Fibroids are noncancerous tumours that grow in the muscle tissue of the uterus. While fibroids commonly grow in the uterine wall, they can also grow outside the uterine wall or even into the uterine cavity.
What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are common and occur in 20% to 40% of women of reproductive age.
The size of fibroids varies drastically. From pea-sized to incredibly large sizes like watermelon which can negatively affect the function of both the uterus and nearby organs especially if there are multiple large fibroids.
Types of Fibroid
There are four types of uterine fibroids. These include;
1. Submucosal fibroids:
Grown in the submucosa, which means just below the thin layer of tissue found in the uterus. These fibroids can protrude into the uterine cavity. These are the rarest type of fibroid.
2. Intramural fibroids:
Grown in and are contained within the uterine wall. These are the most common type of fibroid.
3. Subserosal fibroids:
Grown on the outside of the uterine wall.
4. Pedunculated fibroids:
Types of fibroids that grow on stalks or stems. These stems are attached to the uterine wall and can grow either outside the uterus or inside the uterine cavity.
Effect of Fibroids on Conception
For the most part, only those fibroids that impinge upon the endometrial cavity (Submucosal Fibroids) affect fertility. Exceptions include large intramural fibroids that block the openings of the fallopian tubes into the uterus, and where multiple fibroids cause abnormal uterine contraction patterns.
Another lesion that can cause significant problems is the one that grows off the back side of the uterus and occupies to a greater or lesser degree, the Cui de sac (area behind the uterus). This location is very important in the physiology of conception, therefore it is not uncommon for women with fibroids to experience infertility.
Also, previous surgery to treat fibroids can also affect fertility in several ways. If the endometrial cavity is entered during the surgery, there is a possibility of postoperative adhesion formation within the uterine cavity. Since myomectomy can be bloody, there is a high likelihood of abdominal adhesion formation, which could encase the ovaries, preventing the release of the eggs or block the ends of the fallopian tubes, or otherwise interfere with the normal functioning of the pelvic organs.
For this reason, it is important that if you have never been pregnant or still want to have babies, natural fibroid treatment or minimally invasive fibroid procedures should be considered rather than going under the knife.
Natural Fibroid Remedies To Try
Onions and Garlic: They inhibit tumor growth such as fibroids as they have a lot of antioxidants and are best eaten raw.
Foods Rich in Fiber: These foods help decrease the level of estrogen in the blood. Fiber binds to excess estrogen to withdraw it out of the body. Examples of such foods are whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, oat bran, and almonds.
Water: There are myriad benefits to drinking plenty of water and one of them is fibroid shrinking. Make sure you drink at least ten glasses a day.
Fish: Cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna have Omega 3 with anti-inflammatory properties which will help in battling fibroids.
Dark leafy greens such as Broccoli, Swiss chard, Kale, Spinach, Lettuce
Whole Grains: Choose whole grains whenever possible, avoid white refined grains. Good choices of whole grains would be brown rice, millet, spelt, buckwheat, rye, and oats.
Avoid Anti-nutrients: such as saturated fats, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and junk foods, all of which may contribute to estrogen dominance. We consider these anti-nutrients, which impact fertility negatively.
Eat a diet rich in legumes, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
Until next time Fertility Blessings to you
