Uterine fibroids are so common that they affect as many as 80% of women under the age of 50. Also known as myomas or leiomyomas, uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop within the walls of your uterus.
For many women uterine fibroids cause no problems or symptoms. But some may experience one or more of these common symptoms.
We here at Westover Hills Women’s Health, led by board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Houmam Al-Hakeem, MD, are experts at diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids. Read on to learn more.
Because fibroids are so common, we would like to tell you about seven common signs that indicate you may have them.
Menstrual pain is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids. The types of pain related to fibroids include cramps, soreness, and abdominal pain.
Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding during your periods. In fact, some women bleed so excessively as a result of uterine fibroids that they develop anemia, or low blood iron, because of blood loss.
In addition to heavy periods, fibroids can cause periods to last longer than usual or occur more often than normal. And you may have vaginal bleeding between periods.
Uterine fibroids can range in size from very tiny to as large as a grapefruit. Women with larger fibroids may experience a feeling of fullness in their belly or pelvic region. You may even notice that your belly area is larger than normal.
Fibroids can lead to discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
Fibroids can push on your bladder and cause you to urinate more often or to have trouble urinating. They may also affect your bowels, causing constipation or trouble with your bowel movements.
Fibroid pain can radiate from your uterus to your back, especially your low back. Back pain associated with fibroids typically feels dull and heavy, although it may also be sharp.
Although they are less common than other signs, infertility and miscarriage may occur as the result of uterine fibroids.
If you think you may have uterine fibroids or any other type of gynecological condition, we can help.
We use the latest techniques to diagnose fibroids. We can remove troublesome fibroids using minimally invasive techniques, including gynecological robotic surgery and the Acessa™ radiofrequency ablation procedure.
To schedule an appointment for an examination at one of our two San Antonio, Texas, offices, call us today or use our online tool.
