Are Fibroids Affecting Your Quality of Life?

Uterine fibroids 一 also known as leiomyomas 一 are noncancerous growths that don’t always cause symptoms. However, for the women who do experience symptoms, they can be severe. About 64% of women with symptomatic fibroids report a moderate to severe impact on their quality of life.

If uterine fibroids are affecting your quality of life, you don’t have to continue to suffer in silence. An expert in fibroid diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Essam Taymour of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group in Long Beach, California, encourages you to schedule a visit if you’re affected by fibroids.

Are fibroids affecting your quality of life?

Fibroids can range in size from a small seed to a large grapefruit. While the smaller fibroids may not cause noticeable symptoms, the larger the fibroid grows, the more problems it can create. 

Fibroids are notorious for causing problematic periods with heavy bleeding and cramping. Your bleeding can also last for a week or more, which is not only a nuisance, but can also zap your energy quickly. 

If you have consistently heavy bleeding during your menstrual period, it's possible to develop iron-deficiency anemia, a medical condition that happens when your body doesn't have enough red blood cells. This can make you feel depleted and fatigued.

Fibroids don’t just cause problems with your menstrual cycle. They can also contribute to:

• Constipation 
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder fully
• Back pain
• Leg pain 
• Pelvic pain

Large fibroids can also cause discomfort during intercourse. With symptoms like these, it’s no wonder why the majority of women with fibroids report a significant impact on their quality of life. Fibroids can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite activities if all you can do is focus on the pain. 

Uterine fibroids cause a variety of symptoms, and many of these symptoms can have multiple causes. For example, constipation can happen as a result of dietary choices or dehydration. That’s why it’s important to not brush off any of these symptoms. Dr. Taymour can diagnose fibroids through a physical exam, a review of your symptoms, and an analysis of imaging, such as an ultrasound.  

Getting relief from uterine fibroids 

Not all fibroids call for treatment right away. Some only require monitoring. If your fibroids are bothersome, Dr. Taymour offers a variety of treatment options, including the Sonata Treatment, which we provide right here in our office. 

A nonsurgical procedure, the Sonata Treatment uses radiofrequency energy to shrink fibroids. Sonata is a type of procedure called transcervical fibroid ablation (TFA). As the fibroid shrinks, your symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, should lessen. 

You might be a good candidate for Sonata Treatment if:

• You have heavy bleeding and long periods
• Your fibroid symptoms affect your quality of life
• You’re not currently pregnant

The best part: Sonata Treatment only takes one hour, and you won’t have to worry about taking care of any surgical incisions afterward.

Don’t let fibroids rule your life. Schedule your consultation with Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group to learn more about your fibroid treatment options. You can reach us at 562-247-3038 or through our online appointment request tool.