During my pregnancy I was diagnosed with a fibroid that was on a stalk outside of my uterus lining.

During my pregnancy I was diagnosed with a fibroid that was on a stalk outside of my uterus lining. Later in pregnancy it tiwsted and reduced blood supply and it was the worse pain I have ever experienced. My dr basically told me that fibroids are common during pregnancy and that it would probably grow during it-which it did a little bit. It has been 10 months since I had my son and I have been experiencing some minor cramping. Also, it hurts when I have intercourse- which has always happened even before the diagnosis. My periods are normal- have always experienced bad cramping the second day. I have an apt with my dr next week….I am not 100% sure that it is even my fibroid acting up. Should I suspect that it may be?? Also, is pain with intercourse a symptom of fibroid- some days it hurts more than others. Thanks

Dear Gina-
Your doctor will probably recommend an ultrasound to get a more up to date picture. Fibroids can produce pain depending on location and size, but more often we see pain with Adenomyosis, which is endometriosis of the uterus. Either way, we recommend removal of the disease.Thank you for your posting.

I’m a 45 year old Carribean Latina. I have a typical mixed race heritage, including African decendency. I mention this because I’m told those of African decent have a higher incidence of developing Fibroids. A recent MRI determined I had 20 Fibroid tumors of varying sizes – one of which is the size of a baseball. My doctor insists a hysterectomy is the only solution, given my age, types and number of tumors.
‘m perplexed. You can set the atomic clock to my periods, which always come the evening of every 28 days and only last 5 days. I don’t have menopausal symptoms and I look and feel 15 years younger than my chronological age. Your FAS treatment is a God send to woman like me as I think hysterectomies are a barbaric form of female castration, bringing with it a myriad of psychological and physical problems. My question to you is, post-op, what precautions must a woman take to avoid regrowth of Fibroids. Also, are there any studies showing a connection between emotionally or externally induced xenoestrogens being the cause of Fibroid growth?

Dear Ms. Valdes-
For any women with fibroid tumor disease, we recommend minimizing exposure to estrogen sources…that means hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills and any soy products; these can accelerate tumor cell growth. We also recommend women eat only hormone free meats…
There is some research into the effects of xenoestrogens and some women have reported to us reduced growth by minimizing exposure to them…others have seen no effect.