Managing Fibroids Effectively: Breaking Barriers
Fibroids are also known as uterine leiomyomas. These tend to be non-cancerous growths. They develop in or around the uterus. This condition ubiquitously affects around twenty to eighty percent of women worldwide. Fibroids can significantly affect a female’s quality of life. The symptoms range from heavy menses, lower abdominal pain, and repeated urine sensations to complications in pregnancies & infertility issues. Despite their common incidence, managing fibroids well remains quite a task! This is usually owing to the barriers in awareness, dearth of care, & lack of individualised treatments for the same. However, improving medical science, advancing mindsets and a growing focus on female health are breaking such barriers. This has been offering hope & better outcomes for females suffering from fibroids.
Understanding Fibroids
Fibroids consist of muscles & fibrous tissues. They can vary largely in their sizes, numbers, and locations. Some females might have only 1 fibroid, while other women might have multiple of them. A fibroid could be very small in size almost like a pea or it could even be very large in size almost like a melon. The exact cause is still not known, but some factors are believed to play a role. These factors include genetics, hormonal issues (oestrogen & progesterone), and certain growth factors.
Barriers in Managing Fibroids Effectively
- Asymptomatic Nature of Fibroids: 50% of fibroids do not produce any symptoms and are diagnosed accidentally.
- Dearth of Care: Certain socioeconomic factors also play their part! Apart from these, geographical gaps & healthcare discrepancies also tend to limit access to proper gynaecological care. Females in these regions or those from low-income groups might face challenges in obtaining timely diagnosis & treatment(s).
- Individualised Treatments: Managing fibroids does not work best with a one-size-fits-all approach. The best approach depends upon the sizes of the fibroids, numbers, and their locations. Also, a female’s age, symptoms, as well as her reproductive goals define the right treatment approach for her. Treatment options range from medications & non-invasive techniques to even surgical interventions.
Breaking Barriers: Advances in Fibroid Management
- Education: Increasing awareness and knowledge through public healthcare campaigns is essential. Educating females about fibroids and their treatment options tends to empower them to seek medical care timely.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Imaging techniques like ultrasound & MRI have improved the accuracy of diagnosing fibroids.
- Less Invasive Procedures: Techniques including laparoscopic myomectomy offer minimally invasive alternatives to complex traditional surgeries. Such procedures have fewer complications, shorter recovery periods, and better fertility preservation.
- Pharmacological Innovations: New medications like GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists show more promise in managing fibroids & assuaging symptoms. These medicines provide non-surgical treatment options for females who might not be candidates for surgeries or for those who prefer to avoid getting under the knife.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): It is a minimally invasive therapy that does not require surgery.
Empowering women with knowledge & access to care is essential in overcoming the challenges posed by this common but often overlooked condition. Breaking the barriers for managing fibroids effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that Dr. Meera B follows. By visiting our clinic in Kollam, Kerala, you can expect better outcomes & a higher quality of life.
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