Fibroids are not uncommon. In fact, 20-30% of women will develop them at some point in their lifetime. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be shy about it. It’s only natural and there are things you can do to prevent fibroids or control it if they occur. Every woman is different and the risk of developing fibroids depends on many factors including age, family history and ethnicity. A healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in preventing them as well as other conditions related to the female reproductive organs like endometriosis, ovarian cancer or uterine prolapse.

In this article you will see Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, acclaimed to be one of the best gynecologist in Mumbai, discusses some ways to prevent fibroids.

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai is a highly qualified and experienced fertility specialist. He has pioneered many innovative techniques and procedures in gynecology and infertility

 If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or suspect that you might have them, these 10 tips will help you prevent developing them and manage them if they happen:

Maintain a healthy weight

This is probably the most important tip to prevent fibroids. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing fibroids by 2-fold. This is because fat tissue produces estrogen and progesterone which can lead to hormonal imbalance that is associated with fibroids. If you have genetically predisposed risk factors for fibroids, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing fibroids by up to 90%.

 As a general rule, aim for a BMI between 18-25 and make sure to include fibrous and protein-rich foods in your diet to maintain a healthy weight.

If you think that your weight is the reason for uterine fibroids and you want to get it checked then here is the list of top IVF hospitals in India, you can choose the hospital according to your location.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is great for your overall health and can also help prevent fibroids. Many women don’t know that exercising regularly can actually help prevent fibroids. In fact, research shows that the risk of developing fibroids can be reduced by up to 50% if you exercise regularly. 

Exercising regularly also benefits those who already have fibroids by helping to reduce the symptoms, pain and heavy periods. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. If you can’t fit in an hour, try to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week.

Watch your diet

This is extremely important for women who are at high risk of developing fibroids. In general, a healthy diet will help prevent fibroids. Aim for a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, oily fish and nuts. Limiting red meat, sugar, soda drinks and refined carbohydrates will help reduce the risk of developing fibroids. 

While there is no scientific proof that soy products can prevent fibroids, it is recommended to include them in your diet if you have a family history of fibroids since they can reduce the risk.

Manage stress

Stress is a normal part of modern life. However, chronic stress can be harmful and lead to many health complications. Stress is a known trigger for fibroids.

You can manage stress by exercising, meditating, taking time off work and spending time with friends and family. If you’re experiencing high levels of stress, try to reduce it by engaging in hobbies, practicing mindfulness and taking time out to relax. You can also consider seeing a therapist if stress is causing you significant distress.

Don’t smoke

Smoking is one of the most harmful habits that women can engage in. It’s associated with many diseases and conditions. Smoking can increase the risk of developing fibroids by up to 50%. It can also make fibroids worse if you already have them. 

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, one of the best IVF doctor in Delhi, says that  If you are trying to have a baby and have fibroids, smoking will make it more difficult to get pregnant since it can reduce your fertility. If you can’t quit cold turkey, try cutting it down gradually. You can also consider using an e-cigarette to make the process easier.

Know your family history

Not everyone who has a family history of fibroids will develop them. It is only a risk factor. If you have a family history of fibroids, you can reduce the risk of developing fibroids by exercising regularly, watching your diet and managing stress. Make sure to visit your gynaecologist for regular check-ups and start screenings early.

Get enough Vitamin D and Calcium

These are important for your general health and can also prevent fibroids. Studies show that women who take Vitamin D supplements have a reduced risk of developing fibroids. Make sure to take Vitamin D supplements during fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. Also, make sure to get enough calcium in your diet. Vitamin D is best obtained by getting enough sunlight. 

If you are unable to do this, you can also take Vitamin D supplement says, Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, one of the best gynecologist in Mumbai. Calcium can be found in dairy products and other calcium-rich foods. If you don’t consume enough calcium in your diet, you can take calcium supplements.

Maintain good hygiene and pee often

This is something that we all do, but we don’t think about the benefits it has on our health. Maintaining good hygiene can reduce the risk of developing fibroids by 50%. This is because the bacteria that is present in the female reproductive organs can cause infections and trigger fibroid development. Peeing often can help prevent infections in the female reproductive organs by flushing out bacteria and other harmful substances from the urinary tract. This will help prevent fibroids from developing.

Take care of yourself

Lastly, take care of yourself and don’t neglect your general health. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. This will help prevent fibroids and will keep you healthy and stress-free. 

Fibroids are a common condition and it’s important not to feel ashamed or embarrassed. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, you can take steps to control them and reduce their symptoms.