Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

Uterine fibroids may occur anytime in women during their child bearing age. These fibroids are considered harmless since they are non cancerous growths that can slowly dissolve after time. Medical experts however agree that fibroids may be surgically removed if they cause severe uterine fibroid symptoms.

Usually, uterine fibroids are asymptomatic. A woman may not even know she has these growths until after a routine uterine or pelvic exam. An ultrasound must be done as well as blood tests to confirm the existence of uterine fibroids. Removal, as mentioned, is dependent on the severity of the uterine fibroids symptoms.

A woman with uterine fibroids may have longer and heavier menstrual flow. Cycles are shorter and the duration of every menstrual period is extended to more than 7 days. The menstrual flow is described from moderate to heavy with accompanying pain or feeling of pressure on the pelvic area. Pain is commonly chronic but acute pain may be possible when the fibroids degenerate and release byproducts into the surrounding tissues.

Other than a heavier than normal menstrual flow and pelvic pain; another hallmark of uterine fibroids is difficulty in emptying the bladder and frequent urination. These symptoms happen because of the pressure of the growing fibroids onto the bladder itself. These symptoms are also common in pregnant women; as the growing fetus gains size and weight the expanding uterus presses on the bladder making a pregnant woman urinate frequently.

Back pain is also a common uterine fibroid symptom. Fibroids that grow in the external part of the uterus often presses onto the spine creating chronic back pain and strain; a woman may feel back pain even when rested and lying on her back. Leg pain may also be present and this is a result of the fibroids pressing on the bottom part of the nerves of the spine. Leg pain may be described as nagging and chronic pain.

Aside from complaints of pain, constipation may be present in a woman with uterine fibroids. External fibroid growths may press on the anal area causing constriction and difficulty in eliminating the bowels.

Fibroids that grow in the internal cavity of the uterus may cause infertility in women and unless these fibroids are removed, she may have a difficult time to conceive. Pain during intercourse may also be felt if fibroids are growing in a steady rate.

If any of these symptoms are present, consult your gynecologist immediately. He will diagnose your condition and give you the ideal treatment for your uterine fibroids as well. A gynecologist may also recommend the possible ways to remove fibroids from the uterus or may recommend complete removal of the uterus in severe cases. Although there may be alternative remedies for uterine fibroids, it is still recommended to consult a medical professional about your uterine fibroid symptoms and the best possible treatment.

Some experts recommend no treatment for uterine fibroids and since they may just shrink and dissolve on their own. Treatments for symptoms are then recommended like pain prescription medication and treatment for heavy menstrual flow.