By EKalman May 31, 2022 - 7:27am

Uterine fibroids are common but often under-diagnosed conditions. This is because many women who have fibroids don’t experience any symptoms and hence, don’t seek medical attention.

If you have symptoms of this condition, you are most likely not the only one who has experienced it. There is a lot of misinformation out there about what causes uterine fibroids and how they can be treated. Read on to learn the truth about common misconceptions so that you can get the care you need.

1. Uterine fibroids develop in response to stress
It is not possible for uterine fibroids to grow in response to stress. Indeed, some studies should that fibroids are hormone-related but they don’t depend on stress hormones. The truth is that uterine fibroids are caused by a complex mix of genetics, age, hormonal fluctuations, and other factors.

2. Uterine fibroids are associated with a higher risk of endometrial cancer
Uterine fibroids are not associated with a higher risk of endometrial cancer. Fibroids can sometimes cause abnormal bleeding and heavy periods, but they can also be asymptomatic. The endometrium is the tissue lining the inside of the uterus. If you have endometrial cancer, it is usually found in this tissue. So it doesn’t mean that uterine fibroids will increase your risk for endometrial cancer.

3. Diet choices can prevent uterine fibroids
There is no evidence that dietary choices can prevent uterine fibroids. In fact, it has been found that certain diets might have actually contributed to the development of this condition. One study found that overweight and obese women who consumed a high-fat and high-sugar diet had significantly higher levels of inflammation than women who did not consume these types of foods. This inflammation may have led to an increased risk for the development of uterine fibroids.

4. Exercise can prevent uterine fibroids
Even though being physically active is important for your health and well-being, exercising doesn’t prevent uterine fibroids. Research has found that the most important risk factor for developing uterine fibroids are age, obesity, and family history of uterine fibroids.

5. Smoking
Another common myth is that smoking can increase your risk for uterine fibroids. Again, there is no evidence to support this claim but there are health risks associated with smoking. For example, if you smoke cigarettes regularly your risk for lung cancer increases significantly because it damages your lungs and the cells in them.

6. Breastfeeding causes uterine fibroids
Breastfeeding is not the cause of uterine fibroids. The truth is, there's no evidence to support this claim and many other myths about what causes uterine fibroids. There are many different causes of uterine fibroids, including hormonal changes, genetics, and environmental factors.

7. Uterine fibroids don’t require treatment
It is true that there are many women who don’t require treatment for their uterine fibroids. Many women will experience little to no symptoms or discomfort and may not even know they have the condition. But this doesn’t mean that they should be ignored. Uterine fibroids can cause problems if they grow too large or are not diagnosed in the early stages of the condition. If you have symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible so that these conditions can be caught sooner rather than later.

8. Surgery is the only effective treatment for uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are not always treated with surgery or medication. In some cases, treatments for uterine fibroids may include diet and lifestyle changes, as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture or herbal supplements. Fibroid surgery is typically the most popular treatment option because it is a quick fix that can cure the symptoms of the condition.

The bottom line
While uterine fibroids can be a threat to a woman’s health, they are not always a cause for concern. In order to manage this condition, it is important not to fall victim to the myths that are often associated with this issue.