Understanding Fibroids: Unveiling the Silent Struggle of Women Everywhere

Amara never thought her heavy, painful periods were unusual. Month after month, she doubled up on painkillers, carried extra sanitary pads everywhere, and quietly endured what she believed was just “normal womanhood.” It was not until she fainted at work from anemia that a doctor’s scan revealed the truth: uterine fibroids.

Her story is not unique. Studies show that up to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50, although not all will experience symptoms. Millions of women are living with fibroids, some knowingly and many without realizing it.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. They vary in size, from tiny nodules invisible to the eye to large masses that can distort the uterus.

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are classified based on where they grow in the uterus, and this location often determines symptoms and treatment.

·       Submucosal fibroids: Grow just beneath the uterine lining and bulge into the uterine cavity. They are the most likely to cause heavy bleeding and fertility problems.

·       Intramural fibroids: Develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common type and often cause heavy periods, pain, or pressure if large.

·       Subserosal fibroids: Grow on the outside of the uterus and can press on nearby organs. They usually cause bloating, pelvic pressure, constipation, or frequent urination but are less likely to affect menstrual flow. Some grow on stalks (pedunculated) and can twist, causing sudden pain.

·       Pedunculated fibroids: These are fibroids that grow on a stalk, either inside the uterine cavity or on the outside surface of the uterus. They can twist on their stalk (torsion), causing sudden and severe abdominal pain.

·       Other types (cervical or parasitic fibroids): Rare fibroids that grow in unusual locations such as the cervix or outside the uterus. They sometimes require special surgical approaches.

Common Symptoms

Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, they can be life-altering. These include:

·       Heavy or prolonged periods, sometimes leading to anemia

·       Pelvic pain or pressure

·       Bloating or a feeling of fullness

·       Frequent urination

·       Constipation

·       Pain during sex

Some women, like Amara, only discover they have fibroids when trying to conceive or during routine checks.

Fibroids and Fertility

One of the biggest concerns about fibroids is their link to fertility and pregnancy.

·       Submucosal fibroids, which distort the uterine cavity, are most strongly linked to infertility and miscarriage.

·       Large intramural fibroids can also reduce fertility if they press into the uterine cavity.

·       Subserosal fibroids rarely affect fertility but may complicate pregnancy if very large.

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors play a role:

·       Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone fuel fibroid growth.

·       Genetics: Family history increases risk.

·       Age and ethnicity: More common in women in their 30s and 40s, and especially prevalent among African women.

·       Lifestyle: Obesity, high red-meat diets, and low fruit or vegetable intake may increase risk.

Myths vs. Facts

🚫 Myth: Fibroids always lead to cancer.✅ Fact: Fibroids are non-cancerous and rarely turn malignant.

🚫 Myth: Surgery is the only option.✅ Fact: Some fibroids can be managed with medicines or minimally invasive procedures.

🚫 Myth: Fibroids always mean infertility.✅ Fact: Many women with fibroids conceive and carry healthy pregnancies.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on symptoms, type, size, and fertility desires. Options include:

·       Watchful waiting: For small, symptom-free fibroids.

·       Medications: NSAIDs for pain, hormonal therapies to shrink fibroids, and iron for anemia.

·       Minimally invasive procedures: Uterine artery embolization and MRI-guided ultrasound.

·       Surgery:

o   Hysteroscopic myomectomy for submucosal fibroids.

o   Laparoscopic or open myomectomy for intramural and subserosal fibroids when fertility preservation is desired.

Hysterectomy (removing the womb) for women who are done with childbearing.

Living with Fibroids

Fibroids are not a death sentence, but they can deeply affect quality of life. Women like Amara often normalize pain and heavy bleeding when, in fact, early medical help could prevent complications such as severe anemia or fertility struggles.

Final Thoughts

Fibroids are common, but silence around them keeps many women suffering in the dark. Recognizing the symptoms, debunking myths, and seeking proper care can make a difference. If you suspect your periods are heavier than normal or you are struggling with unexplained pelvic symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. Relief and safe treatment options do exist.

✨ Invitation to Community

Have you or someone close to you dealt with fibroids? What was your experience with symptoms or treatment? Share your story in the comments. Your voice may encourage another woman to seek help.

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