How to Prevent Fibroid Recurrence After Treatment
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in the uterus and affect millions of women worldwide. These fibroids can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure,https://www.fibroidcare.com/types-of-fibroids/ which often leads women to seek treatment. While treatment options like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), myomectomy, and even hysterectomy can effectively reduce or remove fibroids, many women are concerned about the potential for fibroid recurrence after treatment.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to prevent fibroid recurrence after treatment, focusing on lifestyle changes, follow-up care, and advanced treatment options. If you’re looking for a fibroid clinic near me, this blog will also guide you on how to find a specialist who can help you prevent fibroid recurrence and improve your overall health.
Understanding Fibroids and Types of Fibroids
To begin, it's essential to understand the types of fibroids and how they may impact your treatment and the likelihood of recurrence. Fibroids are classified based on their location within the uterus:
Submucosal Fibroids: These fibroids grow just beneath the uterine lining and can cause heavy bleeding and fertility issues.
Intramural Fibroids: These are located within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type, causing symptoms like pelvic pain and pressure.
Subserosal Fibroids: These fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus and often lead to pelvic pain, bloating, or pressure.
Pedunculated Fibroids: These fibroids grow on stalks and can be found either inside or outside the uterus, leading to pain or discomfort.
The type and size of fibroids, along with the treatment approach, play a significant role in the risk of recurrence. For example, women who undergo UFE or myomectomy for submucosal or intramural fibroids may still face a risk of recurrence, although the risk is generally lower with these procedures compared to others.
Understanding Fibroid Recurrence
Fibroid recurrence occurs when new fibroids develop or when residual fibroids continue to grow after treatment. While fibroid recurrence is relatively common, the likelihood depends on factors like the size and number of fibroids, the treatment used, and hormonal influences. For women who have undergone treatments like UFE, myomectomy, or even hysterectomy (if the uterus is not fully removed), there are ways to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Steps to Prevent Fibroid Recurrence After Treatment
While you cannot guarantee that fibroids won’t return, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the chances of recurrence after treatment. Here are some key strategies:
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase the risk of fibroid recurrence. Studies suggest that higher levels of estrogen, which are stored in fat cells, can promote fibroid growth. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may help balance hormone levels and reduce the likelihood of fibroid growth.
Tips for a Healthy Weight:
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Avoid processed foods and high-fat diets that can lead to weight gain.
2. Balance Hormones Naturally
Fibroids are often estrogen-sensitive, meaning that high levels of estrogen can stimulate fibroid growth. After fibroid treatment, it’s essential to manage estrogen levels through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical interventions.
Ways to Balance Hormones:
Incorporate foods like flaxseeds, soy, and green tea, which may help regulate estrogen.
Avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals found in some plastics, personal care products, and pesticides.
Consider consulting a healthcare provider about natural supplements or hormonal treatments if necessary.
3. Consider Non-Surgical Treatments Like UFE
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that can be highly effective in treating fibroids and preventing recurrence. UFE works by blocking the blood vessels that supply nutrients to fibroids, causing them to shrink. While fibroids may recur after UFE, the recurrence rate is generally lower compared to untreated fibroids. In some cases, UFE can be performed more than once to address recurrent fibroids.