UTERINE FIBROIDS – WHAT IS THERE TO KNOW?
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | August 16th, 2015

Uterine fibroids are the most common solid pelvic tumors affecting women. Over 80% of black women and about 70% of white women will be diagnosed with fibroids by the time they turn 50 years old. It affects women of all ethnic groups. These tumors are benign meaning they are not cancerous.
Women are often diagnosed with fibroids after a pelvic exam. The doctor feels that the uterus is larger than usual and then orders an ultrasound to confirm the findings of uterine fibroids. Some women with fibroids have symptoms and some do not. The two most common symptoms are heavy and prolonged menstrual flow and the feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms include painful menstrual cramps, increase in vaginal discharge, urinary frequency, pain during intercourse, and difficulty becoming pregnant.
Deciding how to manage fibroids is a personal decision between the person who has fibroids and their health care provider. It is important to understand that what may be good for one person may not be good for another. There is no ‘one size fits all’ for management of fibroids. Treatment of uterine fibroids can range from making dietary changes to having a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). There are several options in between. It is important that you know your options and make an informed decision.
The Fibroids Project is an online community and website dedicated to helping women become fibroid free. Their goal is to be the one-stop destination for women diagnosed with uterine fibroids. On Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 7:00 PM, they will be sponsoring a teleconference titled, Love Your Body – A Natural Approach to Take Control of Your Fibroids. I will be their guest speaker. To sign up for the teleconference, you can click the link above or visit their website, www.fibroidsproject.com.
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