If you experience abnormal uterine bleeding or pelvic pain then you probably have uterine fibroids. These benign growths can appear in or near your uterus and might be in different sizes and locations.
Use this guide to learn more about the symptoms and management of uterine fibroids.
Uterine Fibroids Symptoms
Not all women with fibroids will develop symptoms and depending on the size and location of the fibroids, the intensity of the symptoms can change. Consult your healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment options if you happen to encounter the symptoms mentioned below.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
Heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, constant urination, constipation, and lower back pain are typical signs of uterine fibroids.
Rare Symptoms of Fibroids
Uterine fibroids can occasionally cause swelling in the lower abdomen, leg or hip pain, and problems emptying the bladder.
Complications and How It Can Be Diagnosed
Pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, premature labor, or placental abruption, are more likely if you have uterine fibroids, which can also affect your ability to conceive.
Anemia, a condition that involves low blood iron levels, can result from heavy monthly bleeding from uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids can bring on UTIs and other medical conditions.
Your doctor can identify uterine fibroids using a pelvic examination, ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy, or biopsy.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment Options
Non-invasive techniques to reduce or kill fibroids include uterine artery embolization (UAE) and focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There’s even a newer, minimally invasive method called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) that aids in uterine fibroids’ reduction without surgery. This particular procedure is an option for uterine fibroid treatment in Memphis, TN.
Uterine Fibroids and Daily Life
Uterine fibroids can make daily life difficult, but many methods exist to manage symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Below are some guidelines to improve your quality of life.
Managing Symptoms
There are several ways to manage uterine fibroid symptoms, including heat therapy, pain medication, or relaxing methods like yoga or meditation. Ibuprofen and naproxen, two over-the-counter painkillers, can help ease the discomfort fibroids bring. Prescription drugs or pain relief methods like heat therapy or massage may be beneficial if the pain is severe.
Food and Lifestyle Modifications
To reduce uterine fibroid symptoms and improve general health, your doctor may advise making dietary and lifestyle adjustments. This can entail maintaining a diet high in fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods and red meat, and exercising frequently.
Although stress can exacerbate fibroid symptoms, stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or stretching may be able to reduce them.
Help and Resources
If you have uterine fibroids, you might find it helpful to join a support group or go to therapy to address any emotional or psychological issues you may be having. Various Internet forums and advocacy groups are available for women with uterine fibroids.
Having uterine fibroids can be emotionally taxing, so a support system is crucial. This can involve relatives, friends, or a mental health specialist.
Conclusion
Knowing when to seek emergency care is crucial if you have uterine fibroids. Get immediate medical assistance if you develop sudden, severe stomach discomfort, heavy bleeding, or fever.
Uterine fibroids typically have a favorable prognosis because they rarely cause significant problems and are often non-cancerous. Nevertheless, treatment is still necessary to remove the fibroids.