Uterine Fibroids A Burden to Women, Study Shows
Results of a recent study which was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Journal of Women’s Health show that uterine fibroids have impacted negatively on the lives of millions of American women. While these benign growths may not pose problems to most, at least a quarter of these women have claimed that their lives have been greatly affected.
A quarter may not sound large enough, but if you consider that over 80 percent of women will experience this condition before reaching 50 years, you can figure out the total number of women represented by this 25 percent. Especially those with jobs, uterine fibroids have greatly interfered with their lives due to symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, cramping, fatigue, pain, and even urinary problems.
Sometimes called myomas, uterine fibroids are lumps that grow on the inside, on the outside, or in the wall of the uterus. While the exact cause has still to be determined, medical experts believe that the hormones estrogen and progesterone may play important roles in the growth. It should be pointed out that these growths are not cancerous and usually do not cause problems.
It was learned during the study that a big number of women with uterine fibroids delay their visits to the doctors by at least three years because of concerns about treatment. This may be understandable considering that uterine fibroids have been the leading cause of hysterectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the uterus.
It may be only natural for any woman to keep a part of herself, while the younger women may want to preserve their fertility. A loss of a uterus for some women may make them feel less of a woman and may have implications on their self image. It may not be a wonder then that almost 80 percent of those surveyed would prefer non-invasive treatment.
Another concern for these women is the increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after a hysterectomy which may require further surgery. This use of vaginal mesh for the POP surgery has become very controversial lately due to the complications suffered by patients. These have led to serious injuries prompting these women to file pelvic mesh lawsuits against mesh manufacturers.
References:
A quarter may not sound large enough, but if you consider that over 80 percent of women will experience this condition before reaching 50 years, you can figure out the total number of women represented by this 25 percent. Especially those with jobs, uterine fibroids have greatly interfered with their lives due to symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, cramping, fatigue, pain, and even urinary problems.
Sometimes called myomas, uterine fibroids are lumps that grow on the inside, on the outside, or in the wall of the uterus. While the exact cause has still to be determined, medical experts believe that the hormones estrogen and progesterone may play important roles in the growth. It should be pointed out that these growths are not cancerous and usually do not cause problems.
It was learned during the study that a big number of women with uterine fibroids delay their visits to the doctors by at least three years because of concerns about treatment. This may be understandable considering that uterine fibroids have been the leading cause of hysterectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the uterus.
It may be only natural for any woman to keep a part of herself, while the younger women may want to preserve their fertility. A loss of a uterus for some women may make them feel less of a woman and may have implications on their self image. It may not be a wonder then that almost 80 percent of those surveyed would prefer non-invasive treatment.
Another concern for these women is the increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after a hysterectomy which may require further surgery. This use of vaginal mesh for the POP surgery has become very controversial lately due to the complications suffered by patients. These have led to serious injuries prompting these women to file pelvic mesh lawsuits against mesh manufacturers.
References:
- women.webmd.com/news/20131010/uterine-fibroids-take-heavy-toll-on-women-survey-finds
- mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-fibroids/DS00078