FIBROID AWARENESS
WHAT ARE FIBROIDS?
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids, leiomyomas, or myomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus.
Common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids
- Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Excessive menstrual bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids. It is also the most prevalent symptom for two out of the four types of uterine fibroids: intramural and submucosal. When experiencing uterine fibroid symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding, there are other symptoms that directly result from it.
- Passing clots is very common with excessive menstrual bleeding as well as prolonged cycles of bleeding and longer monthly periods. It can also cause frequent soiling, something that can interfere with everyday activities and lifestyle. Abnormal uterine bleeding that is prolonged can have serious side effects over time. Untreated, it can lead to fatigue and anemia, which is the result of a low red blood cell count. These factors can eventually lead to the need for blood transfusions.
- Passing clots is very common with excessive menstrual bleeding as well as prolonged cycles of bleeding and longer monthly periods. It can also cause frequent soiling, something that can interfere with everyday activities and lifestyle. Abnormal uterine bleeding that is prolonged can have serious side effects over time. Untreated, it can lead to fatigue and anemia, which is the result of a low red blood cell count. These factors can eventually lead to the need for blood transfusions.
- Pelvic Pain and Pressure
As fibroids grow, they can put additional pressure on surrounding organs, which can be extremely painful. The growth of fibroids can cause consistent lower abdominal pain as well as swelling, which is sometimes mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy. If you are experiencing pelvic pain and pressure or any other type of uterine fibroid symptom, a full gynecological exam should be done immediately to determine the cause.- Pelvic pain and pressure can be caused not only by the size of a uterine fibroid tumor but also the location. Additional conditions can accompany uterine fibroids, such as adenomyosis and endometriosis.
- Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) grows within the middle layer of the uterine wall and supportive vascular tissue (myometrium). Typically, the uterine lining prevents adhesions (bands of scarlike tissue) from occurring. However, when uterine fibroids develop and begin to grow, the possibility for adhesions also grows, something that can cause a great deal of pain.
- Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue is found outside of the uterus and can be another painful and uncomfortable condition occurring along with uterine fibroids. Again, in order to properly diagnose uterine fibroids and effectively determine the cause of these symptoms, a full gynecological exam should be performed.
- Urinary Incontinence and Frequency (Loss of Bladder Control)
One of the organs commonly affected during the growth of uterine fibroids is the bladder. As added pressure is applied to the bladder, 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 everyday activities.
- Another possible effect of uterine fibroid growth can be increased pressure to the bowel. This can cause uncomfortable constipation and/or bloating. If you feel you are experiencing these potential fibroid symptoms on a regular basis, consult with a medical professional in order to rule out or diagnose any potential serious medical conditions.
- Another possible effect of uterine fibroid growth can be increased pressure to the bowel. This can cause uncomfortable constipation and/or bloating. If you feel you are experiencing these potential fibroid symptoms on a regular basis, consult with a medical professional in order to rule out or diagnose any potential serious medical conditions.
- Other Symptoms:
- Anemia
- Pain in the back of the legs
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Constipation
- An enlarged abdomen
- Depending on the size and location of fibroids, symptoms can become so severe that they affect the ability to maintain daily activities. However, many women live with fibroids and still maintain a good quality of life with the ability to manage and perform their everyday tasks. In some cases, women may experience no symptoms at all.
Who is at risk?
Since uterine fibroids are the most common tumors within the female reproductive system, all women are at
a potential risk of developing them.
The majority of uterine fibroids are diagnosed in women between the ages of
35 and 54. However, fibroids can occur in women younger than 35.
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The four primary types of fibroids
A woman may have one or all of these types of fibroids. Some fibroids do not produce any symptoms at all, whereas others can be severely
symptomatic. It is common for a woman to have multiple fibroid tumors, and it may be difficult to understand which fibroid is causing specific
symptoms. Learn how UFE can alleviate fibroid symptoms.
Intramural fibroids
Intramural fibroid tumors are the most common type of fibroid and typically develop within the uterine wall and expand from there. When an intramural fibroid grows, it tends to make the uterus feel larger than normal, which can sometimes be mistaken for pregnancy or weight gain. This type of fibroid can also cause excessive menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual cycles, clot passing, and pelvic pain due to the additional pressure placed on surrounding organs by fibroid growth.
Subserosal fibroids
Subserosal fibroids typically develop on the outer uterine wall. This type of fibroid can continue to grow outward, increasing in size. The growth of a subserosal fibroid will put additional pressure on surrounding organs. Therefore, symptoms of subserosal fibroid tumors usually do not include abnormal or excessive menstrual bleeding or interfere with a women’s typical menstrual flow. These fibroids instead cause pelvic pain and pressure. Depending on the severity and the location of fibroids, other complications can accompany this pain and pressure.
Submucosal fibroids
The least common of the various types of fibroid tumors are submucosal fibroids. These fibroids develop just under the lining of the uterine cavity. Large submucosal fibroids may increase the size of the uterine cavity and can block the fallopian tubes, which can cause complications with fertility. Some submucosal fibroids do not produce any symptoms at all, whereas others can be severely symptomatic. Submucosal fibroids are associated with bothersome symptoms, such as excessive menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstruation. These symptoms can also cause the passing of clots and frequent soiling, which can take its toll on everyday life. Untreated, excessive or prolonged bleeding can cause more complicated problems, such as anemia and/or fatigue, which could potentially lead to a future need for blood transfusions.
Pedunculated fibroids
Pedunculated uterine fibroids occur when a fibroid tumor grows on a stalk, resulting in pedunculated submucosal or subserosal fibroids. These fibroids can grow into the uterus and also can grow on the outside of the uterine wall. Symptoms associated with pedunculated fibroid tumors include pain and pressure as the fibroids can sometimes twist on the stalk. A woman may have one or all of these types of fibroids. It is common for a woman to have multiple fibroid tumors and it may be difficult to understand which fibroid is causing symptoms. Because there can be multiple fibroids located throughout the uterus—some very small in size— there are usually more fibroids present than can be detected. Even a woman who has only one visible fibroid needs to consider that there may be multiple uterine fibroids present when discussing therapy.
