Anemia is a disorder in which there is a low red blood cell count so the red blood cells carry less oxygen. Anemia can result in fatigue and weakness and, if left untreated, may be life-threatening or require blood transfusions.
An estimated 30% of women with fibroids experience abnormal bleeding from the uterus that usually does not begin as extreme blood loss.
The build-up to very heavy periods may occur over several months and may lead to severe anemia.
It is important to know that 20% to 50% of fibroids can cause symptoms, including iron-deficient anemia and/or reproductive issues, that may require treatment.
Myomectomy is an operation in which uterine fibroids are removed from the uterus and the uterus is then repaired.
Women contemplating surgery for uterine fibroids should be taking iron and vitamins to increase the percentage of red blood cells prior to surgery.
The degree to which a woman has anemia before the procedure dictates the amount of iron that may be necessary.
Given that many women with fibroids are chronically anemic due to menstrual blood loss, iron intake is especially important.
If iron and vitamins alone do not resolve the anemia, medical treatment to raise the blood count may be required before a uterine fibroid surgery.
If you undergo uterine fibroid surgery while anemic, you are more likely to have complications including, requiring blood transfusion at the time of your surgery, higher risk of infection at the surgical site and hospital re-admission when compared to someone who is not anemic.
