Lack of formal screening protocols delaying treatment for fibroids

The lack of a formal screening protocol for fibroids in high-risk but symptom-free women only adds to the obstacle in detection of asymptomatic fibroids, especially in women with PCOS or hormonal imbalances, which often go unnoticed until a pregnancy scan or fertility evaluation reveals them, says Dr Ronak Khandelwal, consultant in obstetrics & gynaecology, Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida, in an interview with Ashish Srivastav.

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The lack of a formal screening protocol for fibroids in high-risk but symptom-free women only adds to the obstacle in detection of asymptomatic fibroids, especially in women with PCOS or hormonal imbalances, which often go unnoticed until a pregnancy scan or fertility evaluation reveals them, says Dr Ronak Khandelwal, consultant in obstetrics & gynaecology, Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida, in an interview with Ashish Srivastav. Edited excerpts:

What trends have you observed regarding the incidence of fibroids in young women over the last decade? How do they typically affect women's health?

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of young women in their 20s and early 30s diagnosed with fibroids—contrasting earlier trends where fibroids were more commonly seen in women approaching their 40s. This shift is largely attributed to changing lifestyles, hormonal imbalances, increasing stress, irregular sleep, and sedentary habits. As a result, many young women are now reporting symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, and even pregnancy-related complications much earlier than expected. Fibroids can also lead to anaemia and fatigue, which in turn impact productivity, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.