Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop inside the female reproductive system. They are quite common and according to some estimates they affect more than 50% of women in their fifties. In most cases, fibroids cause no symptoms and go undiagnosed. However, some women have severe symptoms that require medical attention. To be sure you are getting the right treatment, you need to be able to identify the warning signs and get a diagnosis from a professional.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying Uterine Fibroids
Step 1. Identify your menstrual symptoms
Uterine fibroids can cause cycle-related changes or problems. If your period was fairly regular in the past, but it is no longer the case, the cause could be a uterine fibroid. The fact remains that these symptoms can also originate from other health problems. Signs that may indicate the presence of uterine fibroids include:
- Excessive bleeding during menstruation;
- Acute menstrual cramps;
- Blood loss between two menstrual flows.
Step 2. Recognize acute symptoms
There are several health problems that can occur during menstruation or between flows and can indicate the presence of uterine fibroids or other disorders. Some signs are directly related to the menstrual cycle, but there are many others that only affect general health. Symptoms that can be a wake-up call include:
- Abdominal swelling or a painless mass in the lower abdomen
- Need to urinate frequently which can be caused by a fibroid compressing the bladder:
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Pain in the lower back;
- Constipation;
- Chronic vaginal discharge
- Inability to urinate.
Step 3. Recognize any problems with reproductive function
Even if you don't have acute symptoms, uterine fibroids can create difficulties in procreating. If you are having infertility problems, this could be the cause (although there are many possible reasons).
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, see your doctor. He will prescribe tests to see if you have any health problems that are hindering conception
Step 4. Analyze your risk factors
There are specific conditions that can increase the chances of developing benign type fibroids in your uterus. Included for example:
- Ethnicity: African American women are more prone to developing uterine fibroids and to do so at a young age. Furthermore, while in other women the risk is reduced with increasing age, for them the danger increases.
- Weight: Your chances of getting sick increase slightly if you are overweight or obese.
- Age at which you had your first period: The younger you were, the higher the chances of developing fibroids in your uterus.
- Absence of childbirth: the chances of getting sick are higher if you haven't had a child.
Part 2 of 3: Getting a Doctor's Diagnosis
Step 1. Book a medical consultation
If you suspect you have fibroids, it is important to see your gynecologist. He will ask you to describe the symptoms and after a general visit he will give you a pelvic exam. You can also go to your GP for a first test, but then he will prescribe a gynecological examination to deepen the diagnosis and get you to prescribe the right treatment.
To perform the pelvic exam, the gynecologist will look inside the cervix and then perform a bimanual palpation to determine the size of your uterus. He will most likely also want to get you a pap smear and exam to rule out infections
Step 2. Get an ultrasound
After the physical exam, your doctor may order an ultrasound examination of the uterus. It could include internal (transvaginal ultrasound) and external control. It may be necessary to detect the size, location and number of fibroids.
Step 3. Discuss your type of fibroid with your doctor
After he has gathered all the necessary information, he will be able to tell you what the problem is. There are three types of uterine fibroids: subserosal, intramural and submucosal. Each develops in a different part of the uterus, can cause different symptoms, and requires different care.
- Subserous fibroids extend more than 50% outside the uterus. They rarely affect fertility;
- Intramural fibroids develop within the muscular wall of the uterus, without protruding into the uterine cavity;
- Submucosal fibroids project into the uterine cavity and can have a noticeable negative effect on fertility.
Step 4. You agree to receive the necessary medical treatment
Based on the type of fibroid and its severity, your doctor will recommend a particular therapy. In some cases it may be necessary to remove it surgically. However, your doctor is likely to prescribe medications to shrink the fibroid and minimize symptoms.
- Generally recommended medications include: pain relievers, birth control pills, and GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone), which slows or stops the growth of fibroids. The contraceptive pill limits excessive bleeding if it is one of the symptoms.
- The gynecologist may tell you that it is better to have surgery, in which case the operation could be of different types. Possible interventions include laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myomectomy, and laparotomy, but the common purpose is to remove the fibroids.
- Often in less severe cases (about 30%) it is not necessary to perform surgery since the fibroids do not cause worrying symptoms or pain.
- If you are planning to have children, remember to tell your doctor as this may influence your choice of therapy.
Part 3 of 3: Living with Uterine Fibroids
Step 1. Relieves acute symptoms
In the presence of fibroids, menstruation can be heavy and painful, even if you are on medication. If this is the case, you need to treat more severe symptoms during your period. To alleviate cramps, leaks, and other ailments associated with your period, you can:
- Use an ice pack. Hold it on your abdomen or lower back for 20 minutes to try to relieve the pain. Take a break between applications to prevent your skin from cooling too much.
- Get the recommended amount of vitamin C daily through your diet or dietary supplement. It can help the body absorb excess iron, which is the cause of the heavy bleeding.
- Take an iron supplement. If the losses are very large, you may become anemic. If necessary, you can replenish the lost iron through a supplement.
Step 2. Improve your lifestyle
In addition to following your doctor's recommended therapy and relieving symptoms, it may be helpful to adopt new, healthier habits to help improve your overall health. For example, anything that helps you minimize your period is also great for relieving symptoms. Here are some of the things you can do to reduce cycle-related negative effects:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat fruits and vegetables daily;
- Avoid foods rich in fat and sugar.
Step 3. Talk to your family
If you have been diagnosed with fibroid, you will need the help and support of loved ones. They can help you follow your prescribed therapy and your doctor's instructions. For example, you may need a ride home after surgery and be cared for at home for the following days. You will also need their help if you are in severe pain and cannot resolve the situation on your own.
