Many women suffer from irregular menstrual cycles. A fibroid in the uterus may be one of the reasons for this irregularity in the periods. Many people think that fibroids and polyps are one and the same thing, whereas it is not so. These are two different irregularities having almost the same symptoms which create confusion. It is important to differentiate between these two irregularities, so that proper treatment, according to the problem, may be started.
Difference between Fibroids and Polyps:
What Is the Fibroid?
A fibroid is muscular tumor developed in the inner side of the uterus. Most of them are harmless. These are not malignant, and also called as benign. These can be in the shape of a cluster/s or may be a single tumor. These may be small or big.
The result is an enlargement of the abdomen, feeling of fullness, and painful periods. Heavy bleeding may also be experienced, resulting in anemia. It may also hamper your pregnancy.
Previously the women over the age of 50 years were the victims of this disease, but now women over the age of 30 years are experiencing this problem.
What are the Polyps?
Polyps are muscular growth in the endometrial lining of the uterus. These are small in size, having a diameter less than 1 cm. These muscular growths may become malignant and cancerous. These are dangerous and therefore should be taken seriously.
These block the Fallopian tubes due to heaving bleeding. The indications of a polyp are heavy bleeding during menses, bleeding without a menstrual cycle, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Reasons for Confusion Between Fibroids and Polyps:
Since fibroids and polyps have the same symptoms, it is difficult to differentiate between these two. It is advisable to consult a specialist doctor having many years of experience. The doctor, after taking many blood tests, will decide whether you are suffering from a fibroid or a polyp.
Precautions to Prevent Fibroid and Polyps:
Although, there are no perfect guidelines to avoid the growth of fibroids and polyps, yet, the following steps will reduce the risk of this problem.
1. Taking regular exercise will mitigate the risk of development of fibroids and polyps. The more active you are, the less risk you have for fibroids or polyps. Vigorous exercise is more helpful than a normal one to check this problem.
2. Research shows that those women, who are overweight, are more prone to this problem. So, if you want to avoid this risk, you should keep your weight within the normal limits and according to your height.
3. Green tea may also help to prevent this disease. It helps to reduce the severity of the problem.
4. You can take calcium diet as a protective measure.
5. Fiber may also be helpful, especially cereal fiber is the best option.
6. Vitamin D, such as salmon fish, tuna and mackerel will help to reduce the risk of the problem.
7. Aspirin may be used, but after consultation with the qualified doctor.
Treatment of Fibroids:
1. No treatment is required if you do not have any symptoms of a fibroid, or there are minor symptoms, which are not affecting your routine. After menopause fibroid will shrink and the symptoms will be subsidized.
2. If symptoms are severe, you need medication. In this case, you should consult a qualified gynecologist.
3. You can take a regular diet of calcium and folate supplements. These can decrease the risk of polyp recurrence.
4. Surgical care is also one option, which can be exercised with the consultation of the doctor.