What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are small muscle masses developed within or near the uterus walls. Their size ranges from microscopic tumours to large lumps several cm in diameter. They can commonly cause symptoms like difficult periods or a bulky uterus.
What are the main types of fibroids?
The main types of fibroids based on their location are as follows.
● Intramural fibroids: These fibroids develop inside the lining wall of the uterus.
● Subserosal Fibroids: These fibroids are grown on the outer side of the uterus wall.
● Submucosal Fibroids: These fibroids are formed beneath the uterus lining and develop into the uterus cavity.
What are the common symptoms?
Following are some common signs of fibroids in a woman’s uterus.
- Heavy bleeding or pain during periods
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Discomfort or agony during sexual intercourse
- Long menstrual cycles, often lasting ten days or more.
- Frequent urination
- Gut issues like constipation
- Too much fatigue during periods
- Bulky uterus
- Weight gain or bloating in the abdomen region
- Back or leg pain
Uterine fibroids are most common and can cause bulky uterus in almost 80% of women to get affected at any time in their life. But certain factors can promote the growth and increase the chances of developing fibroids. Some women have a higher risk of getting affected by fibroids. Some factors that might put some women at a higher risk are mentioned below.
- Although fibroids can affect any woman, women of the African – Caribbean race are at a higher risk of developing large fibroids at an early age.
- Women with a family history of fibroids, whose mother, sister, or any other close relative was diagnosed with fibroids, can inherit this condition via genetics.
- Women or girls who started menstruating very young are at a higher risk.
- Overweight women can have hormonal imbalances that can lead to the growth of fibroids.
- Taking birth control pills too much can increase the chances of developing fibroids in women.
- Consuming large amount of red meat can lead to fibroids formation in the uterus.
- Alcohol or caffeine consumption is another factor.
- During pregnancy, excess secretion of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can promote the growth of fibroids.
- Women who had given birth earlier are at lower risk of developing fibroids.
Can Fibroids be prevented?
The actual cause of uterine fibroids is yet not well known. Hence these cannot be prevented entirely. But certain lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing large fibroids. To get top guidance to help reduce the risks of developing fibroids, consult Dr. Shweta Goswami, as she is one of the best IVF doctor in Noida.
Adopt a balanced and healthy diet
Introduce green leafy vegetables, cabbage, legumes, and fruits into your diet. Reduce intake of red meat or foods high in sugar. Avoid eating foods that are highly processed and unhealthy.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can reduce your risks of developing a lot of diseases including fibroids. Exercise will also help you in maintaining your weight and hormone levels.
Get enough vitamin D
Lack of vitamin D can increase the risk of getting affected by fibroids. The Sun is the good natural source of vitamin D. Foods that can help you in increasing vitamin D levels in your body include egg yolks, cod liver oil, fortified cereals, and so on.
- Drinking enough water can help in maintaining weight and reducing bloating caused due to a bulky uterus.
- Smoking can increase the risk of developing fibroids.
Foods to avoid vs. Foods to prefer eating if you have fibroids
Prefer eating foods that are rich in Fibre such as oats, whole grain foods, cabbage, lentils, barley, and cooked and raw vegetables, or foods like avocado, bananas, citrus fruits, dates, and tomatoes, that are rich in Potassium. Yogurt and green tea can also help slow down fibroids’ growth.
Consumption of sugary foods or foods that increase estrogen levels can worsen your fibroids symptoms. Some examples of such foods are potato chips, soda, crackers, white rice, pasta, packaged fruit juice, red meat, and soy milk.
Conclusion
Uterine Fibroids cannot be prevented completely, but these can be prevented from growing very large by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Though the symptoms are mild in most cases, they may get serious.
Is necessary. Visit Dr. Shweta Goswami, the best IVF doctor in Noida, at Zeeva Clinic to get the best treatment done. Get physical examinations done by the best IVF Doctor in Noida, Dr. Shweta Goswami, frequently so that diagnosis and treatment can be made early in case of a new fibroid formation.
