Heavy menstrual bleeding, lengthy periods, or bleeding between two cycles are not normal. These could be warning signs of uterine fibroids. Up to 80% of women may develop fibroids during their childbearing age.
Board-certified interventional radiologists can help detect and treat uterine fibroids Houston, TX, to relieve your symptoms quickly and improve your quality of life.
An introduction to uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are abnormal soft tissue growth in and around the uterus. These benign growths, also known as leiomyomas, are usually small-sized and do not exhibit any symptoms at all. However, when enlarged, they can press against your abdominal organs. Nearly 80% of women between the ages of 30 to 45 may have fibroids.
Risk factors leading to fibroid development
It is believed that an increase in the level of hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone is responsible for the development of fibroids.
Furthermore, certain risk factors can highly contribute to your chances of developing a fibroid. These include:
- Age 35 to 50 years
- Hereditary condition if your mother or other family members have them
- Being overweight (obese)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excess alcoholism
- Exposure to harmful environmental toxins
- Recent history of pregnancy
Types of uterine fibroids
There are four primary types of uterine fibroids:
- Intramural: Develop within the muscular wall of the uterus
- Subserosal: Grow underneath the outer uterine wall
- Submucosal: Form below the inner lining of the uterus
- Pedunculated: Found outside the uterus with stalk-like extensions
Exploring the symptoms
In order to detect the condition, it is essential to be aware of the possible warning signs and symptoms of fibroids. This paves the way for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Symptoms may include:
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Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Common manifestation of intramural and submucosal types.
- Cycles extending beyond 7 days with bleeding that may require using both pads and tampons.
- This may also require changing pads every 2 hours.
- Prolonged bleeding can lead to fatigue, anemia, and blood clotting.
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Pelvic pain
- A rapidly growing and enlarged fibroid can press against your uterus and other abdominal organs.
- This may lead to pelvic pain, discomfort, and abdominal swelling due to increased uterus size.
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Urinary incontinence
- The pressure exerted on the uterus by an enlarged fibroid can also press against your bladder.
- This leads to urinary leakage which can be very embarrassing.
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Abdominal bloating and constipation
- Enlarged fibroids can compress the surrounding intestines and colon which leads to early fullness and bloating.
- Compression of the colon can give way to constipation and severe discomfort.
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Additional symptoms
- Infertility
- Painful intercourse
- Leg cramps
- Abdominal swelling
Know the signs of fibroids and be aware of when to seek medical help if you experience any of the symptoms.
