Not just Cervical Cancer, 40% of women in India are affected by Uterine Fibroids
Varahi Media.com online news,August 20,2024: It wasn’t too long ago that an awareness campaign about cervical cancer made headlines, sparking conversations across the country.
Varahi Media.com online news,August 20,2024: It wasn’t too long ago that an awareness campaign about cervical cancer made headlines, sparking conversations across the country. While the attention to cervical cancer is much needed, there’s another health issue that affects a significant portion of women in India-Uterine Fibroids. Despite its prevalence, it doesn’t receive the awareness amongst women that it should.
Carrying hot water bags during periods, being cautious of period stains due to heavy flow, taking Medicines every month to ease the pain, and craving chocolates to soothe one’s mood-these are things many women consider a normal part of life. But is it natural to normalise these abnormalities? Many women believe that painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pelvic pain are simply part of the reproductive age group, especially during menstrual times. However, these conditions could be signs of Uterine Fibroids, non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. What’s concerning is that more than 20-40% of women with fibroids may not even notice them, and about 30% who do experience symptoms are often unaware of the available treatments. This is why regular check-ups are so important-they help identify and manage complications, such as infertility, pregnancy issues, and other reproductive problems.
Overlooking the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
The symptoms of Uterine Fibroids often blend in with what many women already experience during their menstrual cycles, making it easy to overlook them. However, understanding and recognizing these signs can make a significant difference in managing your health. The most common symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods
- Longer or more frequent periods
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination or trouble urinating
- Growing stomach area
- Constipation
- Pain in the stomach area or lower back, or pain during sex
Prevention: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
In today’s fast-paced world, women often juggle multiple responsibilities, sometimes at the expense of their health. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. Making a few small changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing fibroids.
- Manage Stress Levels: Hormonal levels increase with stress, potentially contributing to fibroid growth. Regular exercise, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress, leading to a healthier, more balanced life.
- Eat Healthy: Diet plays a very crucial role in maintaining overall health. Loading up on fresh fruits and vegetables, especially apples, tomatoes, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cabbage, can lower the risk of developing fibroids. Opting for organic produce and whole grains is another step towards better health.
- Consult Your Doctor: Some supplements, such as vitamin D, might help lower the risk of fibroids. However, not all natural remedies are safe-for example, raspberry leaf tea, commonly used for PMS, can act like oestrogen and potentially worsen fibroids. It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements or medications.
Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Surgery
Many women think that surgery is the only option for treating fibroids, but there are less invasive alternatives. Interventional Radiology (IR) offers procedures like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which involves using X-ray guidance to access the blood vessels supplying nutrients to the fibroid. By blocking the blood flow, the fibroid shrinks, providing relief without the need for traditional surgery. UFE offers a quicker recovery time and is less painful, making it a more comfortable option for patients.
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