Let’s have an open conversation about something many women experience but don’t always talk about—fibroids. These common growths in the uterus can affect your health and well-being in ways you might not even realize. At Srinivas Priya Hospital, we’re all about women’s health, so let’s dive into the basics and clear up some of the mystery surrounding fibroids.
What Exactly Are Fibroids?
First things first—fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. They’re made up of muscle and connective tissue, and they can show up in different places.
- Inside the uterine wall (intramural fibroids)
- Under the uterine lining (submucosal fibroids)
- On the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal fibroids)
- Or attached by a little stalk (pedunculated fibroids)
Fibroids can be tiny or grow big enough to cause noticeable symptoms. Every woman’s experience is unique!
Am I at Risk for Fibroids?
If you’re wondering whether you might develop fibroids, here are some things to keep in mind
Age matters : They’re most common in women between 30 and 50.
Hormones play a role : Oestrogen and progesterone can encourage fibroid growth.
It runs in the family : If your mom or sister had fibroids, your chances go up.
Lifestyle counts : Obesity, eating too much red meat, or not being active can increase your risk.
How Do I Know If I Have Fibroids?
Here’s the tricky part—not all fibroids cause symptoms. But when they do, you might notice:
- Heavy, painful or long periods
- A feeling of pressure or pain in your lower belly
- The need to pee often or difficulty emptying your bladder
- Constipation
- Backaches or pain in the stomach area
- Growing abdomen
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
At Srinivas Priya Hospital, we have some amazing tools to help identify fibroids. An ultrasound is often the first step, but we might also recommend an MRI or a hysteroscopy (a tiny camera that looks inside your uterus). These tools help us figure out the size and location of the fibroids so we can plan the best treatment for you.
What Can Be Done About Fibroids?
The good news is that there are plenty of options, and we’ll help you choose what’s best for you. Treatments range from