Understanding Fibroids
MANY black women have uterine fibroids and though it is one of the most common reproductive health issues in women, its origins remain a mystery.
But this has not stopped it from having debilitating effects on women or taking them by surprise, considering that they can be asymptomatic.
Dr Sean Parkinson, obstetrician gynaecologist (ObGyn) at Liguanea Pro Medical in Kingston and Thomas Medical Centre in Old Harbour, told All Woman that fibroids — benign tumours of smooth muscle growing in the uterus — usually show up much earlier in Afro-Caribbean women compared to Caucasians; however, when fibroids present themselves they are usually problematic.
“The most common symptoms are significant period pains, and heavy menstrual and prolonged bleeding during the periods,” Dr Parkinson said.
He said depending on the location, it might cause compressive symptoms, causing problems in other organs.
“Fibroids occur in many different places in the uterus and in some cases they press on the bladder and it becomes difficult when attempting to pass urine, leading to urinary retention, or it could also cause the woman to pass urine frequently,” he said. “It may also compress the rectum causing constipation and in other cases compress the ureters (tubes running from the kidneys to the bladder) causing swelling in the kidneys.”
He said fibroids can also lead to infertility or difficulty conceiving as they can cause blockage or compression of the Fallopian tubes, which prevents conception and may impair implantation of the egg in the womb, resulting in a miscarriage.
“Fibroids could go through degeneration, which is pain which occurs when there is reduced blood supply to a fibroid resulting in cell death, which may release substances that cause excruciating pain, especially during pregnancy. They have also been linked to miscarriages, pre-term labour and breech births, since they could obstruct the foetus’ ability to turn, and may cause obstruction during labour. Another possible but rare problem in pregnancy with fibroids is placenta previa where the placenta is implanted too low. Another rare problem is placenta abruption where the placenta separates from the wall of the womb before the delivery of the foetus. When this happens, the foetus does not get enough oxygen. In women with fibroids, postpartum haemorrhaging also increases.”
Dr Parkinson said if left untreated, fibroids could also affect women after pregnancy and lead to recurring miscarriages.
Treatment is administered depending on the needs of the patient.
“Fibroids could be treated without surgery — medical treatment — combined oral contraceptives and injections or plain painkillers. These medical treatments have proven to be effective by shrinking the fibroids and diminishing heavy bleeding,” he said.
“There are also surgical methods — myomectomy — which is usually recommended for younger women who intend to bear children, while others have the option of a hysterectomy where the entire uterus is removed. A new radiology treatment, Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UAE), in which a thin tube is threaded into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid following which tiny plastic or gel particles are injected into the blood vessels, is also an option. This blocks the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink.”
Additionally, Dr Parkinson said choice of foods can play a vital role in the increase or decreased risk of fibroids.
“While the source of fibroids is unknown, multiple research has suggested that saturated fats or red meat could increase the risk of fibroids, while choosing fruits and vegetables could decrease the risk,” he said.
Dr Parkinson also mentioned that research shows that there is a link in the genetics of a woman and her likelihood of developing fibroids.
He also reassured women that fibroids do not develop into cancer, so once they have no debilitating symptoms, removal isn’t necessary.
