MANY women may actually be living a life with fibroids and don’t even know it. Fibroids are fairly common abnormal growths in the muscles of the womb. Normally cells in the body obey commands of when to grow and when to stop. In the case of fibroids, a group if unruly cells continue to grow when ordered to stop. These cells are not cancerous but can continue to grow to large sizes, mimicking a pregnant belly. They feed off the hormones that usually stimulate the uterus and usually get smaller after menopause. The symptoms of fibroids are usually related to their size and location.

Most persons will have what are called seedling fibroids. These are small, sometimes pea-sized growths that do not cause any problems. If left unchecked, however, over time they may get large enough to cause problems.

One such problem is heavy and/or prolonged menses. This is usually as a result of fibroids just beneath the shedding lining of the womb. The bleeding may become significant enough to result in anaemia or low blood count. This is manifested as weakness, easy fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness.

Fibroids compressing the rectum may cause constipation as they block the easy passage of stool. Backed-up stool loses water making it harder and more difficult to pass, thus creating a vicious cycle. Constipation may be one of the only noticeable signs of fibroids.

Compression of the bladder may limit how much it can expand to accommodate urine. As a result of the decreased capacity, frequent urination is noted as the body rushes to get the waste out. If the opening of the bladder is blocked, then the urine is not emptied fully on voiding. This stagnant urine is prone to infections. The infection causes irritation of the bladder and results in frequent urination, burning pain, bloody urine, and foul-smelling (rank) urine. Over time recurrent infections can cause kidney damage.

Large veins carry blood from the legs through the pelvis and behind the uterus to the heart. A large fibroid pressing on the veins causes sluggish blood flow. This may lead to swelling of the legs, especially after long standing. In some cases blood clots may form in the legs. This can be life threatening if the clots move to the lungs.

The pot belly created by large fibroids or pain during sex may be the more easily recognised symptoms of fibroids causing women to seek medical attention. However, waiting until the fibroids are large makes surgery more difficult and may require removing the entire womb. Looking out for the signs that might not be readily attributable to fibroids could save you a lot of grief in the future.

Dr Alfred Dawes is a consultant general, laparoscopic and obesity surgeon at Premier Heart and Surgery Centre, and managing director, Mahogany Health and Fitness. Contact him at alfred.dawes@gmail.com.