What are Fibroids?

Myomas or Fibroids are tumors that develop within the uterus of a woman. Often, fibroids are not life-threatening or dangerous, neither are they cancerous, however, they can cause issues such as discomfort, anemia, blood loss and fatigue. These are benign tumors but are capable of growing to very large sizes. They can cause bleeding, interfere with pregnancy and can also cause intense pain.

Surprisingly, the exact cause of fibroids is still unknown. However, studies and pieces of evidence point towards some or all of the following factors;

  • Genetic mutation
  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Growth hormones
  • Stress
  • Nutrients
  • Pregnancy

 

Fibroids are known by various names in different communities and among different people:

  • Myomas
  • Leiomyomas
  • Uterine myomas
  • Fibromas

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about up to 80 percent of women have them by the age of 50. But due to their benign nature, most women never experience symptoms.

Can i get Fibroids?

Fibroids are common among most women around the age of 50. Due to their benign nature, they are often not noticed as they might not even show symptoms.

Women who are at a higher risk are usually those who are;

  • Pregnant
  • Obese
  • Older than 30 years of age
  • Have a family history of fibroids

Symptoms of Fibroids:

Some of the symptoms of fibroids in women are;

  • Abdominal pain
  • Pressure in the abdomen
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Heavy bleeding during menstruation
  • Frequent menstrual cramps
  • Longer duration of menstruation
  • Pain in the lower back
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Difficulty in getting pregnant
  • Miscarriage

 

How to avoid Fibroids?

By following a healthy lifestyle, a woman cannot just avoid fibroids but also help mitigate or even eliminate them altogether.

  • Staying hydrated
  • Following a Mediterranean diet
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Balancing estrogen
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Sufficient intake of Vitamin D
  • Avoid smoking
  • Consuming foods rich in antioxidants
  • Consuming fiber-rich foods
  • Consuming Green Tea

 

Laser Myomectomy

Laser Myomectomy is the recent standard of care in dealing with these myomas and is minimally invasive. The myomas are usually surrounded by a capsule. The capsule is traditionally opened by diathermy during Laparoscopy to release the myomas. In Laser Myomectomy, the Holmium: YAG (Ho: YAG) laser (solid state) beam is used to cut the capsule with minimal damage to the surrounding structures. The myoma is then gently teased out with release being aided by the laser. This is done without pulling on the adjacent tissue. The capsule is then closed by using self-retaining V-loc sutures.

Laser Myomectomy involves Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves the surgeon making small cuts instead of one big cut. This will decrease your period of healing and also decrease scarring. Laparoscopy is also less painful than many other conventional surgeries. Fibroids are a common occurrence and can be mitigated by leading a healthy lifestyle. However, they can also develop further and cause many complications. Hence, it is advisable to visit a gynecologist for regular checkups and/or when you have any symptoms or suspicion about your condition.