Fibroids, also known as uterine myoma, are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They are simply globs of muscles within the uterine muscle. Think of them as moles on your skin; bunches of muscle fibres that form into solid clumps and can be found in varying shapes and sizes. 

These growths can develop within the wall of the uterus, inside its main cavity or on its outer surface and can range from the size of a walnut to the size of a football. The different types of fibroids are defined based on where a fibroid develops: 

Intramural: Form within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type of fibroid.

Subserosal: Grow on the outside wall of the uterus.

Submucosal: Develop in the middle muscle layer of the uterus.

Fibroids are more common than you think. In fact, up to 80% of women have fibroids by the age of 50. Many may not even know it and some ethnicities have a higher prevalence. 

What causes fibroids? 

The exact reasons are unknown. It’s like when we are born with a mole or a birthmark, we don’t really know why. They are just there.

The prevalence does vary with race and ethnicity. Recently, there has been a correlation seen between fibroids and estrogen dominance (hormonal imbalance leading to other estrogen related conditions). 

Obesity is also a risk factor. Recent data shows that being overweight, having a poor diet and a lack of exercise can cause a vicious cycle leading to estrogen overactivity which in turn can lead to fibroid growth. 

Fibroids are usually painless, and many women don’t even know they have them. However, they can sometimes grow, change or cause trouble. 

Some symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain.

How are fibroids diagnosed? 

Fibroids are often found during routine pelvic exams when your doctor identifies irregularities in the shape of your uterus. If your gynecologist notices irregularities during an exam or you’ve communicated with them that you have symptoms, they’ll likely send you for tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to get a picture of your uterus to map and measure fibroids. Ultrasound devices can either be used over your abdomen or placed inside your vagina. 

Pelvic MRI

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides a more in-depth picture of your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs. It is helpful to show the size and location of fibroids and help determine treatment options.

What health risks are associated with fibroids?

There are quite a few myths out there about what health risks are truly tied to fibroids.

First, fibroids are rarely painful. That said, if a fibroid is obstructing nerves or degenerating (the cells are dying), you’ll likely experience pain.

Another misconception is that fibroids cause weight gain. Only if a fibroid grows to be really big, which is rare, would there be weight gain associated with it. For this to happen, they need to grow to the size of a pumpkin or a football.

For women experiencing heavier than normal periods, only 30% of the time are fibroids the culprit. Fibroids grown within the uterine cavity can cause heavy or prolonged periods.

Fibroids are rarely cancerous. Less than 1% of fibroids develop into cancer.

How are fibroids treated?

Most fibroids require no treatment at all, but can be treated with medication or removed if needed.

For example, if your fibroids are resulting in heavy bleeding, growing rapidly or causing problems with urinating, your doctor may elect to treat or remove them. It’s important to note that fibroids almost always come back, which is why we recommend trying everything before jumping into surgery.

A healthy diet and an active lifestyle is also recommended to help control fibroid growth.

If you have fibroids, it’s recommended that you monitor for changes and consult your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms.

Have more questions about fibroids? Contact us at info@walkingyn.com. 

Be safe, be strong and be prepared!

Dr. Adeeti Gupta

The post What you must know about Fibroids! appeared first on Walk In GYN Care.

Which medications should I buy over the counter to help in my recovery?

• Pepcid: 20mg twice daily. The first pill, first thing in the morning before food and again 30 min before
• Colace: 100mg orally twice daily – buy over the
• Tylenol or Acetaminophen extra strength: 500mg, 2 tab every 6- 8 hours as
• Motrin/Advil: 600mg orally every 8 hours as needed for pain.
• Mylanta (or Simethicone) bottle: 2 teaspoons orally 8 hours if feeling heartburn or gassy.
• Probiotics: 1 capsule daily with food. Start day after surgery.

Which prescription medications do I need?

• Pain medication: as directed by your physician on the day of surgery.
• Antibiotics: as prescribed.
• Special medications such as birth control pills if prescribed by your doctor.

What can I eat or drink?

• Drink at least 10-15 glasses of water every day.
• Eat easy to digest, light foods like chicken soup, sandwiches, yoghurt, low fat milk, and ginger ale
• High fiber diet, if unable to tolerate high fiber diet
• Take Metamucil or Citrucel 2 teaspoons daily in water at 8p.
• Eat Salads (thoroughly washed) and light dressings.
• Can eat fresh fruits, spinach, whole grains etc.
• Please take into account any food allergies that you may have.

Which Foods should I avoid?

• Avoid a lot of cheese, spicy food, marinara sauce, and orange juice.
• Avoid very greasy foods.
• Take into account you food allergies.

Can I shower? If so, how?

• Please shower and clean your entire body INCLUDING the INCISION area with mild soap and water. Do not rub vigorously. After shower, just gently pat dry with a soft towel and leave the wound are open to sit.
• Wear loose clothes. Avoid tight fitting clothes, which do not let air circulate easily.
• Shower daily.

How much weight can I lift?

• Do no lift weights heavier than 5 pounds.
• Try not to bend, if you have to, use your knees to lower yourself and lift something.
• You can climb stairs slowly, one step at a time.
• When getting up from the bed, first turn on the side and then lift yourself up to void direct strain on the stitches.

When should I call the doctor or go to Emergency Room?

• High-grade fever with or without chills > 101 deg
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness
• Fainting
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Continuous vomiting
• Increasing swelling or redness of the
• Foul smelling discharge from the vagina or from the
• Severe abdominal pain.

What should I expect as normal?

• Pain at the incision site is normal.
• Cramping pain such as menstrual cramps is normal.
• Slight vaginal bleeding/ spotting or bleeding like a normal period or less than a normal period may be expected.
• Nausea on the first day or two may be expected.
• Difficulty sleeping, getting out of bed is expected. It will pass.
• Bloating and constipation is expected so we strongly recommend Metamucil, high fiber diet, Colace and probiotics as above to avoid that.

DO’s

• You can walk around the house and even go outdoors around the house slowly.
• When resting, keep your legs elevated on a pillow to avoid leg swelling.
• Take the incentive spirometer home and continue to take deep breaths 20 times every hour.
• Do NOT stay in bed all the time. Complete bed rest may lead to increased risk of blood clots.
• Do not stay alone at home the first night after your procedure. If you are going to be alone, make sure you have your phone with you and someone to call in case you need assistance.

DONT’s

• No heavy weights to be lifted.
• No intercourse, tampons, douching until you get clearance from doctor.
• No smoking.
• Do not use an abdominal belt to support the incision.
• Do not plan long or intense travel plans.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO GO FOR YOUR POST-OP APPOINTMENT as recommended below:

Hysterectomy/ Laparoscopy/ any abdominal surgery: 1 week after surgery.

D&C/ Hysteroscopy/ polypectomy/ fibroid resection: 2 weeks after surgery.

If you are experiencing any of the emergency symptoms as described above, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also reach us at:

Middle Village patients: 718-898-1170.

Walk IN GYN Care: 917-410-6905

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