Fibroids are a type of pelvic tumor being suffered by the women of reproductive age. As prevalent the fibroids are, so are the misconceptions related to them!
These myths create confusion among women who are trying to understand their condition and find the best treatment options.
If you are among those, we are breaking down seven of the most common misunderstood perceptions surrounding the fibroids-
Fibroids Are The Cancerous Growths In The Female Uterus
As the patients get diagnosed with the uterine fibroids, the first question that strikes their mind is, “Are the fibroids cancerous?” Luckily, the answer is ‘No!’ Fibroids are just benign growths and aren’t linked to causing uterine cancer.
Though you might experience some painful symptoms, they disappear on their own after the treatment. Also, many of the people have a common misconception that fibroids require invasive procedures like chemo. But, in most of the cases, uterine fibroid treatment involves minimally invasive procedures or medication.
You Can’t Get Pregnant If You Have Fibroids
Many people believe that there is a strong connection between fibroids and infertility. But, the fact is fibroids don’t affect fertility. Your chances of getting conceived or carrying the pregnancy to term may depend upon many other factors.
Still, if fibroids cause any pregnancy issues, there are effective treatments to improve all your odds of giving birth to children.
Untreated Fibroids Continue To Grow
As estrogen fuels the growth of fibroids, they grow or shrink in alignment with the patient’s hormonal levels throughout their lifetime. During pregnancy, they may grow as the estrogen level increases. On the other hand, they tend to shrink after menopause.
Further, the fibroids grow to a specific size and stop growing on their own. Also, it is difficult to predict whether the fibroids will grow or not. But, if you have asymptomatic small fibroids, the doctor may delay the treatment, while monitoring your condition.
Once Removed, Fibroids Won’t Come Back
Unfortunately, uterine fibroids may develop even after the treatment. So, it is necessary to follow up with your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids. Routine exams and checkups will help your doctor to check for the recurring fibroids.
If the fibroids recur, you might need a different kind of treatment. Minimally invasive procedures such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE can help to prevent the fibroids from recurring.
Hysterectomy Is The Only Effective Fibroid Treatment
Thanks to medical advancement! There are several other effective medical procedures to treat fibroids than hysterectomy. Today, doctors recommend UFE to most of the patients as an alternative to other surgical techniques.
UFE is a non-surgical procedure that treats these benign growths without removing the uterus. It is an ideal alternative to invasive surgery that requires a long recovery period.
Women Having Fibroids Experience Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Another common perception of the people is that women having uterine fibroids show symptoms like a painful menstrual cycle. But, the fact is, not all women get these symptoms. Some other symptoms may also include backache, constipation, or bladder dysfunction.
Further, it is also seen that many of the women don’t show any of these symptoms at all. Some women with fibroids can’t even figure out that they have fibroids. So, the only possible way to check if you have fibroids is to see a doctor undergo a medical checkup.
Ultrasound Is The Best Tool To Detect The Uterine Fibroids
If the doctor suspects fibroids, the first tool they use to confirm the suspicion is an ultrasound. But, this imaging device doesn’t always reveal all the fibroids that are present.
Since the uterine fibroids vary greatly in size, doctors further use laparoscopic ultrasound for clearer visualization. It is a more efficient technique that can detect twice as many fibroids as the transvaginal ultrasound.
As fibroids interfere with the quality of life, it is advised to discuss the best treatment options with a gynecologist. With a plethora of less invasive medical procedures available, you can rid of the fibroids without enduring long-term suffering!