Theme: Women's Health

Unique to Women - Uterine Fibroids

No one is sure why uterine fibroids generally start developing in women in their 30s until they reach menopause. Uterine fibroids or myomas are the most common non-cancerous tumours that occur in a woman's reproductive system. It can grow on the inside of the uterus, within the muscle wall of the uterus or on the outer surface of the uterus. Over time, the size, shape, location and symptoms of fibroids may change. Many women with fibroids have mild or no symptoms. But it can cause serious problems such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, infertility, and complications during pregnancy and infections that need treatment.

Most uterine fibroids can be discovered during medical examination. Traditionally surgery is done to remove fibroids but oral medication has also been used as treatment. We bring you resources from the library on what you need to know about fibroids.

BOOKS

The Encyclopedia of Women's Health

by Ammer, Christine.
New York: Facts On File, c2005.
Call no.: R 613.0424403 AMM
Available at National Library

This reference book covers wide-ranging topics on women's health as a multi-faceted subject - from botox to oral contraceptives and polycystic ovary syndromes. It offers an A-to-Z coverage on medical, scientific and social topics, giving readers practical information with detailed black-and-white drawings. Written in a straightforward language, this compact handbook serves as a useful resource for people interested in women's health issues. The section on fibroids (page 164-167) has a concise description and explanation of the condition enhanced with a simple line drawing.

Fibroids: The Complete guide to taking charge of your physical, emotional and sexual well-being

by Skilling, Johanna
New York: Marlowe & Co., c2006
Call no.: 616.99366 SKI
Available at NLB libraries

This book provides a comprehensive resource, including scientific studies for women with uterine fibroids. Johanna, who suffers from the condition herself, covers a range of topics related to fibroids, test and treatment, emotional issues, nutrition and lifestyle and alternative medicine and therapy. The pages are filled with personal stories and interviews with health experts. Anyone who would like to know more about living with fibroids will find the book useful and easy to understand.

See also:

To find more information about uterine fibroids in women, its risk factors and how it affects fertility as well as treatment options, take a look at the books below. To check on the availability of the listed books, you can do a search in our online catalogue at http://www.nl.sg

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids: New Techniques And Therapies - Including Breakthrough Alternatives To Hysterectomy
[Call no.: 616.99366 GOO]

Healing Fibroids: A Doctor's Guide To A Natural Cure
[Call no.: 616.99366 WAR]

Sex, Lies, and The Truth About Uterine Fibroids: A Journey From Diagnosis To Treatment To Renewed Good Health
[Call no.: 616.99366 DIO]

DATABASE ARTICLES

Women and Fibroids: Making the Best Decisions

Author: Kaczorowski, Electra
Source: The Women's Health Activist. Washington: Nov/Dec 2006. Vol. 31, Iss. 6; pg. 1, 3 pgs

This article discusses what women can do when they are first diagnosed with uterine fibroids. It is a fairly common but not well understood problem affecting many women. Physicians can explain the condition in a clear and simple manner to the patients and allow them time to understand the different treatment options available.

Retrieved from the Proquest 5000 International database. Available at National Library Board libraries and from home.

Uterine Fibroid Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment

Authors: Evans, Patricia Evans and Brunsell, Susan
Source: American Family Physician. Leawood: May 15, 2007. Vol. 75, Iss. 10; pg. 1503, 6 pgs

Uterine fibroid tumours are fairly common among women, affecting 30 percent of women between the ages of 40 to 60 years. This article gives an overview and description of fibroids. Diagnosis and treatment options such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, myolysis, and medical therapy are discussed.

Retrieved from the Proquest 5000 International database. Available at National Library Board libraries and from home.

WEBSITES

Fibroid: What They are and How to Treat Them
http://www.nuff.org/

National Uterine Fibroid Foundation is involved in the research and development and treatment for fibroids. They provide current information and resources for women and healthcare professionals.

MedlinePlus: Uterine Fibroids
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/uterinefibroids.html

MedlinePlus is a service provide by NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. It provides authoritative information for patients and general readers on a wide range of health and medical topics including uterine fibroids.

NEW ARRIVALS

Take a sneak peak at the new books in our libraries.

Ready: Why Women Are Embracing the New Later Motherhood

by Gregory, Elizabeth
New York: Basic Books, c2007
Call no. R 306.87430844 GRE

In Singapore, the number of women choosing to start families in their thirties is increasing and the birth rate has sunk to an all-time low of about 1.25 babies per woman. The trend of delaying childbirth is the same in many developed countries. This controversial book aims to reveal compelling evidence of a contemporary transformation in women, midlife motherhood. Women who wait until they are ready are often happier with their choice.

Despite alarming facts about women's fertility declining in their late 20s, more than 100 women interviewed in the book cited benefits such as higher earnings, increased confidence and greater family stability when they decided to have their first child after the age of 35. Having achieved personal and career goals in their thirties, women can focus more on their children and family. The author challenges the ways people view motherhood while acknowledging the complexities of raising children by older moms.

Elizabeth is the Director of the Women's Studies Program and Associate Professor of English at the University of Houston and the organiser of the conference, "21st Century Motherhood: Change". She became a first-time mother at the age of 39.

This book can be found at the National Library and at other NLB libraries. Search our online catalogue about the book at: www.nl.sg

Philip's Guide to the Human Body

by Walker, Richard
London: Philip's, 2008
Call Number: R 612 WAL

If you like to read about anatomy and physiology, functions of organs and systems, and diseases that affect these organs and their treatment, this reference book will come in handy. The illustrated handbook with fully coloured anatomical diagrams show good quality artwork that are clear and instructive. Medical terms are explained in easy to understand language and complemented with full cross-references. It is useful for students, health consumers and general readers.

This book can be found at the National Library and at other NLB libraries. Search our online catalogue about the book at: www.nl.sg

Written by Sara Pek
Senior Librarian
National Library

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