Many women who suffer from fibroids don’t even know they have them
Some women with uterine fibroids look pregnant , but fibroids reduce fertility by 70 per cent.
Fibroids, which are prevalent in women below the age of 35, were first identified in the 1800s , but many women who have them show no symptoms.
Fibroids are tumours that grow in or on a woman’s uterus, and are also known as uterine fibroids. Fibroids can become huge and sufferers experience pain, heavy periods and spotting if the tumours are close to the uterine lining, or if they hinder the blood flow to the lining. With a 0,1 per cent chance of becoming cancerous, fibroids differ in size, ranging from the size of a pea to as big as a pumpkin.
Although fibroids reduce fertility, if they are treated, fertility can be restored.
A nurse from an antenatal department at a local clinic, who asked not to be named, said there are women who appear pregnant due to fibroids.
“Though there are usually no symptoms, some women with fibroids experience pelvic pain, prolonged menstruation and frequent urination. Because of abdominal swelling caused by the size of the fibroid(s), women can look pregnant even though they are not. It is therefore recommended that women get tested early for the signs of fibroid development,” said the nurse.
Fibroids also cause lower back pain, nausea and fever. According to Office on Women’s Health (OHW) many women with fibroids can attest to the fact that these tumours usually disappear after menopause. However, if the fibroids persist after menopause, the sufferer should consider surgery.
According to the OHW, 80 per cent of women will have fibroids, which are a genetic condition, by the age of 50.
The following foods can worsen the condition:
• Non-organic dairy products
• Alcohol
• Unprocessed sugar
• Caffeine
• Enriched grains or unprocessed carbohydrates
Try these products to prevent fibroids from getting larger:
• Drink herbal tea
• Ask your medical practitioner for supplements that support fibroid reduction
• Try castor oil packs, which are available in health shops for about R300 per kit
Do not forget to exercise.
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