Fibroids stand as a leading problem for a large portion of women. Up to 40 percent of women age 35 and older have uterine fibroids of a significant size. Furthermore, African-American women are at an even greater risk of being affected by fibroids, in which as many as 50 percent of black women have fibroids of a significant size.
Fibroid tumours may start in women when they are in their 20′s, however, most women do not begin to have symptoms until they are in their late 30’s or 40’s. In most cases, physicians are not able to predict if a fibroid will grow or cause symptoms.
Although the exact cause for fibroid development is still unclear, studies have shown that most of the women affected by fibroids are in their childbearing years. Also, African American develop fibroids more often and at a younger age than women of other ethnic groups.
Due to the alarming number of women that are affected by fibroids, the Fibroid Treatment Collective offers “Top 10 Things Women Should Know About Fibroids.”
1. Uterine fibroids can affect women of all ages, but are most common in women ages 40 to 50.
2. Depending on size, location and number of fibroids, common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Excessive bleeding, including prolonged periods and passage of clots, which can lead to anemia.
- Abdominal swelling
- Pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent urination
- Pressure on the bowel, leading to constipation and bloating
- Infertility
3. No one is sure why women develop fibroids which affect 40% of women over 35 years in America and have a high rate of incidence among African Americans. There is a possible link between uterine fibroid tumors and estrogen production.
4. Fibroids are diagnosed with an ultrasound in their gynecologist’s office. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also used to determine how fibroids can be treated and provide information about any underlying disease.
5. Uterine fibroids can be treated with surgery, including hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus, and myomectomy, which removes the fibroids but leaves the uterus. Both are major surgeries.
6. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the United States, about 300,000 due to uterine fibroids.
7. Over 50 percent of women who get hysterectomies have their ovaries removed, rendering them infertile.
8. Embolization has emerged as the safest, simplest, cost effective way to treat fibroids. Embolization requires a very small incision. Embolization basically cures fibroids by starving them.
9. Uterine Fibroid Embolization has an overall success rate of 94 percent.
10. Recurrence after embolization has not occurred. This is one of its major advantages over myomectomy, where fibroids which have been surgically removed often grow back.
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or want to find out more information about fibroids and the embolization procedure, we invite you to email us at patientcoordinator@fibroids.com or give us a call at 866-362-6463. You can also learn more by participating in our live chat Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
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Great information and facts on Fibroid tumours! A close friend of mine was recently diagnosed with a fibroid tumour. I didn’t realize that fibroids can cause infertility. It’s just another obstacle that she will have to overcome. I just began doing some research on it and there some good articles on the major causes of infertility and the best ways to treat infertility in women at http://www.getpregnantquick.org. Check
it out.
How can there be an way reduce some of the pain that i have without taken any meds or cuts or taking any my inside out ……Just wish to know something that will not have any efforts on my body no drugs PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! have any good anwser email at deborah.houston29@yahoo.com Thanks so much . PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was diagnosed today with a fibroid tumor in my uteris and also cyst in my olvary….but my question is what does it mean when the tumor is calcified and would a hysterectomy my best choice…..i have already had my left olvary removed 3 years ago…thank you for information it helps I also have a big history of cancer in my family both parents……
thank you and god bless
Luisa
Thank you for such clear information. This is so important for all women of all types to know.
Thank you!
Nobody knows what causes a fibroid? It’s probably made by chemicals released when one is too stressed. Get with it, scientist slackers… find the cause so we can treat it or even better, prevent it.
You are very welcome. Glad it was helpful!
Best,
FTC
FYI, All women who have a hystorectomy are infertile, not because their ovaries may have been removed, but because their UTERUS has been removed!
Monitor your fibroid if you have one. My doctor did not, so my grew to 12 pounds! Due to the pressure on my leg, I developed DVT. Blood clots didn’t stop until the fibroid was removed. I had no idea that these fibroids could grow so large. Also, my doctor should have been checking on it as the years passed. Monitor yourselves.
I HAD A 10 CM FIBRIOD, I GOT EMBOLIZATION IT HELPED ME FROM GETTING A HYSTERECTOMY. BUT PLEASE PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GET A GOOD GYNEACOLOIST TO KEEP A CHECK ON YOU ALWAYS OK. TAKE CARE GOD BLESS.
Take vitamin E and even wheatgrass shots and they will leave. The vitamin E did it for me. Fibroids are gone, same thing with my mom. Wheatgrass juice has every vitamin in it besides D.
I am just about 5 months preg. and I just found out I have a fibroid in the uterus. Does anyone know if this can effect my pregnacy and has this happend to anyone while being pregnant. I am worried it can harm my baby.
I have had 2 myomectomys. In both of them there were several fibroids the size of grapefruits. The second surgery was 3 years after the first. I am 46 years old. Is there any chance at all for me to have a child?
Mariana yes I had a fibriod larger then the one you have when I was pregnant with my 4th child. It did not affect the child in anyway; however if you are conserned about that the best thing todo is ask your doctor. For me it was 20 years ago and doctors have learned so much more now then they did then. The only thing that was bad is it was very unconfortable carring around the child and the fibroid.
I had been diagnosed with fibroids back in the 90′s, but managed to get pregnant at age 47. I lost the fetus at approx. 10 weeks due to the fibroids and ended up having a hysterectomy just a short time later. The uterus was one massive fibroid about the size of a fetus. Don’t know if they can do anything now under the circumstances.
i have three fibriods and they really cause me to have lots of pressure on the pelvis horrible pain and huge blood clots during my cycle not to mention frequent urination and bowel issues:( im not fond of hormones or having my uterus removed so would love to hear more about the embolization ive read about how its done but my concern is if there is any side effects risks etc. anyone have info let me know please im miserable
am just about 31/2 months preg. and I just found out I have a fibroid outside the the uterus. The doctor said it was good , because if it was in the uterus, cuz it would effect the baby’s growth. Doctor says it will continue in a faster past due to my condition . It’s now the say of a small orange.
Mariana,
Just keep tabs on the growth and size of it, because it can grow with the pregnancy, and good luck
This information was helpful to read. I have had fibroids sence my early 20′s this was not fun growing up. On my three day of my period I had to stay close to home because I bleed really really bad… As I got older it became worst.. I have had an DNC several times. Those fibroids just keep recurring back in my uterus. I try to have a proper diet each day. This is really bad I don’t have any Medical Insurance at this time. To make an appointment to see a doctor It’s a challenge these days. But I maintain the intake of my food. Hopefully in the near future medical science are working on some form of pill that we can take to subside the growth of the fibroids.
My doctor told me about the fibroid I had about two years ago right after that news my employer took my insurance away and I have not been able to visit my doctor. Does anyone know if is there is special diet we should keep? Or a certain exercise we should do to help side effects, I’ve noticed that I get tired faster and I don’t have the energy to exercise like I used too. Does anyone know if these symptoms are part of the fibroid problem?
I fined this information very very helpful. I never knew about Embolization. to learn it is a safer way and the success rate is awesome 94% and to learn it cures Fibroids.. why have not any of the doctor address this, or give their patient the option to choose..Thank You so very much. you are a GOD sent to all women all over the world. :-}
Ladies,
I had a myomectomy in 2004 and a hysterectomy 5 weeks ago. Fibroids are no joke. The pain and discomfort that I experienced was life-altering; my quality of life was all but gone. I never had children. When my uterus was removed, I saw the photos of it; there was no way that I could have carried a child. So, ladies, please take care of yourselves.
In 1977 I had a hysterectomy due to fibroids – after the surgery the doctor told me that the fibroids had caused the lining of the uterus to fall out and fuse with one of the ovaries – I had lots of pain and many many bladder infections because of this before the surgery – I waited much too long and would have saved me alot of suffering if I had done it earlier. Take care of yourselves girls!!
Hello Ladies,
My name is Barbara and I had the Embolization Procedure done 1yr ago. Aug 6, 2009. The Radiologist perform the procedure because many OB/GYN do not know how to do it or prefer during hysterectomy. This is why many people do not know about it.
I was the 1st person to have this procedure done @ VCMC – Ventura County Medical Center Hospital. They ordered the equipment for my Aug 6, 2009 Embolization.
This procedure was available at 2-other Hospitals in the county, but not the County Hospital.
So, if you live in this area and wish to have it done VCMC has new equipment and a whole new department for it.
My OB/GYN started give me the hormone shots to build up my blood and stop my menstruation. This shot do put you in a early menopause stage, but it’s only night sweats now. I could not stay laying around for 4-6 wks. It would drive me up the wall. They have not completely gone away, but they are not growing.
Thank you Jena R. about the Vit. E and wheatgrass and thank you Jesus for NEW Technology.
Be Bless
Liz – There are some free temporary programs out there depending on the county you live in to assist people with medical issues. Most county hospital know about them. They will give you the information. I was there also. Be Bless
Embolization only works for women who have fibroid growing in one spot mainly the uterus. I was told that my fibroid was growing in the lining, on top and in the uterus and that I needed to have a hysterectomy. I refused, I was 45 years at the time I am now 60 and have completed menopause, so the pain, heavy bleeding and discomfort has ended. I know that the fibroid are still there and have shrunken. I was told that there is a possibility that the fibroid can create problems for me in the future, however I prefer to take my chances, if it is life threatening then I would make that decision to operate.
Liz: If you live in the States. Womans clinic’s r opening up everywhere. There are programs that are out there for woman in need of medical attention. You really should go and be seen. I’m sure they can help you. BUT i must stress, find a clinic. PLZ
Thank You Jena for the vitamin E/wheatgrass info!!! I’m going to a clinic that just did a Hysterectomy and removing massive fibroids on top of it all. But several months later, I’m suffering even more than before the surgery. Doctors are off the wall telling me it’s Sciatica. Problem is in my abdomen and not the back sacroilliac area. So I know this is bogus. I need help and nowhere left to turn as I file appeals for state/Federal help.
can fibroids put pressure on your lower back, to make it feel like a low back injury (symptoms)? had fibroids in the early 90′s, had them removed, but I think they are back.
I was told I had fibroids in my 20 gave it no concern. Was very hard to get pregnnt with my 3rd child at 27 but I did. In my 30′s the pain began and it was horrible. When I felt my bladder having pressure I had to go tothe rest room right away or I was going to be sorry. The pain got so bad that I ended up in the emergency room and was told that I had huge fibroids and that I need to see a doctor right away. Made a appointment the next day meet my Dr. I liked him and he infomed me that I had choices I told him I am never going to have another child and he said decession is made. Surgery date was made and he removed a uterus that was 20 week in size do u know that is like being 5 months pregnant? I have no regrets it was the best thing for me. The pain is gone and I don’t have to ever have another period as long as I live. I am so happy I feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
I had the embolization procedure done in 2002, and it was the best decision I could have made. It was done by a radiologist and I spent the night in the hospital – was back at work in a couple of days. For about a year I experienced what felt like menstrual cramps, as the fibroids shrank, and I welcomed that sensation. I have since had 2 friends go through the procedure, and one of them was able to get pregnant several times after. They both went home the same day – I think they would have been more comfortable spending a night with the good pain killers…
My mom had read about it and I had to change doctors to find one who was willing to recommend it – I don’t think it was a coincidence that she was a woman. The male doctor I had seen previously, my primary care doctor, didn’t understand why I was reluctant to have a hysterectomy since I wasn’t planning to have children. That was my last visit to his practice.
If you are a candidate for this procedure, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It was the best solution for me, and I am so grateful to have had the option.
I had Fibroid Embolization done 5 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I had a mass of small tumors the size of a large orange and extremely heavy bleeding. I bled so much I couldn’t leave the house the first 2 days of my period. After the procedure I felt like a new person. I have had normal periods and feel so good now. I’m so glad I heard about this before I had major surgery.I was 45 years old then and beyond wanting to have babies.
Do the insurance companies consider Embolization an elective/cosmetic procedure or do they cover this procedure?
Hi Ladies,
Please make sure you see a doctor who has experience with any procedure. I suffered from flooding, anemia and finally had to work from home 3 days a month. I was so anti hysterectomy. I waited til my uterus was the size of a three month pregnancy. It was the best decision and I wished I had done the homework and risk taking time off work to just have it done. NEVER regretted not going throug menopause and NEVER regretted not having a cyle. HRT has been awesome for me. BUT I did my homework and if I hadn’t waited so long, embolization would have been much easier.
Not only is the procedure an approved treatment of fibroids, but it has also been performed in the US since 1995. Moreover, many insurance companies cover the UFE procedure; therefore, patients are able to worry less about financing this procedure and focus more on recovering from fibroids.
Hope this helps!
FTC
i had a UFE uterine fibroid embolization a few years ago, i had super heavy periods where i had to wear diapers i needed a blood transfusion and my uterus was 22 weeks pregnant size with huge 13 cm fibroids plus others, it was the best thing i even did, i was anti hysterectomy and so it took me 5 years to find a dr. willing to refer me for it so my insurance an hmo would cover it, i had it done at holy cross hospital in CA. dr. grossman was my obgyn that gave me the referal to have it done. my large fibroids shrunk and one of them actually fell out, then i had a lot of discharge from the shrinking, but i stuck it out and now i am all better, i have a bunch of tiny fibroids now that do not cause me any problems. get the ufe u will never ever regret you did!!! they have a yahoo group for this where u can talk to others that have done it.
According to Louise Hay:
Fibroids, Tumors and Cysts are caused by nursing a hurt from a partner. A blow to the feminine ego.
The affirmation to use is:
I release the pattern in me that attracted this experience. I create only good in my life.
I was hurt badly by the actions my very recent former partner. Though we also shared many many good times, I spent the last 3 years in turmoil over things that I’m better off letting go. I forgive all. I release all.
I believe letting go of stress and being open to forgiveness is the real answer to ALL health problems! Live peacefully!
I am going to combine that affirmation with the vitamin E and wheat grass!
Love and Blessings!!
As I read your posts I have compassion for all of you. I started getting fibroids or atleast feeling them when I was 31. I do believe that I had them when I was in my 20′s because sex was just too painful. I hdthem removed when I was 34; by 40 they had grown backwith a vengence. I had changed doctors by then, my new doctor said if they don’t bother you don’t bother them. She said they grow fromthe blood supply during my menstrual cycle. When you go through menoposethe blood supply will be cut off. Well, I started menopaust at 48, I think that was a couple years too early. Any way 4 years later my period finally went away; however, every 2 to 3 weeks, I get the cramps and I can feel them. I think they have started to impact my bowles. When I was 40 I went to an herbalist, he said that dairy and caffiene is what causes them. I got a sonogram done. I stopped drinking coffee, stopped the dairy products and 6 months later I got another sonogram and guess what – They had shrunk. Too bad I went to Starbucks and got hooked on Coffee. When I don’t have coffee – I can’t function properly and get headaches. Never had trouble stopping before I started drinking Starbucks. I am going to have to kick the cafiene and dairy for good or I will have to have ahistorectomy. I was told that embolization does not work if the fibroids are on top of the uterus like mine. I will get a second opinion. Also I will try the wheat grass.
If you drink cafiene or consume dairy products – consider kicking it. But get exrayed before and after to see if it helps. Maybe one of you can lead the pack in curing ourselves.
To all of you, keep your head!
God Bless!
My wife aged 42 has a large fibroid measuring 8X6 cm. Earlier she was experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding but due to homoeopathy treatment for the last 10 months the growth of fibroid stopped and free flowing lasts only 3 days during periods. But time to time pain in lower abdomen area still persist and early in the morning before discharging urine fibroid is seen like a hard ball in lower area. Can it be fully shrinked or go for a decision for hysterectomy/wait till menopause.Please note we have only one girl child and want no more.Pl. tell.
Dear S Sinha: We’re so sorry your wife has been experiencing so much pain. The best way for us to get the right information to you both is to have her speak with a doctor or staff nurse. Our office does offer free consultations by calling 866-362-6463. You can also request a Live Chat by click on the purple button on the left. Best of health to you and your wife!
Does anyone know how much Vitamin E and wheat grass juice? How long before shrinkage occurred? Has anyone had success without surgery?
I am diagnosed with fibroid of 29*24 mm and a submucosal one….really anxious about the surgery advised by my gynae….any other successfull way out of it…please help!!!!
Hello shubhangi. We can certainly understand your being anxious and would be happy to help. However, because each case varies, the best way for us to help would be to talk with you directly. You can contact us 866-362-6463 for a free consultation or try clicking on Live Chat to speak with a healthcare professional.
5 months pregnant with myoma, no bleeding but sharp abdominal and back pain
Hello Blessyn. Fibroids can often become more pronounced during pregnancy because of the increase in hormone production. The FTC typically recommends waiting to treat fibroids until after pregnancy. Please contact your doctor for a specific recommendation or call us directly at 310-208-2442 for a free consultation with Dr. McLucas. Best of health to you and your baby.
I am 41 and have decided to have a hysterectomy. Has anyone tried the Da Vinci method of surgery? How much time did you need off of work? I can’t take this pain any longer. I have 4 children and am finished in that area. I have always had heavy bleeding with menstrual cycles that start like clockwork every 3 weeks. Not to mention the awful cramps. Any responses will be really appreciated.
Today my Dr. Office called and gave me my results from my ulter sound. She said I have a cyist and fibroid but the location in my uterus will not stop me from having a baby. I feel movement in my abnormal but they said I am not pregnant. I on my cycle and bleeding and movement. Can I be pregnant and still have cycle? Pls. Give some advice. Thanks,
Scared Liz
I also had a fibroid tumor that nobody knew about I didn’t realize I was pregnant until I was 12 weeks a long I went in and they baby had some severe health problems right away that the doctors suggested that it might be best if I not keep the baby. They had no idea why I had had issues with no history of family complications. I then ended up in the emergency room two months later where the Dr’s found my fibroid tumor and advised me that it was inside of my uterus and that may have cause all of the issues with my pregnancy but none of the three Dr’s that I had seen had caught that I had a tumor until after the fact. I was then told that I had three options a hysterectomy, remove just the tumor, or choose to let the tumor stay in while I was pregnant which I was told would cause issues again. I had been advised to go a specialist to get the actual decision that I had. I have not done this yet due to the fact of only being 22 and not really wanting my fate decided for me on whether or not I could have children. Has any body else had this happen to them at such a young age?
Hi,
I a 8weeks pregnant with an appropriate growth of the baby. today, in the ultrasound my gyneo saw a 6 cm fibroid on the roof of the uterus. can it hinder the development of the fetus.. please advice..
thanks!!
Look up vitalzym or enzyme therapy for fibroids. Can also supplement w bio-identical progesterone to balance excess estrogen. Women are particularly prone to excess estrogen due to eating soy (it’s in EVERY THING we eat), and chemical exposure from cleaning products and cosmetics.
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