Discovering that you have uterine fibroids can be a daunting and emotionally charged experience. When I first received the diagnosis, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions – shocked and scared. It’s natural to feel this way when faced with health concerns that we don’t fully understand.

Feelings that Prevented Me from Asking Questions

Amidst the initial shock and fear, I realized that these emotions were also hindering me from seeking the information I needed. It’s common for us to feel vulnerable and even intimidated when confronted with health issues. I wish I had overcome those feelings sooner and asked the right questions to better understand my condition.

Initially, I was anxious to receive treatment right away without asking appropriate questions, and without performing my own research. I didn’t take the time to process my fibroid diagnosis which resulted in a failed fibroid removal surgery that took me 6 weeks to recover.

Surgery was the first option I was given, and I took it without thinking things through. If you haven’t already read my story about my failed fibroid removal surgery, it is linked below.

Now, I am sharing a list of questions I wish I asked before surgery and during my pre-operative appointments in hopes that I can ease the process and journey for other women. 

Questions I Wish I Asked:

Knowing more about the nature of fibroids and the specific type I had would have given me a clearer picture of the condition. When I first found out about my diagnosis, I had a general idea of what a fibroid was after doing a bit of Googling. However, I didn’t ask my doctor any other specific questions regarding the types of fibroids and their anatomy. 

So what is a fibroid?

A fibroid is a mass or growth of the uterus that is usually benign. Fibroids can range in size from seedlings (tiny) to large bulky fibroids greater than 10 cm. Women can also have multiple fibroids or just one fibroid. Fibroids can cause symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding, fatigue, pain and/or pressure in the pelvic area, frequent urination, or, like in my case, you can have no symptoms at all. 

Understanding the full range of treatment options available is essential for making informed decisions about managing uterine fibroids. When I was informed of my fibroid, I was only aware of one option: surgical removal. It wasn’t until after my surgery that I found out another option called uterine fibroid embolization was available. If was fully informed about my options I would have been able to make better a decision for my health resulting in a more successful removal journey.

I also encourage you to ask about diet recommendations, natural remedies, and alternative medicine options to supplement your health while you navigate your diagnosis. 

An MRI can provide detailed images of the fibroids and the uterus, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. During my routine gynecological checkup, a large mass (the fibroid) was found blocking my doctor from locating my cervix to perform a pap smear which in turn prompted an ultrasound revealing the site and size of the mass. 

My doctor sent me to get a CT scan that provided a clearer image than what an ultrasound could provide, however, it did not reveal the true size, location, and extent of my fibroid. 

It wasn’t until after I had my failed surgery, that I pushed to receive an MRI to get the most accurate picture and report of my uterus and fibroid.

I wish I had asked about the possible link between certain types of birth control and the development of uterine fibroids. It turns out that the birth control pills I was taking for about a year and a half before my fibroid discovery had higher levels of estrogen.

Hormonal imbalances can contribute to fibroid growth, and getting my hormone levels checked might have shed light on potential underlying causes. I learned that because I have higher estrogen levels I was more likely to feel fatigued, gain weight, and feel nauseous. 

Understanding the implications of uterine fibroids on my overall health and quality of life would have helped me prioritize my treatment options. I did not have any symptoms other than pelvic pressure and frequent urination due to the fibroid pushing up against my bladder. 

Things I Learned:

During my journey of researching and talking to healthcare professionals, I came across some valuable insights that I’d like to share:

In my quest for treatment options, I learned that while a hysterectomy might be necessary in severe cases, it should be considered only after exploring less invasive alternatives. 

There is emerging research on the long-term risks of hysterectomy in women receiving uterine fibroid treatment suggesting that “that hysterectomy may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, certain cancers, the need for further surgery, early ovarian failure and menopause, depression, and other outcomes.” – National Institute of Health

Confirming the type of fibroid I had helped explain why I didn’t have any heavy bleeding or issues with my menstrual cycle. Understanding the type of fibroid is crucial because it can affect the symptoms experienced and the treatment approach. 

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that can be an effective alternative to surgery, and I found it vital to learn about its benefits and risks. 

It is performed by inserting a catheter into the left radial artery at the wrist and pushing the catheter down into the arteries that supply blood to your fibroid or uterus. Small flexible and bead-like particles are then injected into the artery to block the blood flow supplied to the fibroid. This results in shrinkage of the fibroid over time. 

There is one study that suggests drinking green tea extract may help shrink or prevent fibroids: Incorporating green tea into my diet not only offered potential health benefits but also emerged as a natural way to support fibroid management.

Fibroid development is hereditary and can be caused by increased estrogen, and certain foods can affect fibroid growth: I discovered that genetics, hormonal factors, and dietary choices can play a role in the development and growth of fibroids.

There is little research on fibroids: Surprisingly, despite the prevalence of uterine fibroids, there remains a gap in research. This emphasizes the need for more studies to improve treatment options and overall understanding.

Being diagnosed with uterine fibroids was undoubtedly a challenging experience, but it also taught me the importance of asking essential questions and being proactive in seeking knowledge about my health. Overcoming the initial fear and shock allowed me to explore treatment options, discover the type of fibroid I had, and learn about procedures like uterine fibroid embolization.

Throughout my journey, I recognized the scarcity of research on fibroids and the significance of understanding the role of genetics, hormones, and diet in fibroid development. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I hope that more women will become empowered to ask the right questions, advocate for their health, and make informed decisions about managing uterine fibroids. Remember, knowledge is the key to overcoming fear and making the best choices for your well-being.