Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumours or growths, made up of muscle cells and other tissues that grow within the wall of the uterus. They can grow as a single growth or in clusters. Their size can vary from less than one inch to several inches across.
Western medicine puts fibroids into three groups based on where they grow; just underneath the lining of the uterus, in between the muscles of the uterus, or on the outside of the uterus. Most fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus. Some fibroids grow on stalks (called peduncles) that grow out from the surface of the uterus, or into the cavity of the uterus.
Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms, but some women with fibroids can have:
- heavy bleeding or painful periods;
- bleeding between periods;
- feeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower abdomen);
- urinating often;
- pain during sex;
- lower back pain; or
- reproductive problems, such as infertility, having more than one miscarriage, or having early onset of labour during pregnancy.
Fibroids are usually detected using imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray or MRI scans. In some cases a laparoscopy (insertion of a small camera through a surgical incision) or hysteroscopy (inserting a camera through the vagina) will be required to confirm the presence and extent of the fibroids.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and fibroids
As with most gynaecological conditions Traditional Chinese Medicine sees fibroids as being caused by an underlying imbalance in the body’s
Qi (energy). Acupuncture and herbal medicine are offered to “rebalance” the body’s energy from a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view.
Fibroids in Traditional Chinese Medical terms correspond to a certain amount of “stagnation” in the body, be it “phlegm”, “damp” or “blood stasis”. This can be caused by an underlying “deficiency”, which means that there is no enough qi to move energy around the body, that can lead to “stagnation”.
When supporting women suffering from fibroids Naava Carman tends to focus initially on any unpleasant side effects the patient is experiencing, such as heavy and painful periods. Depending on the extent of the diagnosis and treatment the patient has already received, Naava may refer to a gynaecological specialist or surgeon for investigative procedures or consideration of surgical options. Naava will offer support and advice to patients in considering the various surgical options and the risks associated with them.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complementary therapy and the Fertility Support Company does not advocate it as an alternative to Western medicine. If you are in any doubt about your health or symptoms you are experiencing you should consult your doctor. The Fertility Support Company and its practitioners do not claim to “cure” fibroids or any other ailment.
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