By Nancy Dickensen
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors found in the human body yet may be the least understood. The cause of these tumors is unknown, but it is estimated that as many as one in four American women have uterine fibroids. Also called leiomyomas or myomas, fibroids are benign growths of the muscle inside the uterus. They are not cancerous, nor are they related to cancer. They are not life threatening, but they certainly can be life changing.
Many fibroids are small and do not cause noticeable symptoms. But when they do, fibroids can cause pain, heavy bleeding, infertility and emotional distress. In the past, women were often offered one option for treating fibroids – hysterectomy. Today there are many choices available.
The following books described provide information to help women better understand and find ways to cope with this common condition.
When Johanna Skilling was diagnosed with fibroids, she was disappointed to find she received so few answers to her many questions. She decided to write a book to provide access to all the information available on fibroids and support for others in the same situation.
Skilling has written two excellent books directed to women with fibroids. The first, “Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional and Sexual Well-Being” (Marlowe & Co., 2006), was originally published in 2000 and is now in its second edition. The second, “The First Year: Fibroids – An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed” was published by Marlowe & Co. in 2002.
The first book explains what fibroids are, describes symptoms that women with fibroids experience and their impact on women’s sense of identity. The presence of fibroids can affect sexuality, fertility and pregnancy. Skilling addresses these topics with sensitivity and an upbeat attitude. In addition, she examines the full range of diagnostic methods and treatment options, from both conventional and alternative medical perspectives. Skilling includes information on the impact of diet and nutrition on fibroids and the mind-body connection.
“The First Year: Fibroids” takes a different approach. Aimed at women with recent diagnoses, this book covers many of the same topics as the first but in a format that spans one year. The first chapters address the first week after diagnosis day by day. Each day is divided into two aspects of the experience: living and learning.
For example, for day three, living is titled “Take inventory of your lifestyle” and learning, “What are the symptoms of fibroids?” The next four chapters represent weeks, and the 11 following represent months. It is a clever and practical arrangement for conveying important information.
Another informative book for women with fibroids is “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids: New Techniques and Therapies – Including Breakthrough Alternatives to Hysterectomy” (Warner Books, 2005). The authors are Scott C. Goodwin, M.D., a pioneer in fibroid embolization therapy, Michael Broder, M.D., well-known for his research in fibroids, and David Drum. Goodwin and Broder are on the staff of the UCLA School of Medicine.
This book is especially valuable, because it takes a scientific, evidence-based approach as it examines the range of fibroid treatments, including watchful waiting, diet and exercise, drug therapy, surgical procedures and alternative medicine.
There is a chapter that discusses the newest treatment, Uterine Arterial Embolization (UAE or UFE), in detail. This is a promising, less-invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists. By cutting off blood flow to the uterine arteries, UAE potentially can shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding significantly.
For more information on the Health Library, call 725-8400, visit http://healthlibrary.stanford.edu or e-mail healthlibrary@stanfordmed.org.
Nancy Dickenson is a librarian at the Stanford Health Library.
