5 Signs You Might Have Uterine Fibroids

When you hear the phrase uterine fibroids you can easily get scared, but these non-cancerous tumors are more common than you might think and less dangerous too. Many women don’t even know they have fibroids, because they can be asymptomatic. In fact, only a third of all women suffering from this condition actually experience any symptom at all. This is due to the wide range of fibroids, from their type to their location and size.

According to specialists in fibroids treatment, they can be diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam or an ultrasound. In rare cases, the doctor will perform a laparoscopy, to locate the fibroid. If the condition doesn’t come with symptoms, they can be left alone. If the fibroids are the source of severe pain or other issues, you can receive painkillers or hormonal medication to help shrink them. In extreme cases, you might get surgery.

If you suspect you might have fibroids you can watch out for the signs in this list, but keep in mind that each of them can be caused by something else, so until your ob-gyn diagnoses you with fibroids during an ultrasound, you can’t know if you do suffer from this condition.

Heavy periods

Heavy periods are a potential sign of fibroids, most commonly those which grow inside the uterus. Generally, any obstruction can lead to heavy periods, but if you’ve always had a more consistent flow you don’t have to worry. If you notice your periods become heavier in time, you should check with your doctor.

You pee a lot

When something presses on the bladder, you will have to pee more frequent than usual. Fibroids can be the reason for this, especially those which grow outside the uterus. As their size can vary a lot, if they are big enough to press on the bladder or cause the uterus to change its shape, you will experience an abnormal urge to pee.

Painful sex

Fibroids located on the cervix or near it can lead to pain during sex, as well as bleeding. If the fibroids are inside the uterus they can put pressure on it when something is inserted, leading to pain. If you notice any bleeding during or right after intercourse or the act is painful, you need to have the problem investigated as soon as possible.

Constipation

Just like the fibroids can put pressure on the bladder, they can also put pressure on the rectum. This will lead to constipation, as the waste is unable to move normally towards the exit. The size of the fibroids is very important in this situation, as little ones are not likely to cause such issues.

Lower back pain

In some cases, large fibroids are located towards your spine and can add pressure on your back, leading to pain. They will have to be diagnosed via MRI and you will get treatment to shrink the fibroids or get a surgery to remove them in order to relieve the pressure.

As one can see, all these symptoms are not specific to fibroids. If you suffer from one or multiple you need to undergo an ultrasound to see if you do have fibroids or the symptoms are caused by another condition. Either way, don’t neglect these signs.