1- What are fibroids? Noncancerous growth inside the uterus and outside the uterus via stalks.
2- What are sign and symptoms of fibroids? Heavy bleeding, pain during sex, low back pain, bleeding between periods, feeling bloated all the time, infertility, urinating often, constipation and associated symptoms secondary to anemia
3- What are risk factors for fibroids? Women in their 30’s and 40’s through menopause, obesity, family history (more common in women of African American descent) and diet.
4- What causes fibroids? No one really knows, but there have been several theories that include females being estrogen dominant, emotional distress of various ethnic groups and hormonal imbalance.
5- How are fibroids diagnosed? Some fibroids may be discovered from a pelvic exam and ultrasound like mine, however they can be diagnosed several ways. Fibroids can also be diagnosed by several test to include MRI, CAT scan, x-ray, hysterosalpingogram or sonohysterogram.
6- Can I still have children with fibroids? Children have been conceived and birthed while having fibroids, however under close supervision from a physician. Please keep in mind that a lot of miscarriages and infertility also occur because of fibroids.
7- Is surgery my only option to mange fibroids? No. That’s the purpose of this blog to give women hope that there are more options, options that have been proven to work.
8- What surgical options do I have? I have personally had an abdominal myomectomy my 1st go round with fibroids. Other surgical options include laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy or uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
9- Will fibroids return after surgery? There is a strong possibility, especially if you don’t make dietary changes, manage stress and find the source of your fibroids i.e hormonal imbalance after surgery
10- What holistic options do I have? Acupuncture, vaginal steaming, diet changes, exercising and herbal supplements (be careful with herbal supplements).
11- Do holistic gynecologist exist? Yes! Yes, they do, my OBGYN is a holistic gynecologist