• Fibroids are overwhelming non-cancerous and although fibroid cancer does occur, it is extremely rare, as 1 out of 1,000 fibroids are cancerous.
•Fibroid treatment depends factors, such as general health, number, size and location of fibroids, symptoms and desire for pregnancy.
Image: VICTOR IMBOTO
Leah Wairimu had her first period when she was in Grade 11. That is the equivalent of Form 3 for international schools.
"To me that was late, but I had a normal period lasting for four and to five days," she said.
But something strange happened.
"It all started when my periods would last for three weeks straight. I later noticed my period would extend for a day or two. My friends said it was normal so I keep it to myself.
Her menses would last for two or three weeks.
"I would soak two packets a day, until I was diagnosed with anaemia, she said.
"Later I got an ultra sound scan after a visit to a gynecologist at Aga Khan University Hospital. That's when I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids."
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop within the walls of the uterus and may cause disturbances in the menstrual cycle and reproduction.
Dr Wilberforce Lusamba, a certified gynecologist, said middle-aged women with high estrogen and testosterone levels are most likely to develop uterine fibrosis compared to those with low levels.
A study published by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reporte, the prevalence of ultrasound prevalent tumors is 33 per cent in women 40 to 60 years of age. It's 11 to18 per cent in women age 30 to40, and 4 per cent in women aged 20-30.
The World Health Organization has said it' develop fibroids and show no symptoms.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions circulating but Dr Lusamba debunks some of the common ones during an interview with the Star.
Fibroids equals cancer
“Fibroids are non-cancerous and although fibroid cancer does occur, it is extremely rare as one out of 1,000 fibroids are cancerous.”
Fibroids are not common
“Fibroids are common in most women all over the world, and are clinically detectable in about 20 per cent of women, some showing symptoms and others not, Dr Lusamba said.
“those with African and Caribbean roots have the highest prevalence. Also women who have not given birth, those with a history of fibroids or genetic links and obese women are at higher risk."
Fibroids cause infertility
“Pregnancy is possible even with the presence of fibroids, the pregnancy situation, though, varies with the location of the fibroids," Dr Lusamba said.
If they are located at the inner part of the uterus, pregnancy can be risky pregnancy with challenges such as miscarriages and immense pain.
For those with fibroids on the outer or muscular part of the uterus, it’s possible to get pregnant and deliver, though there is risk of excess bleeding after birth.
You'll know if you have fibroids
Fibroids range from pea size to watermelon size, and are fed by the female hormone estrogen. Small fibroids hardly cause any symptoms but if they are large, symptoms may set in.
Symptoms may include heavy menses, anaemia, excessive bleeding after birth, constipation, pelvic pain, irregular vaginal bleeding and abdominal swelling.
The doctor examines the patient first before testing. Then an ultrasound and or magnetic resonance imaging is called for. A blood test will confirm anaemia.
Surgery is the only option
“Fibroid treatment depends on a number of factors, such as general health, number, size and location of fibroids, patient symptoms and desire for pregnancy,"Lusamba said.
For patients with mild symptoms or small fibroids, drugs targeting symptoms are appropriate. They drugs include birth control pills, hormonal pills and painkillers.
“For those with severe symptoms, surgery can be an option. Then the doctor will explain the best option afterwards.
"For who don't want surgery, minimal access surgery may be an option or a hormonal balance but it is not recommended for people at a child bearing stage.
“Surgery does not give 100 per cent surety that they will not grow back.”
Advice
“It is high time we start practicing healthy lifestyles, including exercising and watching our dies, which is the core regulator of our hormones.," Dr Lusamba said. He recommended check-ups every two months for those with fibroids.
Such frequent visits to the gynaecologist are recommended for those under treatment, not healthy women without fibroids. An annual visit is recommended.
(Edited by V. Graham)