Many women find that fibroids affect their intimate lives and therefore, their relationships with their significant others. Sometimes large fibroids pressing down on the uterus and overtaking the pelvic cavity can cause pain during intercourse. And other times, it’s just a case of the severe physical symptoms causing discomfort. Read on to understand the connection between libido and fibroids among women.
Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids
Common fibroid symptoms include an enlarged uterus, sudden weight gain, severe menstrual cramps, and pain during sex. Some women also experience irregular periods and heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle.
One of the classic signs of fibroids is the loss of sex drive. In addition to physical discomfort, fibroids can hamper self-confidence and create a negative self-image for a woman. Eventually, you feel withdrawn from your partner.
Causes Of Drop In Libido among Women
The exact cause of fibroids is still under study. However, they have been related to hormonal changes. Most women with fibroids are estrogen dominant, as the estrogen feeds the fibroids.
Moreover, when women suffering from fibroids have high amounts of estrogen, it eventually causes a drop in libido. However, the decrease in self-drive may also be the result of emotional imbalance, as fibroids take a toll on your mental health and self-confidence.
Fibroid symptoms, along with a negative self-image, ultimately result in depression. It is, therefore, important; to be honest with your partner when dealing with fibroids and experiencing decreased libido. More importantly, you should understand that decrease in sex drive is a normal outcome of fibroids, and treatment can help restore your libido. In the meantime, you and your partner can explore alternate ways of intimacy.
The connection between Libido and Fibroids Treatment
Estrogen, when it is unopposed by progesterone (balanced), results in the risk for many adverse effects, including blood clotting, fibroids, and loss of libido.
Natural ways to treat Fibroids
It’s, therefore, important to restore hormonal balance for maintaining and restoring a healthy sex drive. Surprisingly, several natural treatments are available to improve your fibroids and overall health, which can improve your libido.
These natural remedies include dietary changes, vitamins and supplements, acupressure, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbal remedies, exercise, massage, and other lifestyle changes.
Dietary changes-
Check if you have constipation which can also contribute to disinterest in sex. Treat constipation first to ease pain and discomfort. Besides, dietary changes such as reducing fatty foods, opting for a plant-based diet, and increase in water intake can help. Foods to include are green vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, broad beans, and soy products.
You may also include oily fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel, as well as dairy products.
Include turmeric as it contains curcumin which has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can destroy the cells of fibroids and stop them from growing further.
Herbal remedies include drinking green tea which subsides the symptoms of fibroids due to the presence of antioxidants.
Lifestyle changes-
Make exercises, yoga, and breathing exercises as part of your daily routine. This help to maintain a balanced weight thereby reducing the chances of fibroids.
The best news is that the natural treatments for fibroid can shrink them in size, restore your periods to normal, and boost your libido. Herbal supplements can accelerate your healing too.
Must Read – Yoga Poses to Regulate Menstruation Problems
Other Treatments
Other effective fibroid treatments vary from minimally invasive to hysterectomy, surgery for the removal of the uterus in severe cases.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure in which the uterus stays intact, and fibroids are caused to shrink by cutting off their blood supply. It is one of the most effective treatments with a faster recovery time.
Effect on Libido after Fibroids Treatment
Recent research on uterine fibroids suggests that the majority of patients saw significant relief in symptoms and experienced an improved sex life. About 80% of the participating patients reported improved sexual function and increased libido.
Advice for Women suffering from Fibroids
As per observations, a primary obstruction to treating fibroids and issues with libido is that women feel hesitant, embarrassed, or shy to discuss their symptoms. However, it is essential to understand that fibroids, when left untreated, will continue to grow, causing more severe symptoms. Early diagnosis can help provide effective fibroid treatment to patients and can effectively improve your sex life.
If you are feeling a drop in libido or any other symptoms like pain and discomfort during sex, don’t wait any longer and seek the assistance of a specialist. Early treatment and superior care can help you avoid unnecessary surgery.
FAQs relating to Fibroids
Q- Are fibroids transmitted with sex?
Ans – No, fibroids cannot be transmitted sexually. One of the common myths about fibroids is that they are sexually transmitted. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that are neither contagious nor passed through intercourse.
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Q- Can fibroids affect pregnancy?
Ans- Whether fibroids affect pregnancy or fertility depends on the position of the fibroids. They do not affect pregnancy when they are outside the uterus. However, women with fibroids may experience some complications during pregnancy, such as preterm delivery, c-section, or issues with the placenta.
Q- Do fibroids shrink on their own after menopause?
Ans- Yes, uterine fibroids tend to shrink after menopause because the ovaries stop producing necessary hormones for fibroid growth.
References-
https://www.usafibroidcenters.com/blog/
https://vivaeve.com/can-sex-and-fibroids-coexist/
https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/how-uterine-fibroids-affect-life
https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/uterine-fibroids-as-you-age
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
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