You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with uterine fibroids. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
- Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
- Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
- Do I have fibroids?
- What are fibroids?
- Do they cause cancer?
- What else could it be?
- Am I at risk for developing fibroids?
- What are the chances that my fibroids will cause symptoms?
- Will they go away without treatment?
- What treatment is right for me and why?
- What should I do to be ready for treatment?
- How long will my treatment last?
- What risks and side effects should I watch for?
- Will it affect my normal activities?
- Will I be able to have children after my treatment?
- What is likely to happen without treatment?
- What medicines are available to me?
- What are the benefits/side effects of these medicines?
- Will these medicines cause problems with the other medicines, over the counter products, or supplements that I take?
- Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that will help me?
- Should I follow a special diet?
- Are there any dietary changes I should make?
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Should I begin an exercise program?
- What kind of exercise is best?
- How often should I exercise?
- How do I get started?
- Should I stop drinking alcohol?
- How can I find help quitting smoking?
- How will my fibroids and their treatment affect my fertility and sex life?
- Can you recommend any support groups?
- What are the chances my fibroids will come back after treatment?
- How will I know that my treatment has helped?
- What can I tell my husband, children, parents, and other family members and friends about my condition? Should I tell them?
- What is my expected prognosis?
- How often will I need checkups?
References
Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed May 10, 2022.
Uterine fibroids. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids. Accessed May 9, 2022.
Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed May 9, 2022.
Uterine leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uterine-leiomyoma. Accessed May 9, 2022.