Soooo many people W.T.F (want the facts) when it comes to fibroids. Where do they come from? When should there be concern? What are the risks?
Fibroids are literally the most common tumor found in the pelvis of women. They are noncancerous and come from the myometrium, the muscle layer, of the uterus. The prevalence of fibroids increases as women age, and is as high as 80%. The majority of women with fibroids are asymptomatic or have minor symptoms that they can tolerate through their normal daily activities. But that’s not the full story, at least not for black women. *The incidence of fibroids is two to three times higher in black women than in white women. Why, is unknown.
Why, Is Unknown?
* Most white women with symptomatic fibroids are in their 30s and 40s, while black women develop symptoms on average 4-6 years younger and may even present with disease in their 20s
* Fibroids are felt to be a disease of older women, but the prevalence in black women under the age of 30 is approximately 25% compared to 7% of white women.
*Additionally, the rate of hysterectomy for fibroids is greater among black women with black women having surgery at a younger age, with larger fibroids, and more severe levels of anemia
* Signs and Symptoms: heavy menstrual bleeding, bulk symptoms (early satiety, constipation, bloating), worsened menstrual cramps
* Diagnosis: Usually made by pelvic exam or ultrasound performed during a woman’s reproductive years as fibroids are known to shrink after menopause
* Options for treatment: there can be symptomatic treatment with medications like hormonal therapy, non-invasive treatment (uterine artery embilization, myolysis or endometrial ablation), and one can undergo myomectomy (removal of fibroids with preservation of the uterus). However, the only definitive treatment for fibroids is felt to be hysterectomy as all of the other options carry a risk of recurrence.
*Please discuss your fibroid concerns with your physician so that they may choose the treatment option that is best for you. Be sure to convey your fertility desires to your care provider as some treatment options eliminate or negatively impact future fertility.
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