What kind of women develop fibroid?

  

I  vaguely remember a story I was told some years back, of a pregnant woman who didn’t know until her third trimester that a fibroid tissue was also growing in her uterus (womb). While this could have been a real life scenario, I can’t guarantee the credibility of the story I must confess, because of some unanswered questions I have. Notwithstanding, the issue of fibroid is not one that has gone without notice. In fact based on findings from the Office on Women Health (OWH), about 80% of women will develop fibroid before they clock 50. But there is really no cause for alarm; death cases are rare. Though, some people experience very severe symptoms (you would know why soon) most people show no symptoms at all. Fibroid has also been implicated in infertility among women. Occasionally, it is responsible for miscarriages, which is one of the reasons, I am writing about it.

There are very vital information I will be sharing with you in this article, please stay onboard. 

What is fibroid?

Fibroid or uterine fibroid, as it is medically called, is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor (growth). It is benign because it doesn’t spread all over the body like a cancerous tumor will. Fibroid could develop in or on the uterus. It is usually circular (or spherical) in shape, with sizes ranging from tiny grain-like tumors (that can't be seen with the naked eyes) to large grapefruit-like tumors.

They are usually of different types which include:

Subserosal fibroids - They are the most common type. They grow on the outside of the uterus

Intramural fibroids -They grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus.

Submucosal fibroids - These fibroids grow into the open space inside the uterus.

Pendulated fibroid - a subserosal tumour with a stem.

What are the Causes and Risks of Developing Fibroid?

The cause of fibroid is not fully understood, but scientists have associated it with an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels for women within child bearing age. The risk factors associated with fibroid could be in two forms, those that increase chances of developing fibroid and those that decrease it. Risk of developing fibroid will increase with: early onset of puberty, family history of fibroids, and the consumption of too much red meat, alcohol, or caffeine, obesity, women of African descent. While risk of developing fibroid decreases based on research with child bearing and entering menopause (scientists found that women in menopausal age do not develop fibroid because the fibroid automatically shrinks on its own and this can be linked to decrease in estrogen and progesterone during this period).

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms is often time peculiar to individual but general symptoms include bleeding, pain around your pelvic region, pain during sex etc. These symptoms are mostly seen in people with large fibroid.  

Is there any way to avoid developing fibroid?

There is no way to prevent fibroid, but research suggests certain lifestyle habits could reduce your chances of developing fibroid. These habits include: reducing sugar intake, and including lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Some fruits and vegetables are very rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, E, and K, and fibers which help lower your odds. Exercising regularly could also be very relevant in decreasing your chances of fibroid.

Thanks for reading

#Stay healthy with Goodness

References

www.healthline.com -Fibroids: Types, causes and symptoms

www.medicalnewstoday.com- Fibroids: causes, treatment, symptoms and types

www.medicinenet.com Uterine fibroid symptoms, causes, treatment and surgery

www.uclahealth.org Fibroids: What are fibroids? Fibroids symptoms, treatment and diagnosis...