Women’s healthFibroids are non-cancerous growths in the womb that sometimes cause heavy menstrual periods, urinary problems and abdominal swellings.These are common in women who weigh over 70 kilogrammes. This is thought to be due to the higher levels of estrogen heavy women have according to Dr. Eugene Ngoga, a gynecologist at King Faisal Hospital.The symptoms of fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding at times with blood clots, urinating more often than usual, menstrual periods that last longer than normal, cramps and pain during intercourse among others.Ngoga says that fibroids can at times be genetic and are also attributed to other unknown causes.According to the Gynecologist, he gets at least 10 cases a month of people suffering from fibroids.Fibroids tend to swell when levels of oestrogen are high for instance during pregnancy. They also shrink when oestrogen levels are low especially during menopause.Treatment for fibroids Doctor Ngoga says that fibroids can be treated through carrying out an operation. He however noted that these can grow again unless they are all removed from the uterus.According to patient.co.uk, a website that provides medical information, if the fibroids are not causing any symptoms then treatment isn’t usually needed.There is also Hysterectomy surgery whereby the womb is removed. However, this is a good option only for people who are no longer interested in giving birth to children.Another method that is non surgical is the uterine artery embolisation which stops the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and eventually die, according to Pub Med Health website.Before choosing which kind of treatment suits you best, it’s advisable to first discuss this with your gynecologist since treatment depends on a number of factors such as one’s age, type of fibroid, sternness of symptoms, whether one would still love to have children and if they are currently pregnant.All these determine which type of treatment is best for getting rid of fibroids.However, getting medication from a pharmacist or self prescription is a bit of a risk so a gynecologist will give you the best advice.
