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Stoling Through History
A Brief History of Graduation Stoles
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Another medical term for fibroids is "leiomyoma" (leye-oh-meye-OH-muh) or just "myoma". Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. In unusual cases they can become very large.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms, but some women with fibroids can have:
• Heavy bleeding (which can be heavy enough to cause anemia) or painful periods
• Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower stomach area)
• Enlargement of the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean section
• Reproductive problems, such as infertility, which is very rare
How are fibroids treated?
Most women with fibroids do not have any symptoms. For women who do have symptoms, there are treatments that can help. Talk with your doctor about the best way to treat your fibroids. She or he will consider many things before helping you choose a treatment. Some of these things include:
• Whether or not you are having symptoms from the fibroids
• If you might want to become pregnant in the future
• The size of the fibroids
• The location of the fibroids
• Your age and how close to menopause you might be
If you have fibroids but do not have any symptoms, you may not need treatment. Your doctor will check during your regular exams to see if they have grown.
For more information please make an appointment with your OBG/YN.
Or for more information go to womenshealth.gov or contact the following organization:
Center for Uterine Fibroids
Phone: 800-722-5520
Photo by Tiffany Hopwood
Norma L. Cruz
University of Texas El Paso - Gamma
Photo by FLASH photography
Yarytza M. Rivera
Prarie A&M University - Alpha Upsilon
Photo by Tiffany Hopwood
Photo by EJ Photography
There are three things on my stole that have a great significance in my life. First, my degree. I am a first generation college student and obtaining my bachelors degree in criminology has not only been a huge accomplishment of mine, but my family's as well. Our Kappa Delta Chi letters and shield are what makes up most of my stole. Finding a group of women on a large campus that have the same goals and values as I do made my college experience that much better. KDChi has given me sisters that I can always rely on and a sisterhood that has brought so much joy and happiness into my life. Lastly,
the position I held for a year and a half my last few semesters of undergrad. If you would've told me my freshman year that I would be president of an organization, I would've thought that would never happen. I joined KDChi as a freshman and my passion for the organization started then. Being president of KDChi has taught me so many lessons that I have taken with me into my "adult life". Being president taught me to have patience, always listen to what others has to say, be there for others when they need you, give words of encouragement, and set an example for those that are younger. These three symbols on my stole will forever be cherished.
Hannah Valdez
Florida State University - Alpha Sigma
Clara Martinez
Oregon State University - Alpha Psi
Photo provided by Clara Martinez
Stephanie Hernandez
Clarkson University - Beta Beta
Photo provided by Stephanie Hernandez