Smoking's Impact on Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous masses that can develop in the uterus and its adjacent regions. These growths are common among women assigned female at birth (AFAB), accounting for approximately 40-60% of the total hysterectomies performed and 29% of hospitalisations.
Fibroids can be categorized into various types based on their location: intramural, submucosal, subserosal, intracavity, and cervical. The relationship between smoking and the development of uterine fibroids is complex and somewhat contradictory. Some research indicates that smoking may act as a risk factor and contributor to the development and progression of uterine fibroids, potentially increasing the risk. However, other studies suggest that smoking’s effect on hormone metabolism might reduce fibroid growth, potentially lowering the risk or severity of fibroids.
Estrogen and progesterone, the main reproductive hormones in women AFAB, significantly influence leiomyoma formation. Smoking can impact ovulation, as it can damage oocyte health and lower the number of healthy eggs in the ovaries. This, in turn, can lead to delayed pregnancies, premature births, and stillbirths in women AFAB. Smoking can also cause low birth weights, congenital abnormalities, and infertility in pregnant women.
Other well-established risk factors for uterine fibroids include hormonal fluctuations, genetics, vitamin D deficiency, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors. For instance, the risk of fibroids is 2-3 times higher in women of African origin than in those with Asian, Hispanic, or White heritage. Regular physical activity has been associated with a lower risk for developing fibroids.
The excessive consumption of red meat has been associated with a 1.3-1.7-fold increase in the risk of fibroids. The ability of the ovary to release a healthy ovum is weakened by about 20% in women who smoke. Smoking affects the ovary and oviduct, leading to early menopause, poor oocyte quality, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancies.
Diagnosing uterine fibroids primarily involves performing an ultrasound, with transvaginal ultrasounds displaying a sensitivity range of 90-99%. Other methods used to examine the uterus include sonohysterography, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy. A hysteroscopy is used to identify and detect submucosal myomas, and it can be painful, so a painkiller is often recommended. Sonohysterography is a method used to enhance the detection of submucosal myomas, often used in conjunction with ultrasounds and hysteroscopies. A laparoscopy examines tissue and organs within the abdomen and requires anaesthesia due to its invasiveness.
Treatment options for fibroids include pharmacological methods such as the use of NSAIDs or oral contraceptives and surgical methods like hysterectomies or myomectomies. Patients must make an informed choice depending on their diagnosis.
Despite the complex relationship between smoking and uterine fibroids, it is clear that smoking is detrimental for many health aspects and may still negatively impact fibroid development or related outcomes. However, detailed mechanisms and consistent effects on uterine fibroids remain under study. It is crucial for women to be aware of the potential risks associated with smoking and to consider quitting for their overall health and reproductive well-being.
- Uterine fibroids, a common medical-condition among women assigned female at birth (AFAB), can be influenced by various factors, including Smoking, which may act as a risk factor and contribute to their development and progression, potentially increasing the risk.
- Unlike heart disease and cancer, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous masses that can develop in the uterus and its adjacent regions, affecting the health of millions of women worldwide.
- Apart from smoking, other well-established risk factors for uterine fibroids include hormonal fluctuations, genetics, vitamin D deficiency, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle or an unhealthy diet high in red meat, which can increase the risk.
- Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in fitness-and-exercise, and ensuring good health-and-wellness practices can help reduce the risk of developing medical-conditions like uterine fibroids and improve women's health, including women's-health-specific issues.
