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.