Yeusvi Flores: We should not ignore uterine fibroids

I am deeply grateful that Lupita Nyong'o has decided to publicly share her experience with uterine fibroids, a condition that many women suffer in silence.

By denouncing the normalization of female pain—such as when she states that “we are taught that menstruation means pain and that pain is part of being a woman”—Lupita breaks a taboo and inspires us to listen to symptoms and reflect on women's health.

On the Yucatán Peninsula, many women live with symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fatigue, unaware that the underlying cause may be a very common problem: uterine fibroids. These benign (i.e., noncancerous) tumors form in the uterus and can appear at any age during reproductive life, especially between 30 and 50 years of age. It is estimated that up to 7 out of 10 women may experience fibroids at some point.

Myomas, also called fibroids, can vary greatly in size, from small, inconspicuous nodules to large masses that increase abdominal volume. Depending on their location, they are given names: intramural (develop within the thickness of the uterine wall), submucosal (grow into the uterus and often cause increased bleeding), and subserosal (protrude toward the outside of the uterus).

Not all women experience discomfort, but when fibroids do cause symptoms, they tend to be very characteristic, including heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, extreme fatigue, frequent urination or constipation, difficulty getting pregnant, or recurrent miscarriages.

Diagnosis is usually made with a pelvic ultrasound, a simple and painless test. Treatment will depend on the woman's age, symptoms, the size and number of fibroids, and her desire to have children in the future.

Uterine fibroids are not cancer, but they can cause significant problems if not detected and treated early. Therefore, annual gynecological checkups are essential, even if there are no symptoms.

Taking care of your reproductive health is essential. Don't ignore signs like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or extreme fatigue. Your body always speaks: listening to it and seeing a doctor can make the difference between living with limitations or fully enjoying your life.

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