Advice on Understanding Uterine Fibroids and their Effects
Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in the uterus. They are also known as myomas or uterine leiomyomas. Uterine fibroids can protrude from the interior as well as the exterior.
Fibroids are not malignant and are not likely to develop into cancer. However, it might be challenging to distinguish between a common uterine fibroid and a rare malignant tumor, underscoring the importance of getting checked.
Moreover, fibroids are prevalent. Eighty percent of women will develop fibroids at some point in their lives; however, not all of them will experience symptoms. Fibroids are more prevalent, more severe, and arise at a younger age among people of African heritage for reasons that specialists do not fully comprehend.
There are numerous treatments for fibroid-related issues such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and pregnancy or infertility complications. Thus, no need for alarm should you experience these symptoms.
Fibroid Risk Factors
Fibroids have a mysterious origin. Experts have pinpointed several factors (including age at first menstruation, certain genes, and lifestyle) that may influence a person’s risk of developing fibroids. Nevertheless, fibroids seem to respond to female estrogen and progesterone fluctuations.
However, it is worth noting that you can acquire fibroids even if you have no risk factors at all.
Effects of Uterine Fibroids
The size of a fibroid can vary widely, from that of a pinhead to that of a grapefruit. Most fibroids are minor in size and do not produce any noticeable symptoms.
However, some women with fibroids experience painful or disruptively long spells of bleeding (over eight days per month) or pelvic discomfort or pain.
If your fibroids are large, numerous, or positioned in certain areas of the uterus, they are more prone to produce symptoms. On a brighter note, when you cease having menstrual cycles, your fibroid symptoms will typically improve (at menopause).
Here are some of the effects of uterine fibroids:
An Increase in Menstrual Flow
Fibroids may increase menstrual flow’s quantity and duration. Normal menstrual bleeding lasts about one hour, so if you’re consistently soaking through pads or tampons in under an hour or have bleeding for over seven days, you should see a doctor. Heavy menstrual flow might deplete your iron stores (iron deficiency anemia).
Infertility and Pregnancy Problems
Most women with fibroids can become pregnant without difficulty. Unfortunately, if your fibroids are reshaping the interior of your uterus, it could be more challenging to become pregnant.
According to studies, although people with fibroids are more likely to experience miscarriages than those without fibroids, the elevated risk of miscarriage is associated with advancing age and not fibroids.
If you have been unsuccessfully attempting to conceive, consult your doctor. They, or another expert, can assess you to determine whether fibroids cause the issue.
Most women with fibroids who become pregnant experience a fully normal, complication-free pregnancy. However, individuals with a sizable fibroid (larger than 5 to 6 cm) or several fibroids may be at a larger risk for certain pregnancy issues.
If you feel that your pregnancy issues are the result of uterine fibroids, you should seek Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Memphis, TN, or an area near you. While numerous therapeutic options are available, Uterine Fibroid Embolization is among the best (UFE).
UFE is a novel, minimally invasive treatment that helps decrease uterine fibroids without surgery. UFE is conducted by interventional radiologists, who are board-certified, medically educated specialists in minimally invasive, focused therapies.
Pelvic Strain and Discomfort
Larger fibroids can induce a sense of pelvic tension or tightness in the abdomen, akin to the sensation of being pregnant. In some cases, a woman with fibroids may even give the impression that she is pregnant when she is not.
Depending on their size and location in the uterus, fibroids could cause various symptoms. If, for instance, a fibroid is putting pressure on your bladder, you might feel the urge to urinate regularly. Likewise, a fibroid pressing against the rectum might result in constipation.
Conclusion
Most women will develop uterine fibroids at some point. In some instances, fibroids are tiny and produce no symptoms. Occasionally, fibroids might result in uncomfortable symptoms. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, consult your healthcare professional. Fibroids are treatable, and symptom improvement is frequently possible.
