As women and especially older moms, we often face health issues that are shrouded in mystery and misconception. This is why @Momat4ty, we do our best to equip you with basic information to help begin your journey on understanding these health issues.
One such condition is uterine fibroids, which affects an estimated 70-80% of women worldwide and is believed to be a major cause of infertility. (source)
Despite the prevalence, fibroids are frequently misunderstood, leading to unnecessary fear and confusion.
In this article, we will do our best to shed light on some basic misconceptions dispel some common myths and shed light on the facts.
Myth One: Fibroids increase the risk of cancer
The Reality: Fibroids are benign, non-cancerous growths with less than 1 in 1000 fibroids becoming cancerous.
So you may be diagnosed with fibroids, but don’t think it will lead to cancer. Don’t add to increasing your blood pressure by assuming you have cancer. (source)
Myth Two: All fibroids cause severe symptoms
The Reality: Some women experience no noticeable symptoms while others face debilitating issues with a lot of pain. Fibroids come in various sizes and have different symptoms in different locations. So what you may experience may be different from another mom. (source)
Myth Three: Fibroids always lead to infertility
The Reality: This is a major point of consideration. While fibroids can impact fertility, the impact is rare and manageable.
Many women with fibroids have had successful pregnancies without complications, and some have discovered that fibroids just dissolve even in pregnancy. (source)
Myth Four: Surgery is the only treatment option
The Reality: Having surgery is one of many options for treating fibroids. There exist various treatments including non-surgical uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which shrinks fibroids and alleviates symptoms.
You don’t have to undergo surgery to have fibroids removed especially if you have the phobia of going under the knife. You can explore the non-surgical means to get it treated. (source)
Myth Five: Fibroids only affect older women
The Reality: Fibroids can occur at any age, with most cases diagnosed in women under 50. (source)
Fibroids are growths which can occur at any time in the life of a woman; What you do is when it is discovered, take the appropriate steps to get it treated.
By understanding the facts and dispelling these myths, we hope it empowers you to take the necessary actions towards your health and fertility.
Momat4ty seeks to break the silence and stigma surrounding older motherhood by highlighting the unique challenges around motherhood especially older motherhood. Our goal is to create a supportive community that benefits all women, regardless of age, and to foster a safe and healthy motherhood journey, driven by the love for children.
Read more articles to learn more!