Fibroids in uterus are tumors attached to the muscular walls of the womb. Around twenty to fifty percent of women have had fibroids at some time in their lives. They are common in women ages thirty five years and older. But fibroids tend to get smaller after menopause. They are less likely to appear in women ages twenty and younger. Studies show that African-American women are three times more likely to have fibroids than Caucasian women. If you are overweight, then you are more susceptible to fibroids. It has been shown that estrogen aids fibroid growth and overweight women have higher estrogen levels. Nulliparous women (never have given birth) and women who started puberty younger are at a higher risk of developing fibroids.
Many infertile women have fibroids. Statistics show one in fifteen infertile women have fibroids.
Generally, fibroids in uterus do not cause serious pregnancy problems. Women who suffer from this have the same conception difficulties as any regular woman and have comparable pregnancy rates. Fibroids only account for two to three percent of all infertility cases.
When fibroids become problematic
Fibroids only become damaging when they block a fallopian tube or when they occupy a large area of the uterus. In the former, it prevents sperm from reaching the egg cell. In the latter, it prevents the embryo from implanting into the uterine wall. Fibroids can also increase chances of miscarriage. Premature labor is also more likely in women with fibroids which haven’t been treated.
Fibroids can also contribute to incorrect positioning of the baby in the womb – that is, your baby may not be positioned to emerge head first. Your risk of a cesarean delivery is higher. Fibroids are less likely to lead to complications such as placental abruption or postpartum hemorrhage.
Surgical treatments for fibroids in uterus include hysterectomy and myomectomy.
Hysterectomy and Myomectomy
During Hysterectomy the uterus is removed. After hysterectomy, you can no longer bear children. There are also risks linked to this procedure. Around 1 out of every 5 women who undergoes this procedure can suffer an infection. Around 1 out of every 15 women can hemorrhage. And about 1 out of 100 women can sustain damages to their pelvic organs with one woman in 200 dying during the procedure.
Myomectomy is a procedure that removes fibroids from the uterine cavity whilst leaving the uterus intact. With myomectomy, you are still able to bear children. But, a successful conception cannot be assured. Statistics show only 5 successful pregnancies in every 10 women who underwent myomectomy. Also, risks of internal bleeding are much higher. To add to that, you are more susceptible to complications like infections and blood clots. There is also a fifty percent chance that fibroids will grow back after the procedure. This is more common when more than three fibroids are removed during the first myomectomy.
If your fibroids are small and are not causing any difficulties, it is best to you leave them alone and have regular checkups. There are many natural treatments including herbs and supplements which can help your body shrink fibroids.
Six ways to treat fibroids in uterus naturally
- Be careful with what you eat. Maintain a healthy weight because estrogen levels rise with body mass. Remember, estrogen encourages fibroid growth.
- Eat phytoestrogen-rich foods like linseeds, chickpeas and lentils. Phytoestrogens lower excessive estrogen levels by reducing estrogen binding.
- Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, seed and whole grains are some examples.
- Minimize your intake of processed foods. They contain saturated fat, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and additives which are detrimental to your health and some can act as xenoestrogens making your condition worse.
- Drink a minimum of eight glasses of purified water a day.
- Eat less red meat and dairy foods as often as possible. These have arachidonic acid that is known to exacerbate inflammation, increase blood pressure and lessen blood clotting.
A healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle are the safer and cheaper way to shrink fibroids in uterus.
Do you have fibroids? Have you use natural treatments? Let me know your thoughts!
© 2011 Iva Keene and Natural Fertility Prescription
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