,
Uterine Fibroids Awareness Day, we come together to shine a light on a common health
condition that affects many women worldwide. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that
can develop in a woman's uterus. As biology class in schools teaches us, the uterus is a
small, pear-shaped organ inside a woman's body where a baby can grow during pregnancy.
Fibroids are like little lumps that can form on the walls of the uterus.
(Source: https://www.femalehealthspecialist.com/ )
This article aims to provide guidance on steps for prevention, self-care, and managing the
mental and physical side effects of uterine fibroids, empowering individuals to take control of
their health.
While uterine fibroids are asymptomatic mostly, they can cause certain symptoms or problems.
For example, some women with fibroids may experience heavy or prolonged periods, which
means they bleed more than usual during their menstrual cycle. Others may have pelvic pain,
pressure, or discomfort, just like I had. In some cases, fibroids can also lead to problems with
fertility or make it harder for a woman to get pregnant, just like my doctor tells me I would have
in the future.
So, like me, if you have been detected with uterine fibroids, here are some steps I would
suggest:
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare
provider to monitor the growth and progression of the fibroids. This will allow for timely
interventions and discussions about available treatment options.
- Open Communication: Establish open communication with your doctor. Discuss any
concerns, changes in symptoms, or new developments related to your fibroids. This will
help ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a
balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight. These
lifestyle choices may help minimize the risk and growth of fibroids.
Managing Symptoms:
Living with uterine fibroids can be challenging, especially when sharp, unbearable pain occurs.
Here are some strategies to help manage symptoms:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate mild to moderate
pain associated with fibroids. However, consult your doctor for personalized pain
management strategies that suit your specific situation.
- Heat Therapy: This is what I personally feel better with. Applying a heating pad or taking
warm baths can provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
- Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
exercises, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress and alleviate pain.
The best way to deal with this is to stay informed about uterine fibroids by reading reliable
sources of information, attending webinars or seminars, and staying up to date with medical
advancements. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your
health.
