Fibroids., Worth the read Options

[x3chrissyx3]

This article I read in Good Housekeeping caught my attention because a lot of younger girls, including myself when I was younger usually put off going to the OB/GYN because they're uncomfortable, but this article made me realize more than ever that it's important to go. Anyway, I always got these horrific cramps to the point where I would have to crawl up the stairs because I couldn't stand up, usually it hurt too much to get out of bed. I got sick, ran fevers constantly, and nothing ended up being wrong, but this article talks about one problem it could be if a girl has an extremely heavy flow and if you're in too much pain to move, etc.

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The incredible shriking fibroid!
By Susan Ince

Tami Smith was always busy and full of energy-unless she was having her period. Then this software engineer and part-time aerobics instuctor would often have to stay home, overcome by pain and by bleeding so heavy that she needer super tampons and maxi-pads.
The cause of Smith's misery? Fibroids. These noncencerous tumors can grow within the uterus, on its outside surface, or both. Gueled by estrogen, they often become worse during pregnancy but typically shrink after menopause (unless you're on hormone replacement therapy). Incredibly, most women have fibroids, though for the majority of us, these growths don't cause any trouble. But for about 25 percent of women-double that number among African-American women-fibroids lead to pain, pressure, urinary problems, heavy periods that can cause anemia, or, less frequently, infertility and miscarriage.
When she was 27, Smith who lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, had a myomectomy-surgey to remove the fibroids. But they grew back, and at 39, she had them taken out again. Then last year, when Smith was 45, her gynocologist advised her to have yet another operation. Smith was reluctant. "I couldn't go through that again."
Fortunately, treatment options for fibroids have been rapidly expanding. Women like Smith can now consider a range of approaches, all less drastic than hysterectomy-removal of the uterus-which was once the standard treatment. "Each approach has its specific advantages-and risks" says Elizabeth A. Stewart, M.D., clinical director of the Center for Uterine Fibroids at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Which means you have to do your homewrok. After researching fibroid treatment on the Internet, Tami Smith chose to have uterine artery embolization. Here's what's available-and how to tell what's best for you.

Uterine artery embolization: tiny pellets are used to cut off the blood supply to the fibroid causing them to shrink.

Focused ultrasound: This uses an MRI to locate the fibroids and intensely focused ultrasound to destroy the tissue bit by bit.

Myomectomy: This is used to remove the growth completely.

Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus.

You can also take medication like Antiestrogens and Mifepristone to shrink the fibroids.
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Basically, just take your period and what happens during your period seriously. You don't want to have to do anything drastic especially if things like fibroids can be caught early and can be less damaging.