Adelekan Oluwaseun Ojo.
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus.
These tumors are quite common, particularly among women of reproductive age. While many women may have fibroids without ever knowing it, for others, they can cause a range of symptoms that impact daily life.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are composed of muscle and fibrous tissue, and they can vary greatly in size, number, and location within the uterus. They can be as small as a pea or grow as large as a melon. Depending on their location, fibroids are classified into several types:
1. Intramural Fibroids: These develop within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type.
2. Subserosal Fibroids: These form on the outer wall of the uterus and can grow large enough to make one side of the uterus protrude.
3. Submucosal Fibroids: Located just beneath the lining of the uterine cavity, these can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and are often linked to infertility.
4. Pedunculated Fibroids: These grow on a stalk (peduncle) attached to the uterine wall or inside the uterine cavity.
Symptoms of Fibroids
While some women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all, others may have symptoms that range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
a.Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Prolonged and heavy periods are a common symptom, sometimes leading to anemia.
b. Pelvic Pain and Pressure: Larger fibroids can cause discomfort or pain in the pelvic region, and pressure on nearby organs such as the bladder and bowel.
c.Frequent Urination: If a fibroid presses against the bladder, it can lead to frequent urination.
d. Constipation: Pressure on the rectum can cause difficulty with bowel movements.
e. Lower Back Pain: This can occur if the fibroids are located on the posterior side of the uterus.
g. Pain During Intercourse: Depending on their location, fibroids can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
h. Infertility or Pregnancy Complications: In some cases, fibroids can interfere with conception or lead to complications during pregnancy.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of fibroids remains unknown, but several factors may contribute to their development:
1. Hormonal Factors: Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate the development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle, also appear to promote the growth of fibroids.
2. Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases the likelihood of developing them.
3.Ethnicity: Fibroids are more common and tend to develop at a younger age in Black women compared to women of other ethnicities.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, diet high in red meat, and low in green vegetables, fruit, and dairy, as well as high blood pressure, are associated with an increased risk of fibroids.
5.Age: Fibroids are most common during a woman’s 30s and 40s through menopause, when they typically shrink.
Diagnosis of Fibroids
Fibroids are often detected during a routine pelvic examination when a healthcare provider feels an irregularity in the shape of the uterus. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the size, location, and type of fibroid, additional tests may be required, including:
a.Ultrasound: A common imaging test used to create a picture of the uterus and identify fibroids.
b. MRI: Offers a more detailed image of fibroids and is often used in preparation for surgical treatment.
c. Hysterosonography: A type of ultrasound that uses a saline solution to expand the uterine cavity for better imaging.
d. Hysterosalpingography: A special X-ray procedure that uses dye to highlight the uterus and fallopian tubes.
e.Hysteroscopy: A procedure that involves inserting a small, lighted telescope through the cervix into the uterus to examine the inside of the uterus.
Treatment Options for Fibroids
Treatment for fibroids depends on several factors, including the size and location of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, and whether the woman wishes to preserve fertility. Here are some common treatment options:
1.Watchful Waiting: If fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, a wait-and-see approach may be recommended, with regular monitoring.
2. Medications: Drugs that regulate the menstrual cycle, including birth control pills, can help manage symptoms like heavy bleeding. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can shrink fibroids by reducing estrogen and progesterone levels but are typically used short-term due to side effects.
3.Non-invasive Procedures: MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): This involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink.
- Myolysis: A laparoscopic procedure that uses electrical energy, laser, or freezing to destroy fibroids.
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: This procedure is used to remove fibroids that have grown into the uterine cavity.
Surgical Procedures:
1. Myomectomy: A surgical procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, which may be important for women who wish to become pregnant.
2.Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus, which is a definitive solution for fibroids and may be recommended if other treatments have failed or are not appropriate.
USE OF JIGSIMUR HERBAL
Jigsimur herbal medicine, a 100% herbal health drink has proven to be reliable natural solution for Fibroids. For 6 years, the herbal medicine has recorded several testimonies on Fibroid cases of varying degrees, measures and positions.
Fibroids are a common issue that many women will encounter during their lifetime. While often benign and asymptomatic, fibroids can cause significant discomfort and other health issues for some. Fortunately, a wide range of treatment options is available, allowing women to manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life. If you suspect you have fibroids or are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the best course of action.
…………Adelekan Oluwaseun Ojo, is a counseling psychologist, and a business & health consultant with Jigsimur Zdex Int’l, a company which is into the production and distribution of Jigsimur herbal health drink, a natural curative and preventive herbal medicine from South Africa.
For personal consultation, you can contact us on 07089225319 or 08035122399