Uterine fibroid cysts. Most every woman has them, but few actually know what they are. So common are these benign cysts that the average woman has about six or seven, if you can believe it. Since there are rarely any signs and symptoms of fibroids, few women hardly ever even realize they have them.
That being said, fibroids are not without risk. Here are a few things you should know about this common medical malady.
Who Gets Fibroids When and Why?
Uterine fibroids typically develop when women are in their 30s and 40s, but typically shrink after menopause. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely known why women develop fibroids, but research has found that certain factors can increase a woman’s chance of developing them. Women who have a family history of fibroids, are African-American, are overweight, and eat more red meat are more likely to develop fibroids.
What Are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
Although they’re typically asymptomatic, there are some troubling symptoms of fibroid cysts that can develop. Some such symptoms include: abnormal menstrual cycles, painful periods, pelvic pressure, abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, bloating, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, difficulty with bowel movements, infertility, and even premature labor.
What Uterine Fibroids Treatment Options Are Available?
Luckily, there are several different fibroid treatments available. One of the most popular of which is Radiofrequency Volumetric Thermal Ablation, which destroys the cysts by applying energy through a small array needle. It’s minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that exclusively targets the fibroids. While there are medicinal fibroid treatments and other surgical fibroid treatments, the former are used to manage symptoms, but can’t remove the cysts, while the latter type of fibroid treatments are invasive. Most patients typically want to avoid surgical fibroid treatments, which is why the often go with Radiofrequency Volumetric Thermal Ablation.
Though fibroids aren’t typically a problem, their symptoms can become quite severe, and warrant removal. If you suspect you may be suffering from fibroids, discuss what fibroid treatments might work best for you.
If you have any questions about uterine fibroid cysts, feel free to ask in the comments.
