Uterine fibroids also referred to as myomas or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths in the uterus made of uterine muscles. The growths mainly develop during a woman’s reproductive window and are prevalent between 30-45 years. Uterine may only cause minor discomfort. Other times there are no symptoms, but in some cases, it could be characterized by significant pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and prolonged periods, among other symptoms. You may need uterine fibroid embolization Houston, TX, a less-invasive option compared to myomectomy and hysterectomy.
While uterine fibroids prevention is not straightforward, you can employ a few strategies to lower the risks. Below is a glance at some tips to consider in your quest to lower uterine fibroids risks.
Know the risk factors
Genetic disposition, ethnicity, and age risk factors are beyond your control. Nonetheless, knowing them can help you take extra steps to mitigate the risk. Generally, you are at higher risk of developing uterine fibroids if you are aged 30 to 40 years, have a family history such as if your mother had the condition, and are of African-American group.
Knowing such factors can help, such as including routine checkups in your healthcare regimen if you are at high risk. This ensures the development is spotted in good time when less invasive treatments are still viable. Your doctor can provide valuable information to help lower the risk, for example, by recommending appropriate contraceptives. Oral contraceptives, for example, are said to help lower uterine fibroids risks.
Manage your weight
Is your body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25? That is the healthy range; if it is beyond 25, you need to take relevant steps to shed the extra weight. Managing your weight does more than minimize uterine fibroids risk, emphasizing its essence as you strive to remain healthy. The tricky part is that if you have fibroids, you are also likely to gain extra weight and experience bloating. This is caused by the hormonal imbalance and the fibroid’s size.
Healthy diet
Your diet can prevent or expose you to many health threats, fibroids included. Diets such as loaded with processed foods, high-fat dairy, and red meat are associated with increased fibroids risks. On the other hand, selections such as fruits and green vegetables help lower the chances of developing uterine fibroids.
Exercise
Physical inactivity puts you at high uterine fibroids risks, including considering its impact on your weight and stress levels. A regular exercise routine can help minimize the risk, especially by lowering the hormones and fibroid activity triggered.
Revise your habits
Among the habits that increase your uterine fibroids risk is smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases your risk. Revising your lifestyle and cutting such habits is recommendable, including if you already have fibroids and working to manage the symptoms.
Uterine fibroids may not be a huge health scare. Nonetheless, potential problems, such as when they result in frequent and painful urination or incontinence, can cause significant friction and impact the quality of your life. Understanding the risks and seeking medical attention if you suspect you have fibroids is recommended, helping you avoid significant worries down the line. Call or visit Alate Health today for all your uterine fibroids questions.