Uterine Fibroids - Do you know what they are and how they may affect your life?

Women's health issues have become a more important and discussed topic among all physicians, advocacy groups and individuals. It is so easy to learn about various different topics, but when one of these health issues directly affects a person that you know or yourself, it changes what information you know and what questions you ask. Do not ever be afraid to ask questions. Your life depends on it.

I know doctors and nurses are trained and certified professionals, but this does not mean that we should not be able to ask any question we want and get a second opinion. Fibroids affect 20 to 80 percent of women, more of them in their 30s, 40s, 50s and older. Nevertheless, women in their teens and 20s can develop fibroids. However, the most recognized measure of removing the fibroids always resulted in hysterectomies. Now, there are other methods and ways for women to undergo surgery for less invasive surgery.

If a woman you know or you develop fibroids, not every woman with fibroids experience symptoms. For those women who do experience symptoms, these women may find that treatment may be necessary. Some women have pain or experience heavy menstrual bleeding. Other women with fibroids feel pressure on the bladder, resulting in side effects of frequent urination, or pressure on the rectum, causing rectal pressure. Women I know find that fibroids get very large, and for some they can cause the stomach to enlarge, making a woman look pregnant.

Some forms of treatment for removing the fibroids include: Myomectomy, Endometrial Ablation, Myolysis, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), or Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), and for some women - Hysterectomy. Know your options and make sure that it is an option that you can live with. Ask questions. Do your homework. Get a second opinion, if necessary. Your health should a priority.