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About Uterine Fibroids

About Uterine Fibroids

Rather than scour the internet for different resources on UF, you can find all the latest information in one place to help you better understand every aspect of the disease. Our posts cover a variety of topics, so you can get and stay in the know about living with fibroids.

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In the journey following a UF diagnosis, self-advocacy becomes a powerful catalyst for positive change. It's about taking an active...
In the journey following a UF diagnosis, self-advocacy becomes a powerful catalyst for positive change. It's about taking an active role in your own care, asking questions, seeking information, and making choices that align with your needs and preferences.Advocating for yourself is essential, as it ensures that your voice is heard, your concerns addressed, and your health prioritized. When it comes to decisions around your fibroids treatment plan, self-advocacy is the key to unlocking the best possible outcomes, fostering confidence, and ultimately shaping a path towards a healthier, happier future. Knowledge...
Many women first become aware of their uterine fibroids due to symptoms that make day-to-day life uncomfortable. While the severity...
Many women first become aware of their uterine fibroids due to symptoms that make day-to-day life uncomfortable. While the severity of fibroid symptoms can vary wildly, many women report experiencing bloating, pain in their lower abdomen, and heavy periods. However, there are other medical conditions with symptoms that manifest in a similar way to fibroids, potentially creating confusion regarding what a woman is experiencing. Someone with endometriosis, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), or uterine cancer may incorrectly believe they have fibroids due to the similarity between several symptoms.Fortunately, there are a number...
September 18, 2023

Is this fibroids or something else?

Many women first become aware of their uterine fibroids due to symptoms that make day-to-day life uncomfortable. While the severity of fibroid symptoms can vary wildly, many women report experiencing bloating, pain in their lower abdomen, and heavy periods. However, there are other medical conditions with symptoms that manifest in a similar way to fibroids, potentially creating confusion regarding what a woman is experiencing. Someone with endometriosis, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), or uterine cancer may incorrectly believe they have fibroids due to the similarity between several symptoms.Fortunately, there are a number...
After being diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may be feeling alone, confused, and scared. Millions of women are diagnosed with...
After being diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may be feeling alone, confused, and scared. Millions of women are diagnosed with UF each year, making it one of the most common conditions affecting the female reproductive system. However, it can still be overwhelming to receive this news, especially if you’re experiencing pain and other symptoms that are disruptive to your daily life. Many women report feeling depressed after their fibroids diagnosis, so you may be wondering if there’s a direct connection between UF and depression. While UF does not literally cause...
For many women, a diagnosis of uterine fibroids means entering into an unfamiliar world, replete with specific medical jargon that...
For many women, a diagnosis of uterine fibroids means entering into an unfamiliar world, replete with specific medical jargon that you’ve likely to have never previously heard. Whether it’s within discussions focused on hormones, growths, or potential treatment paths, or listening to your doctor describe your condition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused when clinicians are using words and phrases that you don’t understand. To take control of your fibroid journey and feel informed when it comes to partnering with your clinician for treatment decisions, it’s important that you...
August 16, 2023

Breaking down these 4 fibroid-related terms

For many women, a diagnosis of uterine fibroids means entering into an unfamiliar world, replete with specific medical jargon that you’ve likely to have never previously heard. Whether it’s within discussions focused on hormones, growths, or potential treatment paths, or listening to your doctor describe your condition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused when clinicians are using words and phrases that you don’t understand. To take control of your fibroid journey and feel informed when it comes to partnering with your clinician for treatment decisions, it’s important that you...
For millions of women around the world living with uterine fibroids, symptoms associated with this condition, including pelvic pain, heavy...
For millions of women around the world living with uterine fibroids, symptoms associated with this condition, including pelvic pain, heavy menstrual flows, and abdominal bloating, significantly impacts their daily lives, including fashion choices.Pelvic pain can make tight or restrictive clothing uncomfortable, while heavy menstrual flows can create concerns about leakage and potentially visible stains. That’s not to mention that the abdominal bloating triggered by fibroids can leave women feeling self-conscious about their appearance. But it’s crucial to remember that fashion is not a luxury reserved only for those without health challenges....
Living with uterine fibroids often means managing challenging physical symptoms, like heavy periods, back and pelvic pain, and bloating. That’s...
Living with uterine fibroids often means managing challenging physical symptoms, like heavy periods, back and pelvic pain, and bloating. That’s not to mention the emotional and mental toll that comes along with the diagnosis, as it’s common for women who discover they have the condition to worry about the potential long-term impacts on their health and fertility.When learning more about living with UF, many women are curious about whether taking particular dietary supplements or vitamins can help relieve their symptoms, or even help stymie the progression of the condition. In...
July 3, 2023

Dietary supplements, vitamins, and UF relief: What you need to know

Living with uterine fibroids often means managing challenging physical symptoms, like heavy periods, back and pelvic pain, and bloating. That’s not to mention the emotional and mental toll that comes along with the diagnosis, as it’s common for women who discover they have the condition to worry about the potential long-term impacts on their health and fertility.When learning more about living with UF, many women are curious about whether taking particular dietary supplements or vitamins can help relieve their symptoms, or even help stymie the progression of the condition. In...
In honor of Women’s Day, we’re highlighting 3 amazing women who are raising public awareness around fibroids and other health...
In honor of Women’s Day, we’re highlighting 3 amazing women who are raising public awareness around fibroids and other health issues affecting women all over the world. These ladies have all taken the brave step of going public with their uterine fibroids, and speaking openly about their physical symptoms, treatments they’ve undergone, and emotional and psychological challenges associated with the condition. By bringing uterine fibroids into the public conversation, these women are helping others living with fibroids learn about their options for managing the condition, and reducing the stigma around...
With between 20%-70% of women developing uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, the subject has been around for...
With between 20%-70% of women developing uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, the subject has been around for a long time and as such, has developed many branches in different directions, not all of which are entirely (or even partially) true. So, let’s get to debunking some common myths that commonly circulate concerning fibroids in women, toward a better understanding of which worries are real and which are simply for the birds.   Myth #1: Women with fibroids can’t get pregnant For better or for worse, having fibroids...
December 13, 2022

Common myths about uterine fibroids: debunked

With between 20%-70% of women developing uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, the subject has been around for a long time and as such, has developed many branches in different directions, not all of which are entirely (or even partially) true. So, let’s get to debunking some common myths that commonly circulate concerning fibroids in women, toward a better understanding of which worries are real and which are simply for the birds.   Myth #1: Women with fibroids can’t get pregnant For better or for worse, having fibroids...
Fibroids can make us feel down. The heavy bleeding, bloating and other symptoms can be a real drag. One way...
Fibroids can make us feel down. The heavy bleeding, bloating and other symptoms can be a real drag. One way to start bouncing back is by exercising. It may sound easier said than done, under the circumstances, but the benefits are at least two-fold. Physical activity triggers our bodies to produce endorphins and can help boost confidence while reducing anxiety and depression. Feeling better and being healthier can lessen the symptoms of the fibroids themselves, too. *Make sure to speak with your doctor to get the all-clear before beginning any...
While heavy menstrual bleeding is the symptom most mentioned when discussing uterine fibroids, the list of symptoms unfortunately doesn’t end...
While heavy menstrual bleeding is the symptom most mentioned when discussing uterine fibroids, the list of symptoms unfortunately doesn’t end there. Far from it, in fact. Included on that list is pain during sexual intercourse. In fact, one study found that 23.5% of women with fibroids report pain during sex, as opposed to 9.1% in the general adult female population.   Why can sex be painful with fibroids?  The human body wasn’t designed to comfortably accommodate anything that doesn’t belong in it, at least on a long-term basis. Fibroids vary in...
June 6, 2022

Sex and fibroids: everything you need to know

While heavy menstrual bleeding is the symptom most mentioned when discussing uterine fibroids, the list of symptoms unfortunately doesn’t end there. Far from it, in fact. Included on that list is pain during sexual intercourse. In fact, one study found that 23.5% of women with fibroids report pain during sex, as opposed to 9.1% in the general adult female population.   Why can sex be painful with fibroids?  The human body wasn’t designed to comfortably accommodate anything that doesn’t belong in it, at least on a long-term basis. Fibroids vary in...
Your daughter is growing up. It fills you with joy and pride sometimes… and with stress at other times. Adolescence...
Your daughter is growing up. It fills you with joy and pride sometimes… and with stress at other times. Adolescence is a hard time to navigate safely. Your daughter is independent enough to make decisions and take actions that will have lasting consequences. Does she have the right information and preparation to choose a path that will bring her long-term health and happiness? What your daughter wants to know A changing situation will inspire questions about that change. All girls in all cultures worldwide will have questions as they notice...
The history of medical treatment of uterine fibroids, up until recently, was unfortunately lacking variety. The options were limited to...
The history of medical treatment of uterine fibroids, up until recently, was unfortunately lacking variety. The options were limited to either living with it -- both the fibroids and the accompanying symptoms, or to have a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy not only eliminates fertility entirely, but it’s also major surgery; recovery time is between six and eight weeks, which requires missed time at work and limited availability to care for children or other family members. The “new” option was the myomectomy, that is removal of the myomas (fibroids) while leaving the...
March 30, 2022

What’s new in fibroid research?

The history of medical treatment of uterine fibroids, up until recently, was unfortunately lacking variety. The options were limited to either living with it -- both the fibroids and the accompanying symptoms, or to have a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy not only eliminates fertility entirely, but it’s also major surgery; recovery time is between six and eight weeks, which requires missed time at work and limited availability to care for children or other family members. The “new” option was the myomectomy, that is removal of the myomas (fibroids) while leaving the...