Excessive bleeding during menstruation Severe menstrual cramps Bleeding between periods
Bloating or a non-painful mass in the lower abdomen Frequent urination resulting from a fibroid that compresses the bladder Pain during sexual intercourse Lower back pain Constipation Chronic vaginal discharge Inability to urinate
If you are having a hard time conceiving, consult with your doctor. Your doctor can run tests on you and assess whether there are any medical problems that are preventing you from getting pregnant.
Ethnicity: African American women are more likely to get uterine fibroids and they are more likely to get them at a younger age. Also, while other women’s risk of getting fibroids decreases with age, African American women’s increases. Weight: There is a slight increase in the risk of fibroids if you are overweight or obese. Age at first menses: The younger you are when you have your first period, the more likely you are to eventually get uterine fibroids. Lack of childbearing: You are more likely to get fibroids if you have never given birth to a child.
Your doctor will likely perform an internal pelvic exam. To do this, the doctor will look inside your cervix and then perform a bimanual exam to assess the size of your uterus. They will also likely do a pap smear and test for any infections.
Subserosal fibroids extend more than 50% outside of the uterus. These fibroids rarely affect fertility. Intramural fibroids are within the muscle of the uterus, without any indentation of the uterine cavity. Submucosal fibroids project into the uterine cavity. These fibroids can reduce your pregnancy rate dramatically.
In many cases the doctor will prescribe pain killers, birth control, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones, which slow or stop the growth of fibroids. The birth control will limit bleeding, if that is a symptom of your fibroids. [7] X Research source If your doctor recommends surgery, it could mean a variety of types of surgery. These include laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myomectomy, or laparotomy, all of which are surgical procedures used to remove the fibroids. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Many women who have less severe cases of fibroids, about 30 percent, do not require treatment due to lack of symptoms or pain. If you want to become pregnant in the future, be sure to tell your doctor, as this may affect your treatment options.
Use an ice pack. An ice pack on your abdomen or back can minimize pain. Use the ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, taking the pack off so that your skin does not get too chilled. Take vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C can help your body to absorb excess iron, which can cause excessive menstrual bleeding. Take an iron supplement. If you are having excessive bleeding it may cause you to become anemic. If that is the case, take a supplement to level out your iron.
Exercise regularly. Eat fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugar and fat.
If your symptoms are affecting your ability to work or perform daily activities, you should make sure to explore all treatment options with your doctor. Discuss your condition with your employer and figure out ways for you to make up time or do types of labor that will be compatible with your condition.
