What are fibroids?

Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are not cancerous. They can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. In unusual cases, they can become very large. Who gets fibroids? There are factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing fibroids.

1. Age. Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during the 30s and 40s through menopause. After menopause, fibroids usually shrink.

2. Family history. Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. If a woman’s mother had fibroids, her risk of having them is about three times higher than average.

3. Ethnic origin. African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women.

4. Obesity. Women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids. For very heavy women, the risk is two to three times greater than average.

5. Eating habits. Eating a lot of red meat (e.g., beef) and ham is linked to a higher risk of fibroids. Eating plenty of green vegetables seems to protect women from developing fibroids.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

1. Heavy bleeding, which can be heavy enough to cause anemia or painful periods.

2. Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area, and the lower stomach area.

3. Enlargement of the lower abdomen.

4. Frequent urination.

5. Pain during sex.

6. Lower back pain.

7. Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean section.

8. Reproductive problems, such as infertility, which is very rare.

What causes fibroids?

No one knows for sure what causes fibroids. Researchers think that more than one factor could play a role.

These factors could be:

1. Hormonal, affected by estrogen and progesterone levels.

2. Genetic (runs in families. Can I become pregnant if I have fibroids? Women who have fibroids are more likely to have problems during pregnancy and delivery. This doesn’t mean there will be problems. Most women with fibroids have normal pregnancies.

The most common problems seen in women with fibroids are:

1. Cesarean section. The risk of needing a c-section is six times greater for women with fibroids.

2. Baby is breech. The baby is not positioned well for vaginal delivery.

3. Labor fails to progress.

4. Placental abruption.

The placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus before delivery. When this happens, the fetus does not get enough oxygen. 5. Preterm delivery. Thanks for watching this video, don’t forget to subscribe to the channel.