How Fibroids Can Affect Your Everyday Life

Most women develop uterine fibroids over the course of their lifetime, and many have no symptoms at all. Others, however, have to deal with a variety of unpleasant side effects from these benign tumors that can be microscopic in size, or as big as a softball. 

Even though uterine fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer, they can cause pain and problems that affect your everyday life. At Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Group in Long Beach, California, expert OB/GYN Dr. Essam Taymour identifies and treats fibroids so you can get relief from disruptive, painful symptoms. 

Symptoms associated with uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids affect women differently depending on their size. These noncancerous growths, called leiomyomas, often form in and around your uterus during childbearing years. Small fibroids may go unnoticed, but ones that grow larger can cause pain and pressure in your lower abdomen and lower back. Other common symptoms include:

• Painful sex
• Abnormal periods
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Backaches 
• Frequent urination
• Rectal pain
• Constipation

You can also become anemic because of excessive blood loss during extra heavy periods. 

Dr. Taymour often discovers fibroids during routine pelvic exams and explores treatment options with you based on your condition and symptoms. In addition to a pelvic exam, Dr. Taymour may recommend an ultrasound or an MRI to confirm the size and location of your fibroids.

Complications from uterine fibroids

In some cases, uterine fibroids can grow rapidly and cause you to have a swollen abdomen. Miscarriages and infertility are rare complications that may occur as a result of uterine fibroids. Being in constant pain, suffering a pregnancy loss, or an inability to conceive a child can lead to serious emotional effects in addition to physical health problems.

If you have uterine fibroids while you’re pregnant, these growths may lead to complications during your pregnancy and labor. In fact, women with uterine fibroids have a six-times greater risk of undergoing a C-section delivery. Some common problems you may face delivering a baby when you have uterine fibroids, include:

• Breech position
• Preterm delivery
• Placental abruption
• Labor that fails to progress

Whether you’re planning to become pregnant or not, it’s important to get painful fibroids evaluated so you can begin treatment and get relief as soon as possible. 

Uterine fibroid treatment options

If your symptoms are mild, we take a conservative approach to treating uterine fibroids. Because fibroids aren’t cancerous and tend to shrink after menopause, watching and waiting may be the best approach. However, if you’re in a lot of pain and fibroids are negatively affecting your daily life, certain treatments can help, such as:

• Hormone-suppressive medications
• Hormone-releasing IUDs
• Nonhormonal medications
• Oral contraceptives
• Noninvasive procedures
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Traditional abdominal surgeries

Additionally, if you suffer from anemia, Dr. Taymour may recommend taking vitamins and iron supplements. 

As with any type of annoying pelvic pain or abdominal symptoms, it’s best to seek an expert evaluation and diagnosis promptly. Give us a call today at 562-247-3038 to schedule a consultation, or click to request an appointment online.