Uterine Fibroids: Delayed Treatment Can Cause Permanent Damage, Experts Warn

Amsterdam, Netherlands – A meaningful number of women, between 40% and 70%, will experience uterine fibroids in their lifetime, yet awareness and understanding of this condition remain limited, according to a recent report by RTL News [[SOURCE]]. Gynecologists and experts are urging for increased research and knowledge dissemination, highlighting that delayed treatment can result in irreversible harm.Gynecologist Marleen de Lange from Amsterdam UMC emphasizes that treatments ofen commence too late, possibly leading to lasting damage.

The Silent Suffering: Patricia’s Story

Patricia, a 40-year-old woman, shared her experience with RTL News, revealing that she only discovered she had a 7-centimeter fibroid after experiencing increasingly intense menstrual periods. Initially, she attributed the changes to the coronavirus vaccine. However, the revelation of a bulge in her abdomen led to a hospital scan, confirming the presence of the fibroid.

For Patricia, like many others, the term “myoma,” the medical term for fibroid, was unfamiliar. Myomas are swellings that develop in the uterine wall and are fueled by female hormones produced by the ovaries. These growths can occur within the uterine wall, on it’s exterior, or inside the uterine cavity.

Symptoms and Impact of Uterine Fibroids

The symptoms of uterine fibroids vary depending on their location and size. Common manifestations include heavy blood loss,painful menstruation,anemia,and a palpable mass in the abdomen. Furthermore,fibroids can complicate pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage. Some women may also experience depressive thoughts due to the discomfort and related issues.

Did You Know? Women of color have a higher incidence of myomas, with approximately 70% affected compared to 40% of white women. Additionally, myomas tend to grow more rapidly in black women [[SOURCE]].

Disparities in Awareness and diagnosis

Patricia noted the stigma surrounding fibroids, stating, “It is not a subject that you discuss with others.” Her research revealed the higher prevalence among women of color.Following her diagnosis, conversations with friends revealed that many acquaintances were also affected.

The Knowledge gap and the Need for Timely Intervention

While the exact reasons for the increased prevalence of myomas in women of color remain unclear, gynecologist Marleen de Lange suggests potential factors such as genetic predisposition, vitamin D deficiency, or elevated estrogen levels. De Lange, who is actively researching myomas at Amsterdam UMC, notes that the risk increases with age, particularly in women over 40. Though, black women tend to develop myomas at a younger age, and their fibroids are frequently enough larger.

Many women are unaware that their symptoms may indicate the presence of myomas. As an example, excessively heavy menstruation is often dismissed as normal. De Lange defines heavy menstruation as needing to change sanitary products frequently, passing clots, or experiencing leakage.

the Importance of Early Detection

De Lange advises women experiencing such symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. “The diagnosis is very easy: with an ultrasound or MRI scan you can see it instantly.”