Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the smooth muscle cells within the wall of the uterus. Fibroids can vary in size and number, and can be thought of as fibrous sponges in the uterus.  In some women they have been associated with infertility, miscarriage, and premature labor. This why uterine fibroids of particular importance during childbearing years. Even if they are unaware, the majority of American women will have fibroids by the age of 50.  They are much more common than many women believe.  It is not unlikely that 70-80% of women will experience fibroids at some point in their lives.

 To put this in perspective, one study found that fibroids were present in 70% of Caucasian women, and 80% of African American women by the age of 50.  The health care costs for uterine fibroids are over $2 billion yearly.  The reason some women might not even know they have them is because of the varying symptoms and severity uterine fibroids can pose.  Symptoms among women vary from severe pain and discomfort to no pain at all.   Just as symptoms vary, so do the therapies that are used to treat symptoms.  Some of these include drugs, hormone therapies or surgical removal of individual fibroids.  For those experiencing severe pain, or perhaps very large obstructive fibroids, posing a health threat – surgical intervention to remove the uterus, known as a hysterectomy could be in order. 

Here are some quick facts to help you identify and deal with this common condition -

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids:

•        Heavy menstrual bleeding

•        Lengthy menstrual periods (7+ days)

•        Pelvic pressure or pain

•        Frequent urination

•        Difficulty emptying your bladder

•        Constipation

•        Back or leg aches/pain

Common Treatments of Uterine Fibroids:

•        Birth control pills to reduce heavy periods

•        Intrauterine devices to reduce pain and bleeding

•        Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain/cramps

•        Surgical intervention to shrink/remove fibroids

•        Hysterectomy to remove the entire uterus with fibroids

If you think you might have uterine fibroids, talk to your primary care physician or gynecologist.  They can test and diagnose fibroids through a variety of imaging tests like ultrasound and sonohysterogram.   Similarly, a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy can be done to test the tissue itself, and determine if it is in fact a fibroid.  Fibroids can be a result of age, family history, ethnicity, obesity, and eating habits. 

Although most of these are out of your control, eating a diet low in red meat and high in complex carbohydrates and fiber can help stave off fibroids for some women.  Doctors also recommend a regimented exercise plan of at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.  Both obesity and diabetes have been shown to increase the risk of getting uterine fibroids.