6 Facts About Uterine Fibroids That You Should Know About

Uterine fibroids are tumors or lumps that form within the uterine wall from muscle cells and other tissue. Fibroids are termed "tumors," yet they are not cancer. Fibroids can develop as a single tumor or as a group. A single fibroid might be as little as 1 inch or as large as 8 inches wide.

The size of a group or cluster of fibroids can also vary. Up to 77 percent of women of reproductive age are thought to have fibroids but are unaware of it. Here is a list of six facts about uterine fibroids that you should know about.

1. By the age of 50, up to 80% of women have fibroids

Fibroids are the most common kind of female reproductive system tumor. According to studies, most women will develop a uterine fibroid by the age of 50. In fact, you are more likely to get fibroids if you:

• Are an African-American
• Are overweight
• Consume a lot of red meat
• Have fibroids run in your family
• Are reaching menopause
• Are reaching menopause
• Have a low intake of fruit, vegetables, and dairy
• Consume alcohol
• Have vitamin D deficiency

Fibroids are thought to interfere with pregnancy. However, this is not totally accurate. While fibroids can cause complications during pregnancy, this is the worst-case situation. It is quite possible to have a successful pregnancy while having fibroids.

2. There are three types of fibroids

Fibroids are divided into three types based on their location. Intramural fibroids form within the uterine muscle layer; subserosal fibroids form on the uterine surface, and submucosal fibroids form just below the uterine lining. Some subserosal fibroids, known as pedunculated fibroids, grow a stem base that holds the tumor.

3. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms, while others have severe symptoms

Even though only 1 in 5 women with fibroids experience symptoms, those who do frequently report heavy bleeding, severe cramps, constipation, and issues with the urinary system. Heavy blood flow during periods not only causes discomfort but may also make you anemic. Therefore, seeking therapy for fibroids before symptoms worsen might result in a broader selection of treatment options and faster relief.

4. The size and form of fibroids might vary

Fibroids can be as little as "seeds" or large enough to change the shape and size of your uterus. For example, those that develop on the exterior wall of your uterus, known as the serosa, might form on a thin stem that promotes bigger development. These are known as pedunculated fibroids.

5. Fibroid development is random

Due to the lack of a consistent pattern, fibroids develop quite randomly. Fibroids, for example, can develop to a significant size in some people in a matter of months, while in others, they might take years to grow or retain the same size for a prolonged period of time. In some women, a fibroid may develop to the size of a tiny nodule and then stop growing.

One thing is certain: fibroids have the capacity to shrink on their own, especially with the advent of menopause. This might be due to estrogen levels dropping during this period of time. But there is no need to wait until menopause if fibroids cause unpleasant symptoms since there are a lot of treatments for fibroids.

6. There are several uterine fibroids treatment options available

Treatment options for fibroids will be recommended based on your symptoms, the size of the tumors, your age, and other considerations. Uterine fibroids can be treated with the help of medications, non-invasive procedures, and surgery. Discuss any treatment alternatives with your doctor, who will have the most up-to-date information on the current treatments and their potential success.