For the majority of my teenage years and early twenties, my menstrual cycle was as predictable as a sunrise—every 28 days, minimal cramping, and manageable flow. But everything changed in my mid- to late-twenties when I suddenly found myself in a whirlwind of chaos.
I began experiencing two-week-long bleeding episodes that felt more like a scene from a horror movie than anything else. I was changing tampons every hour and passing clots that resembled small organs. The cramps? Let’s just say the pain was so intense that I felt like I might have an out-of-body experience, meeting all the major religious figures along the way.
After enduring this torment for a couple of months, I realized it was more than just a fluke and began to investigate possible causes for the agony I was facing. I scheduled a visit with my gynecologist, underwent several tests, and eventually learned that I had uterine fibroids.
Fibroids? I thought those were only an issue for older women! I was in my twenties—how could I possibly have fibroids? And what did this mean for my future family plans?
It turns out that uterine fibroids—noncancerous growths in the uterus—are quite prevalent, affecting many women across different age groups, not just those who are middle-aged. Medical professionals are not entirely certain what causes them, but they suspect that hormones might play a significant role. While they do not typically increase the risk of cancer or other serious health concerns, they can cause issues for some women. According to the NIH, around 70–80% of women will develop fibroids by the time they reach 50, but only about 30% of those aged 25 to 44 experience any symptoms.
For many women, fibroids are harmless or merely a nuisance, leading doctors to often adopt a wait-and-see strategy. They tend to grow gradually and may even shrink after menopause. Therefore, if they aren’t causing serious problems, medical professionals may hesitate to recommend medication or surgery.
For women like me, however, fibroids can be a significant source of discomfort. Symptoms can manifest as heavy bleeding, painful menstruation, bleeding between periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, pain during intercourse, lower back pain, and reproductive challenges such as infertility or recurrent miscarriages.
While some women may find relief through medication, others may require non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical options. In my case, the fibroids were removed via a hysteroscopic myomectomy, which essentially means my doctor removed them through the vaginal canal without the need for abdominal surgery. A select few women may need a hysterectomy, which involves the complete removal of the uterus.
It’s important to note that with procedures other than hysterectomy, there’s a chance that “seedlings” or tiny remnants of the growths might regrow, as was the case for me. A year after my initial surgery, I found myself back in the doctor’s office preparing for another intervention.
After two pregnancies, I’m currently fibroid-free—or at least I think I am. I’m symptom-free, and that’s what matters most to me.
If you’ve dealt with fibroids, know that you’re not alone. Should you notice any changes in your menstrual cycle, consult your doctor. Your health is paramount, and you shouldn’t have to endure prolonged, heavy, and painful periods. There are treatment options available. And as for those intense PMS mood swings? Well, that’s a different kettle of fish.
For more in-depth information, check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re looking to enhance fertility for men, you can also explore the fertility booster for men.
In summary, uterine fibroids are a common yet often misunderstood condition that can affect women at various stages of life. Awareness and medical consultation are key to managing symptoms and maintaining health.