Sneaky Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids have been troublesome for many women between the ages of 30 to 40, and they are no respecter of persons. They will ail young women in rare cases, and those who are experiencing "the change", or menopause, or women in general that seem to have no reason to get them. The biggest complaint with fibroid tumors is from those who either have experienced pain beyond belief, or those who are trying to conceive.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Any one person can experience different symptoms with any medical condition. The challenge with uterine fibroids is that they often show no symptoms. When they do, they are often larger than desired, and begin to really cause problems with menstrual cycles and cause pain that is out of control.

Again, uterine fibroid symptoms are varied, but if you suspect them it is best to speak with your healthcare provider to see what you can do to see what is going on. Fibroids are easily detected and investigated through the use of ultrasound technology. In this case, your doctor may do an abdominal ultrasound or they may opt to do a transvaginal ultrasound to get the best picture possible.

What Determines a Pesky Fibroid?

Fibroids can be painful enough, without causing other symptoms like cramping and excessive bleeding during your period. Fibroids can grow as well unless there is something that is used to stop it. Many times, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory is needed to make a patient more comfortable, and in some cases surgery is eminent. It all depends on the patient, as well as the severity of their case. When a woman is trying to conceive, the fibroids can cause problems, and it's all a matter of where they are located.

According to Dr. Bruce Banias of Genesis Obstetrics and Gynecology, a uterine fibroid that intrudes on the lining of the uterus can cause problems trying to get pregnant. Initially, if it's very small, it may not cause any problems, but again the problem lies in when they do grow. If you are trying to conceive it is important that you talk to your doctor as soon as possible so that you don't face another month of frustration.

All in all, diet and exercise are always important, but let someone make you believe that is the only key to conception or maintaining a pregnancy. Additionally, it is always best to investigate something further if you suspect there is a problem. It is better to know sooner rather than later, especially when you need to get your pain under control.

Dr. Bruce Banias M.D.
Genesis Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dayton, Ohio