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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 17 April 2017

When you have a health problem, it is always important to understand what it is and to learn about its causes, symptoms and prevention. So next time you visit your doctor, go prepared with a list of questions. It will help you be more informed and less stressed. To enable you to make the most of your doctor’s appointment, we bring you a new series called ‘What to Ask your Doctor’ starting with questions on Uterine Fibroids.

A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor that grows in the wall of the uterus or womb causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination and backache or leg pain. One in five women develops uterine fibroids by the time they turn 50. It is one of the most common reasons why hysterectomy is performed.

Remember - The more you know about your illness, the better you can manage your health.

General Questions on Uterine Fibroids:

  1. What are uterine fibroids? Where do they grow?
  2. What are the risk factors for fibroids?
  3. What symptoms or signs can I expect?
  4. How are fibroids diagnosed?
  5. What are common treatment options?

This is what you can read about Uterine Fibroids when you visit the doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor if you have Uterine Fibroids:

  1. How many fibroids do I have?
  2. What size are they?
  3. Where exactly are they located?
  4. Will they continue to grow larger? How soon are they growing?
  5. What symptoms can I expect?
  6. How can I manage these symptoms? Are there any remedies?
  7. What tests can help keep track on my fibroids?
  8. How will fibroids affect me if I get pregnant?
  9. What are my treatment options?
  10. Can fibroids return after treatment or removal?
  11. Would you recommend a hysterectomy and why?
  12. Can fibroids lead to Cancer?

Also read: A personal experience of Uterine Fibroids

Condition

Stories

  • Neema in a pink shirt, white pants and a scarf in an open area walking with support of a cane
    मुझे अपने बेटे के लिए अपनी हड्डियों के कैंसर से लड़ना था
    नीमा 26 वर्ष की थीं जब उनको ऑस्टियोसारकोमा (हड्डी का कैंसर) का निदान मिला और उनका जीवन हमेशा के लिए बदल गया। इस लेख में वे अपनी उस चुनौतीपूर्ण यात्रा के बारे में बात करती हैं जिसमें कई सर्जरी, टांग का कटना, और अनेक अन्य मुश्किलों का सामना करना पड़ा, और यह भी साझा करती हैं कि कैंसर से लड़ने की हिम्मत और प्रेरणा उन्हें किस से मिली। कृपया हमें अपनी स्थिति के बारे में कुछ बताएं 1998 के नवंबर की बात है जब मैं सिर्फ 26 साल की थी और मुझे अपने घुटने के ओस्टियोसारकोमा (हड्डी का कैंसर) का निदान मिला। आपके…
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  • Give Yourself Time To Heal
    Prachi*, 43 from Mumbai, India talks of her journey of pain due to adenomyosis, endometriosis and uterine fibroids, the treatment and complications. Initial symptoms and Diagnosis I’ve always had painful periods since menarche. During school days, my grandmother would apply hot cloth compresses on my back for relief. At times, I would leave it on for long, failing to notice that my skin had become red hot from it. Later on, I came to rely on an electric heating pads and painkillers for…
  • Neema in a pink shirt, white pants and a scarf in an open area walking with support of a cane
    I Had To Live And Fight My Osteosarcoma For My Son
    A diagnosis of Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) when she was 26 years old changed Neema's life forever. She talks of her challenging journey including multiple surgeries, amputation and more and the person who motivated her to fight the cancer. Please tell us a bit about your condition It was November of 1998 when I was just 26 years old. I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of my knee. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I used to work at a Research lab where I…
  • Diagram of a woman's reproductive system
    Could Your Symptoms Be Due To Fibroids?
    Fibroids are a common occurrence in women between 30 to 50 years of age and are mostly benign, but should be treated keeping in mind the symptoms present and the advice of the treating gynaecologist. Dr. Chandan Dubey, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist answers some of the common questions. What are fibroids and why do they occur? Fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths arising from the muscle cells of the uterus. They can range from very small (less than a centimetre) to very large in size. They…
  • Do I Need A Hysterectomy?
    Thousands of Indian women undergo hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, every year, even though most of these cases can be avoided. Dr Shital Raval enumerates some surgical and non-surgical options available that should be considered before opting for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgery that entails partial or complete removal of the uterus in women. In America alone, more than half a million women have a hysterectomy every year. Is it a necessary surgical option? Or are there…
  • Uterine Fibroids - What questions should I ask my Doctor?
    When you have a health problem, it is always important to understand what it is and to learn about its causes, symptoms and prevention. So next time you visit your doctor, go prepared with a list of questions. It will help you be more informed and less stressed. To enable you to make the most of your doctor’s appointment, we bring you a new series called ‘What to Ask your Doctor’ starting with questions on Uterine Fibroids. A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor that grows in the wall of the…
  • I am eagerly waiting for menopause!
    Sunrita Mitra, an academician, suffers from chronic Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain, which almost renders her immobile. Here she talks about how she copes with it physically and emotionally. Please tell us a bit about your present condition. At the age of 50 plus, I am eagerly waiting for my menopause but I am having painful periods at regular (28 plus/minus 2 days) intervals that last for 5 to 6 days. Pain starts two-three days prior to menstrual discharge and usually the first two days are…
  • Prevention of Uterine Fibroids
    Since there is no known cause of uterine fibroids, there are no clear strategies to prevent fibroids. However, it is good to know if have a high risk as per the risk factors highlighted - if you are Asian, if have a hereditary risk or if you have had early onset of menstrual cycles. Keep your weight under control.  Avoid a red meat diet Limit alcohol consumption Its also important to do regular tests especially if you are in the high risk category so you can catch them early or before…
  • Management of Fibroids
    Apart from the medication mentioned in the treatment section, the following may help manage the symptoms: Diet Eat beans and legumes as these reduce oestrogen levels Grape seed extract, red raspberry, fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel rich in omega-3 shrink fibroids Fibre rich foods promote oestrogen excretion, eg: Dark leafy greens Broccoli Ground flaxseed Whole grains like brown rice, millet, rye and oats. These regulate good oestrogen metabolism Avoid eating soya beans, other fermented…