10 Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids You Shouldn’t Ignore

Uterine fibroids, also named leiomyomas, are benign growths that originate from the uterus. They are fairly common, as a large number of 70–80% of all women already have uterine fibroids by age 50. Although many women with fibroids will not show symptoms at all, others will have serious health issues. Identifying the symptoms of uterine fibroids is key to getting the right uterine fibroids non-surgical treatment in North India. In this blog, we shall study 10 common uterine fibroid symptoms one should never neglect.

1. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Heavy menstrual bleeding, medically referred to as menorrhagia, is one of the most frequent symptoms when it comes to uterine fibroids. Women may find that their periods are super heavy and generally require changing sanitary products more frequently than others, or the bleeding seems to be a little longer than usual. Because of this, anaemia and fatigue can be developed; hence, treatment should be given to alleviate these symptoms.

2. Painful Periods: Though the menstrual cramps are normal, an increase in pain and discomfort during your periods might be a reason for the uterine fibroids. Stronger cramping and pelvic pain from fibroids can interfere with your daily activity. Management mostly involves pain medication or other uterine fibroid treatments as a means of trying to alleviate the pain.

3. Pelvic Pain or Pressure: With fibroids, some women experience sharp pelvic pain or lower abdominal tension. The pain can be steady; it can also come and go periodically and is often described as a sensation of fullness or heaviness. If you have ongoing pelvic pain or pressure, you'll want to speak with a healthcare professional about the possibility that fibroids may be the culprit. 

4. Frequent Urination: These growths can press on the bladder as they grow, leading to frequent urination. This will be very distressing, as it will affect your quality of life. You may even encounter sleep disturbances due to having to wake up many times during the night to go to the bathroom.

5. Difficulty Emptying the Bladder: Besides frequent urination, difficulty with the feeling of fully emptying the bladder is a symptom associated with fibroids. This symptom can leave a person feeling as if one needs to urinate even after having been to the bathroom. If you experience this symptom, it may indicate that normal movement of your bladder is being obstructed by a fibroid.

6. Constipation: These growths may press the rectum, resulting in constipation. The bowel motions in this case would be painful and hard to pass. So, in addition to other symptoms, changes in your bowel habits could mean that you have uterine fibroids. You may alleviate constipation with diet and medication, but the main treatment will also involve dealing with the fibroids themselves.

7. Lower Back Pain: Other symptoms may be low back pain, particularly lower back. The increasing size of the fibroids may press against the nearby tissues and muscles and cause discomfort and pain in the lower back. Chronic low back pain resistant to conventional mode therapy calls for an investigation by a physician.

8. Abdominal Swelling or Distension: This can be due to swelling of the abdominal area or distension, which may account for fibroids. Sometimes this can easily be taken for an increase in body weight, but when associated with the other symptoms of fibroids, it calls for medical attention. Generally, swelling of the abdomen indicates a growing fibroid, which may be exerting pressure on surrounding organs.

9. Pain During Intercourse: Uterine fibroids may also cause pain during intercourse or after it, which is medically termed dyspareunia. This symptom can arise due to pressure from the fibroid on the uterus or surrounding structures. Discomfort during sex may need to be brought to the healthcare professional's attention so that its cause and proper treatment can be identified.

10. Infertility: Though not as common, at times uterine fibroids can also cause problems with your fertility. They may distort the normal shape of the uterus or block the fallopian tubes so that an embryo cannot implant or the sperm cannot move to reach an egg. In case you have infertility along with other symptoms of fibroids, it is very important that you seek detailed investigation and consultation with a fertility specialist for possible treatments of uterine fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Treatments:

If any of these symptoms are present, it will be necessary to engage a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. The treatments available for uterine fibroids depend on the level of symptoms, the number and size of the fibroids, and other health factors.

1. Medication: Mild and moderate symptoms can be treated with medications that regulate hormonal activity, which in turn can help minimise bleeding and pain. Examples include birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and GnRH agonists.

2. Non-Surgical Procedures: These include options such as UAE, which can shrink fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. Another available non-surgical treatment is focused ultrasound surgery-heat generated by high-frequency sound waves destroys fibroid tissue.

3. Surgical Options: Larger-sized or more symptomatic fibroids may need surgical intervention. Myomectomy involves the removal of the fibroids with preservation of the uterus. In more serious cases, hysterectomy—removal of the uterus—may be indicated, especially if you have no future plans for pregnancy.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Other ways include dietary changes, regular exercises, and the practice of several techniques for managing stress, which can be done for symptom management and general health improvement.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are a rather common and usually manageable condition; however, when left unattended, the symptoms can notably affect your quality of life. Recognition of symptoms in time-including heavy flow, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and others—is of paramount importance for getting timely and proper treatment. If you have any of these symptoms, consult a doctor to find out if the cause is uterine fibroids and what the best treatment for uterine fibroids is in your case.

Essentia Medicals assures a full cure and efficient therapeutic choices for the ailment known as uterine fibroids. A team of experienced specialists guides you through your symptoms, various options for treatment, and ensures your wellbeing. Never let signs be overlooked; be proahoutctive and take a consult call for the much-needed treatment. Our care and treatment are just a call away.