NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Globally, July is dedicated to help raise awareness and research for fibroids, a non-cancerous growth on the uterus that can show up at any time, although they are more common between the ages of 30 to 50 years old.
About 70 to 80 percent of women experience them by 50, with a quarter being symptomatic, said leading obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Shamanique Bodie-Williams who, works as a consultant physician in Grand Bahama’s public health system and operates private clinics in Freeport and Nassau.
“Fibroids can happen anywhere within the female reproductive tract. More commonly, it happens in association with the uterus. It is the most common uterine growth,” she said.
“They are more common in black women. We know that there may be a genetic link to fibroids. Twenty-five percent of women with the condition will have symptoms. Those symptoms will depend on where the fibroids are located and their size.”
National research on the topic is lacking. Local statistics are largely anecdotal. Despite its prevalence in Bahamian society, fibroids can go under-diagnosed and under-treated, leading to urinary retention; pain; problems with bowel movements; heavy, long-lasting periods; painful periods; pelvic pressure and pain; painful sex; severe anemia; clots in the legs; and an inability to conceive.
These growths can cause miscarriages and complications in pregnancy as well, depending on their location.
“I have taken care of patients who have had all of those symptoms and sometimes one of the first responses that you get or that they feel is a sense of shock, like your body has betrayed you,” said Bodie-Williams.
“It can be very disruptive in your life. It could impact your mental health as you navigate the symptoms and make the decision on what to do next.
“A lady may want to conceive and the fibroids, if they are in the cavity, may prevent that, or the fibroids may be causing such severe bleeding and pain that it may disrupt her day-to-day life.”
The OB/GYN’s recommendation? Get prompt and appropriate treatment.
“Once you’re diagnosed, we have different patient-focused options, depending on your symptoms and your treatment goals,” said Bodie-Williams.
“Sometimes we use medication to help with the bleeding and other times we may recommend surgical options to reduce the bleeding and control the other symptoms. A third option is a combination, where we use medication to try to shrink the fibroids in preparation for surgery.
“Ladies that don’t have any symptoms or they are able to tolerate their symptoms may not necessarily do anything. Your gynaecologist will review the options and discuss the best one for you. No two ladies are the same. Your needs are different.”
Fibroids, however, can return. A more permanent solution is a hysterectomy — the removal of part or the entire womb. It can be carried out in different ways, either vaginal, abdominal or via keyhole surgery.
“You have to be comfortable with your decision. It’s a tough one. Sometimes it takes patients years to come to a decision and sometimes you make that decision as soon as you find out your diagnosis. Either way, it is okay,” said Bodie-Williams.
“We as healthcare providers are here to support you. But be aware that sometimes if you leave an issue, it may worsen, thereby changing the options that are available for you. Fibroids will grow with time, typically at a rate of nine percent over a six-month period. Treatment options all come with risks and benefits, so you should be aware of them all as you consider the best course of action for you.”
