Top Exercises to Manage Uterine Fibroids

The Connection Between Exercise and Fibroids

While exercise alone cannot remove fibroids, physical activity positively impacts hormone levels and weight, which play a role in fibroid growth.

Exercise may help stabilize estrogen levels, which are known to influence fibroid causes. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular activity can reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and help manage symptoms like discomfort and pressure.

How Exercise Can Impact Fibroid Symptoms

Exercise is particularly effective in reducing symptoms associated with fibroids, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and pelvic pressure.

Regular physical activity also helps reduce stress levels and improve overall hormonal balance. Additionally, aerobic and strength exercises promote blood flow and reduce inflammation, which can benefit women in managing fibroid-related symptoms.

Can Exercise Reduce Fibroid Size?

No, while exercise alone has not been shown to shrink fibroids, it can indirectly support fibroid management by controlling contributing factors, such as hormone levels and body weight.

Certain types of exercises, known as "fibroid-reducing exercises," promote blood flow, core stability, and strengthening of the pelvic region, which may help alleviate discomfort and improve overall health.

Types of Exercises Beneficial for Fibroids

Certain types of exercise may be particularly helpful for managing fibroid symptoms. Here are some recommended forms of activity that may help support your well-being and relieve symptoms.

Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercise promotes cardiovascular health, helps maintain a healthy weight, and supports hormonal balance. Walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are excellent choices.

To experience these benefits, aim for moderate aerobic exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week to experience these benefits.

• Walking and Jogging: Low impact yet effective, walking and light jogging increase blood flow and reduce stress, making them ideal for daily exercise.
• Swimming: Swimming is gentle on the joints and offers a full-body workout without putting pressure on the pelvic region.

Strength Training

Strength training can help build muscle and improve bone density while stabilizing core muscles and providing additional support to the pelvic area. For those with fibroids, it’s best to focus on exercises that don’t strain the abdominal muscles excessively.

• Bodyweight Exercises: Activities like squats, lunges, and modified push-ups help build strength without needing equipment, making them easy to adapt.
• Resistance Bands: These simple exercise tools allow for a controlled range of motion, which is beneficial for managing symptoms without overloading the pelvic area.

Flexibility and Stretching

Stretching helps reduce muscle tension and may alleviate lower back pain and pelvic pressure often associated with fibroids. Gentle stretching, yoga, and Pilates exercises enhance flexibility, relieve tension, and support core stability.

• Yoga: Certain poses such as child’s pose and cat-cow, gently stretch the pelvic area and improve circulation.
• Pilates: Low-impact Pilates exercises focus on strengthening the core and pelvic floor, helping to support the abdominal area and reduce discomfort.

Post-Surgery Exercise Guidelines

For those who have undergone fibroid treatment or surgery, easing back into physical activity is essential to ensure proper healing. Post-surgery exercise should begin with low-impact, gentle movements that promote circulation without straining the healing area.

How Long After Fibroid Surgery Can I Exercise?

The timeline for returning to exercise after fibroid surgery varies based on the type of procedure and individual healing progress. Generally, most women can resume light activities within a few weeks. However, you must consult your doctor for specific recommendations tailored to your recovery.

Safe Exercises to Begin After Surgery

Once cleared by your healthcare provider, you can start with light walking and gentle stretching exercises to promote circulation and prevent stiffness. Gradually introduce low-impact exercises, such as:

• Walking: A low-impact activity that helps boost circulation without putting stress on the body.
• Gentle Stretching: Stretching exercises, especially those targeting the lower back and pelvic area, can help relieve post-surgical tension and improve flexibility.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Light pelvic floor exercises help restore muscle strength in the core area, aiding recovery and overall stability.

Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment in Houston, TX

While exercise can help manage fibroid symptoms, some women may require medical treatment to address fibroids effectively.

At Houston Fibroids, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments, including Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which can reduce fibroid size by blocking the blood supply. Our team works with each patient to develop a personalized care plan that combines lifestyle guidance with advanced medical options for optimal health and comfort.

For more information on managing fibroids or exploring treatment options, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey to better health and well-being.