Fibroid Awareness Month, which raises awareness about fibroids, begins in July. At USA Fibroids Centers, our mission is to provide education concerning this common but little-discussed health condition. Uterine fibroid disease is one of the most common conditions that lead to a hysterectomy. It is understandable since the symptoms of fibroids include heavy menstrual cycles that may seem never-ending, a bloated abdomen, and pain.
Approximately 60 percent of hysterectomies patients do not know about non-surgical options. We specialize in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is a far less invasive procedure that preserves a woman’s reproductive system and fertility. Up to 80 percent of all women will develop fibroids by age 50. Although these are benign tumors, fibroid symptoms can be painful and disruptive to women’s lives. Fibroids and unnecessary hysterectomies are an enormous health crisis for women in the United States.
THE FACTS ABOUT FIBROIDS
Many women do not realize they are at risk of developing this condition. Education about uterine fibroids is inadequate. All women should be aware of fibroids, the symptoms, and the multiple treatment options. Discussions about heavy periods or bleeding between cycles continue to fall into the category of uncomfortable conversations. Also, only 50 percent of women with symptomatic fibroids seek treatment. A huge reason is the belief that surgery is the only option.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign growths that form in the uterus. They are one of the most prevalent gynecological disorders of women worldwide. They consist of muscle cells and fibrous tissue. These tumors are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer.
The three main types are classified based on location in the uterus:
- Intramural fibroids develop in the muscular uterine wall
- Submucosal develops just under the lining of the uterus and protrudes into the uterine cavity
- Subserosal fibroids grow under the surface of the outer uterine wall and extend outside of the uterus
Submucosal and subserosal fibroids can be pedunculated, meaning they develop from the uterine lining on a stalk that may extend from the outside or the inside of the organ.
Fibroids can be as minute as seedlings or as massive as a melon. Women can have any combination of fibroid types with varying locations and sizes. Size, quantity, and location of the tumors is the reason fibroid disease varies greatly between individuals.
What Are Fibroid Risk Factors?
- Age – fibroid disease affects most women in their 40s-50s
- A high BMI
- High blood pressure
- Family history of fibroids
- No previous pregnancy
- Vitamin D deficiency
Do you think you have fibroids? Take our symptom quiz HERE.
WHY RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT FIBROIDS?
Normalizing conversations surrounding uterine fibroids, in addition to education about symptoms and treatment, is critical. Statistically, most women will have fibroids in their lifetime. Creating widespread awareness can minimize the acceleration of symptoms related to untreated uterine fibroid disease leading to earlier treatment.
Many women attribute their protruding abdomen to weight gain or heavy, lengthy periods as normal for their bodies. A discussion with a friend or family member often prompts a search online for answers or a doctor’s visit. This is why USA Fibroid Centers provides education and awareness. We provide women with accurate, transparent resources all in one place. You can come to our website or treatment centers with questions and concerns.
Our fibroid specialists know just how debilitating and painful fibroid symptoms can be. They understand how overwhelming choosing treatment is and want to help women make the right decision that suits their needs.
How are you getting involved in this #FibroidAwarenessMonth? Follow us all month long for helpful resources about fibroids.
USA Fibroid Centers Can Help
USA Fibroids Centers is to help you get back to living life minus the debilitating symptoms that can accompany uterine fibroids. We specialize in the non-surgical procedure of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This procedure has the benefit of being outpatient. You go home the same day to recover. UFE also preserves fertility for women wishing to get pregnant. Another benefit is less risk for infection and other complications and requires no general anesthesia. The recovery is much shorter than surgery. Most patients are back to daily activities in one to two weeks.
Schedule an appointment with a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers today to learn more about UFE.
For your convenience, we offer experienced interventional radiologists at all locations across the USA.
Most major insurance programs cover UFE. If you believe you have fibroids, please call us at 855.615.2555 to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
