10 signs of Fibroid you need to watch out for

A fibroid is a benign, non-cancerous growth that occurs in or around the uterus

It is also known as leiomyoma, or simply myoma, in medical terminology.

A woman can have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids. These growths constitute fibrous tissues and muscles. Fibroids can be minuscule or conspicuous. However, in most cases, they tend to become extremely large.

The causes of fibroids remain relatively unknown, although they are mostly genetic. Obese women are more likely to develop fibroids than healthier women.

Since fibroids thrive on the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, they are most likely to occur during the reproductive years.

There are several different types of symptoms that women can experience if they have fibroid tumors.

Here are 10 warning signs that you may have fibroids.

1. Excessive & Prolonged Bleeding

Excessive menstrual bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors. It is the most prevalent symptom for two out of the four types of uterine fibroid tumors: intramural and submucosal. When experiencing the uterine fibroid symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding, there are other components that directly result from it.

If you experience abnormally profuse menstrual bleeding, or if your periods last more than 7 or 8 days at a stretch, you might be suffering from fibroids.

Many women disregard occasional heavy blood flow, or simply do not notice it. Here’s a simple test: if you find yourself using more sanitary products in a day than you would normally use, something’s not right.

You may also notice the passage of blood clots during menstruation.

Consult your doctor if you notice any such abnormalities in your menstrual cycle.

2. Non-Menstrual Pelvic Pain

As the fibroids grow they can put additional pressure on the surrounding organs, which can be extremely painful.

If you frequently experience pain in the pelvic region outside of your menstrual cycle, this could be indicative of a fibroid growth. Large fibroids exert pressure on and around the surrounding areas.

Sometimes fibroids grow very close to the pelvis, in which case their location, and not their size, is what exerts pressure and causes pain.

Therefore, if you often notice your pelvic region hurting for no reason, especially outside of your menstrual cycle, consult a gynecologist.

3. Abnormal Urinary Patterns

One of the organs commonly affected during the growth of the fibroid tumors is the bladder. As added pressure is applied to this organ, the risk of urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, as well as frequent urination increases. Not only can this cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, but it can also become a hindrance in your everyday activities.

The bladder is located in close proximity to the uterus. When multiple and large fibroids grow from the uterus, they put excessive pressure on the neighboring organs, including the bladder. This causes frequent and often painful urination.

This pressure on the bladder is the highest when laying down. Therefore, the need to urinate especially at night increases with fibroid growth. Loss of bladder control is also a symptom of fibroid growth.

Therefore, if you suffer any of these lower urinary tract symptoms, consult a gynecologist as soon as you can.

4. Painful Intercourse

The presence of large fibroids in and around the uterus can make intercourse extremely painful for a woman. A woman may experience acute pain when the fibroids grow around the vaginal tract or the cervix, which connects the vagina and uterus.

The fibroids may exert pressure on the cervix during intercourse and may cause irritation and pain. It can also cause mild bleeding.

That pain might also exacerbate when assuming certain positions.

If you experience painful intercourse, get yourself checked.

5. Abdominal Swelling

Multiple and large fibroids jetting out of the uterus can cause the abdomen to appear swollen or larger in size.

Since people are more likely to associate a large abdomen with weight gain, it is one of the most misunderstood and ignored symptoms of a fibroid-growth.

If you have noticed your belly (abdomen, in particular) jetting out and you’ve been blaming it on your poor diet, it is time to reconsider and consult your gynecologist.

6. Lower Back Pain

You might be wondering how a growth on the uterus causes pain in the lower back. The mass and position of fibroids determine the parts of the body that are affected and to what degree.

The size of fibroids varies, and some are excessively large and heavy. Furthermore, such large and bulky fibroids are often located on the lower back surface of the uterus. When this happens, your lower back experiences pressure, inducing pain.

While a number of reasons can contribute to lower back pain, if it occurs frequently, and especially with other reproductive symptoms, it might indicate a fibroid growth

7. Infertility

Submucosal or endometrial fibroids are the rarest type of fibroids. They develop under the muscles of the uterine lining and toward the endometrium.

Large, submucosal fibroids block the fallopian tubes and hamper the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

While studies have not shown a positive association between other fibroids and infertility, submucosal fibroids are known to cause infertility and lower the prevalence of pregnancy.

If you have been facing problems conceiving, consult your gynecologist for possible fibroids.

8. Miscarriage

Submucosal fibroids (emerging from the uterine lining) and intracavity fibroids (located within the cavity) can often lead to miscarriages.

When a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes and lodges into the uterine cavity, a submucosal fibroid may obstruct the passage of blood to the embryo.

Fibroids may cause inflammation within the lining and hamper the proper growth of the fetus.

Both these factors can contribute to miscarriage.

If you have suffered recurrent miscarriages, seek medical attention for possible fibroid growths.

9. Constipation

Subserous fibroids are those present on the outside surface of the uterine wall.

Large, bulky subserous fibroids exert pressure on the rectum. This hampers the body’s normal bowel functions and can cause constipation. You may also experience rectal pain.

Constipation is one of the major symptoms of fibroids in women, according to a 2011 study published in The Practitioner.

Constipation can occur for a variety of reasons. However, if you suffer from constipation regularly and notice other symptoms of fibroids along with it, consult a gynecologist.

10. Leg Pain

Subserous fibroids may press against the spinal nerves. Since spinal nerves directly correlate to the legs, this pressure can cause leg and thigh pain.

Leg pain can also occur for many reasons. However, if you have leg pain along with the other symptoms of fibroids regularly, seek medical attention for possible fibroids

Credit: www.top10homeremedies.com; www.ask4ufe.com

             

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