Interventional radiologist Dr Gary Sudwarts is raising awareness about the women’s health condition of uterine fibroids, which he believes needs much greater attention and awareness than it currently receives.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are muscular, non-cancerous tumours that develop in the walls of the uterus. They most commonly, although not exclusively, develop in women in their 30s and 40s. Internationally, 20% of women have fibroids although Dr Sudwarts believes that this number is higher in South Africa.
Dr Sudwarts and radiologist Dr Maja Wojno will be presenting a free lecture at a public workshop for women on uterine fibroids on 7 April at 18h00 for 18h30 at Hazeldene Hall, 22 Ridge Road, Johannesburg.
Symptoms
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain,back and leg pains
- Pain during sex
- Feelings of exhaustion
Even a strange urge to eat clay are just some of the troubling, even debilitating, symptoms that affect many of the hundreds of thousands of South African women who suffer from uterine fibroids.
The desire to consume earth or clay is an attempt to replenish the low iron levels caused by heavy menstrual bleeding.
Treatment options
What should women do if they suspect they may have a problem? Dr Sudwarts advises they visit their doctor or gynaecologist. If a patient is diagnosed with uterine fibroids, she would be well advised to find out as much as possible about the condition. “Be sure to ask your doctor about all of the possible treatment options that are available for your particular situation,” he adds.
During the workshop, the latest technological advances in the treatment of uterine fibroids will be shared. The doctors will also explain the micro-invasive technique of uterine fibroid embolisation, (UFE), which offers a highly effective treatment alternative for women who have developed fibroids.
“I find it disconcerting that in today’s times so many South African women are still silently suffering the devastating symptoms of untreated uterine fibroids,” says Dr Sudwarts. “It is also concerning that so many thousands of women in our country, some relatively young, are faced with the prospect of a hysterectomy because of the condition.”
“Nowadays more and more effective treatment options are becoming available for women with severe uterine fibroids, and it is important that they be made aware of the alternatives that are now available to them,” he said.
Free workshop for women with uterine fibroids
Interventional radiologist Dr Gary Sudwarts is raising awareness about the women’s health condition of uterine fibroids, which he believes needs much greater attention and awareness than it currently receives.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are muscular, non-cancerous tumours that develop in the walls of the uterus. They most commonly, although not exclusively, develop in women in their 30s and 40s. Internationally, 20% of women have fibroids although Dr Sudwarts believes that this number is higher in South Africa.
Dr Sudwarts and radiologist Dr Maja Wojno will be presenting a free lecture at a public workshop for women on uterine fibroids on 7 April at 18h00 for 18h30 at Hazeldene Hall, 22 Ridge Road, Johannesburg.
Symptoms
Even a strange urge to eat clay are just some of the troubling, even debilitating, symptoms that affect many of the hundreds of thousands of South African women who suffer from uterine fibroids.
The desire to consume earth or clay is an attempt to replenish the low iron levels caused by heavy menstrual bleeding.
Treatment options
What should women do if they suspect they may have a problem? Dr Sudwarts advises they visit their doctor or gynaecologist. If a patient is diagnosed with uterine fibroids, she would be well advised to find out as much as possible about the condition. “Be sure to ask your doctor about all of the possible treatment options that are available for your particular situation,” he adds.
During the workshop, the latest technological advances in the treatment of uterine fibroids will be shared. The doctors will also explain the micro-invasive technique of uterine fibroid embolisation, (UFE), which offers a highly effective treatment alternative for women who have developed fibroids.
“I find it disconcerting that in today’s times so many South African women are still silently suffering the devastating symptoms of untreated uterine fibroids,” says Dr Sudwarts. “It is also concerning that so many thousands of women in our country, some relatively young, are faced with the prospect of a hysterectomy because of the condition.”
“Nowadays more and more effective treatment options are becoming available for women with severe uterine fibroids, and it is important that they be made aware of the alternatives that are now available to them,” he said.
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