Fibroids are a very common condition for women in the United States. A recent study states, by the age of 50, 70 percent of women will have developed uterine fibroids at some point in their life. When fibroids develop in a woman’s uterus, they are non-cancerous and in fact, do not present fibroid symptoms in the early stages or when they are very small. As symptoms develop, women may experience any of the following: heavy bleeding, swollen abdomen, frequent urination, painful intercourse, lower back pain, and/or fertility issues. The degree to which a woman may experience these symptoms can vary, however, it is important that when fibroids are diagnosed that treatment is sought as soon as possible, even if the symptoms are manageable.
Many women may delay fibroid treatment if they feel they are able to manage the symptoms. There are many myths women will tell themselves, but as with all medical conditions, the earlier a condition is treated, the easier and more effective than treatment is likely to be. So, here are some facts to consider.
Fibroids Get Worse With Time
If left untreated, fibroids can continue to grow, both in size and number. As these tumors take over the uterus the symptoms will become worse. The fibroids pain will increase. The heavy bleeding will become heavier and it may be accompanied by severe cramping. As the fibroids grow the abdomen can swell. They can put additional pressure on the bladder resulting in incontinence or frequent urination. Ultimately, they can cause infertility. All of these symptoms can cause a strain on a woman’s life. The pain can prevent women from effective professional success. Also, if the patient is suffering from discomfort or embarrassment, she may not want to engage in an active social life with friends or family, and miss out on important experiences or relationships. Untreated fibroids can even cause issues in a relationship due to the symptoms and potential negative effects on fertility.
Fibroids Treatment & Recovery Are Not As Bad As You Think
Historically, invasive fibroid surgeries like hysterectomies, which involve the removal of the uterus and could require weeks of recovery. A myomectomy may attempt fibroid removal while keeping the uterus intact, however, this still requires invasive surgery.
Luckily, modern medical technological advances have resulted in non-surgical fibroid treatments that effectively remove fibroids with much faster recovery times than traditional surgeries.
Fibroid embolization is one of the most innovative fibroid treatments available for women today. This minimally invasive procedure is performed in a surgical setting under light sedation to minimize any discomfort. A radiologist will use x-rays to guide a catheter to the uterine artery and release embolic agents to block the blood flow to the fibroids. When deprived of blood and the essential oxygen and nutrients it carries through the body, the fibroids shrink. The uterus itself stays healthy and whole. Most patients stay overnight for observation and are back to normal activities within five days. Some of the benefits of this treatment include that only a small incision is needed to insert the catheter. Recovery is even quicker than laparoscopic surgeries and general anesthesia is not necessary.
If you are showing signs of fibroid symptoms and think you have fibroids, schedule an appointment for a professional diagnosis. One of our fibroid surgeons will talk to you about your symptoms and perform a pelvic exam. We may order further testing including an imaging procedure such as an ultrasound. If uterine fibroids are diagnosed we will discuss the best fibroid treatment for you. Here at the Fibroid Treatment Collective, we offer free consultations in-office or over the phone. Feel free to contact us for more information. To learn more about fibroids, visit our homepage.
Uterine fibroids are growths that develop just inside or outside of a woman’s uterus or womb. They are non-cancerous and develop from normal muscle tissue that starts growing abnormally to form a benign tumor. This very common condition affects many women after puberty and usually over the age of 30. Uterine fibroids may be small enough that a woman does not even realize they are there, or they can grow into painful, large tumors that affect everyday life.
Do Fibroids Make You Tired?
Uterine fibroids can cause great stress in a relationship in addition to being debilitating to women. The pain associated with fibroids can be unbearable, this paired with an enlarged uterus, lack of mobility and reduced energy can be heart wrenching. Add long, heavy menstrual periods that seem like they will never end and extreme pain during intercourse and it seems as if fibroids have taken over your life. Stress paired with interrupted sleep patterns forms a vicious cycle that leaves you tired both mentally and physically. Carrying around the extra weight and size of fibroids can also be stressful and place pain on your pelvis, just as if you are pregnant. The extra size and weight further inhibits your mobility to do simple tasks on a daily basis. The lack of energy alone is depressing when you are just too tired to accomplish everyday activities as you used to.
There is no need to experience all of the pain and stress associated with fibroids because a newer procedure can be life changing and gives you your old life back immediately. Learn all about uterine fibroids and the specific procedure to remove them.
Possible Factors of Uterine Fibroids
Women who have had children have a lower risk of getting fibroids. Women who experience their first menstruation before the age of 10 are much more likely to develop fibroids. Women who take birth control pills are less likely to develop uterine fibroids and history of fibroids in the family, such as a sister or mother, makes a woman more likely to have fibroids. The growth of fibroids depends on the female hormone estrogen, so they develop after puberty and may tend to shrink or disappear after menopause because of the decline of estrogen levels. Waiting for this time in life in the hopes painful fibroids shrink is not a good option for women.
Most of the uterine fibroids are small enough that women do not notice any signs; however, larger tumors have distinct symptoms that can be very uncomfortable. Menstrual periods can last seven days or longer and provide discomfort with extremely heavy bleeding. Fibroids can cause a feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach or pelvis area with pain. Uterine fibroids can cause constipation and extreme pain with intercourse. A woman with fibroids may urinate frequently or have difficulty emptying her bladder. Backache and leg pain can also signal that uterine fibroids are present in a woman.
Uterine Fibroid Complications
Prolonged menstrual periods accompanied by heavy bleeding can cause a lack of iron, resulting in anemia in a woman with uterine fibroids. Anemia causes great tiredness and a lack of energy. It persists by not producing red blood cells at a rate fast enough to carry oxygen to body tissues.
A uterine fibroid can cause great pain if it hangs by a stalk and twists, thereby cutting of the blood supply from the fibroid.
Uterine fibroids can grow so large that your uterus expands to the size of a full term pregnancy and cause pressure on the uterus, making it hard to go about everyday activities. It can also cause backaches and restricts your movements.
Fibroids can cause pelvic pain that is constant or occasional and it can range from mild to extreme. It may be worse with intercourse or bowel movements.
Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids
The moderate and larger sized fibroids can often be felt by a doctor in a manual pelvic exam. Imaging tests can confirm the presence. An ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina or passed over the pelvis on the abdomen can confirm uterine fibroids as well as an MRI scanner.
Traditional Surgical Procedures
Traditionally, a hysterectomy was used to remove the entire uterus and the uterine fibroids in or around it. This procedure makes a woman unable to bear any children. A hysterectomy is a major surgery that requires a lot of time for recovery and often can have complications afterward.
An abdominal myomectomy is used to remove fibroids from a woman’s uterus. This surgery consists of a major abdominal surgery, which in turn can have complications of the incision and major downtime to recover.
Each of these types of major surgery require at least four days in the hospital and a long, 6-week recovery period.
Non-Surgical Approach
Uterine fibroid embolization is the best approach to remove fibroids. The patient does not need general anesthesia in an endovascular procedure. The procedure includes local anesthesia to the groin and making a tiny nick in the upper thigh. A catheter is inserted into the uterine arteries on each side of the groin that supply blood to the fibroid. Tiny particles are injected into each one that block the blood flow to the fibroid and cause it to shrink. This minimally invasive procedure allows women to return to work and normal daily activities within only one week.
The advantages of embolization over a major surgery alone make it one of the best procedures for uterine fibroids. It is a safe, simple procedure that only takes about 30 minutes with no hospital stay. You have less recovery time, no recurrence of fibroids and you keep your fertility so you can continue to have children. The best advantage is immediate relief from pain, anemia, heavy cycles and fatigue.
You can return to your old self immediately and start living your life on your terms instead of living a life on your fibroids terms. Call (866) 479-1523 today!
As any woman who has ever suffered from uterine fibroids can tell you, they can be extremely painful. In addition to symptoms like the need to urinate frequently, constipation, heavy menstrual bleeding, or prolonged menstrual periods, fibroids often cause pelvic pressure or pain, backaches, and leg pains. Sometimes this fibroid pain can become acute.
Why are Uterine Fibroids Painful?
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that develop on the walls or lining of the uterus, most often in women aged 40 – 50. Whether a fibroid is painful, and the severity of pain will depend on its location, size, and number of fibroids present. Fibroids can be painful for many reasons:
Sometimes fibroids become painful because they have outgrown their blood supply and begin to die. As the fibroid degenerates, its byproducts can cause abdominal pain.
Still other fibroids are painful because they are hanging by a stalk either inside or outside the uterus. These stalks can twist, cutting off the fibroids’ blood supply.
When fibroids are outside the uterus, they may press on your bladder, rectum or spinal nerves, causing abdominal pressure and backaches.
Fibroids inside your uterine walls can cause the shape of your uterus to become distorted, resulting in both pressure and pain.
Can Fibroids cause Abdominal Pain?
Yes, Fibroids can cause abdominal pain, but it is not the only reason. Whether it is a mild stomach ache you are suffering from, or sharp pain and cramps, abdominal pain–as mentioned– has many causes. For instance, it might merely be indigestion or constipation. Or perhaps it is a stomach virus, or, if you are a woman, monthly menstrual cramps.
Doctors determine common causes of abdominal pain by relying on physical examinations or tests, the actual characteristics of the pain, and by surgical or endoscopic options.
Fibroid Pain Symptoms Vary
Fibroid pain may be mild or extreme, constant or just occasional. It can flare up during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, exercise, or your period. Pain often radiates down the leg. Discomfort may also result when an enlarged uterus puts pressure on adjacent organs, such as the bladder or bowel. A specific type of fibroid, called ‘pedunculated’, grows on a stalk and causes severe pain if the stalk is twisted.
The Short Term Solutions
Use a Heating Pad.
A heating pad can be a great short term relief to fibroid pain that is in the stomach, although it does not replace a more long term treatment. Fibroids cause inflammation that can completely immobilize a person, and heating the affected areas will increase mobility. This is especially important for your safety if you are driving by yourself, as some fibroid pains can be so intense as to be distracting. Invest in a mobile heating pad if you have a life that is on the go.
Pick the Appropriate Over the Counter Drug.
Over the counter drugs may also give you some relief from fibroid symptoms in the short term. So called “silent but stable” fibroids that flare up intermittently can be a huge problem in the workplace, and a quick OTC will give you temporary relief until you can find a more permanent solution or at least get some privacy.
OTC drugs for fibroids may come with a vitamin D supplement or as an extract of a natural plant. If you need something stronger, do not proceed until you have consulted with your doctor.
Take Stock of Other Pills You Are Taking.
If you have fibroids with no symptoms, you may not even find out about your own condition until you begin taking a birth control pill or another kind of conflicting medication. If you find that your fibroids flare up after you take another pill, even if it is just a dietary supplement, then stop that regimen immediately and go see your doctor.
Consider Fibroid Embolization.
Fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is conducted by an experienced physician to get rid of the main source of fibroid pain. It does require incisions, but they are small, and there is usually only one required. You will recover much more quickly and have many less side effects and pain from this treatment than from some of the more serious treatments that you may incur if your situation goes untreated for a long time.
Embolization may sometimes be used in the place of a hysterectomy, and studies have shown that just under 90 percent of women experience at least a small amount of relief after the procedure. Embolization helps to reduce the size of fibroids in the body, and the symptoms of fibroids are almost always reduced after the embolization procedure.
The Long Term Solutions
Reduce the Stress in Your Life.
Studies have shown that people who are under more stress are more likely to develop fibroids. Although stress reduction is a long term solution that takes a certain period of time in order to notice physically, you will reduce the overall prevalence of fibroids in your life from this lifestyle change. You will also gradually reduce the symptoms of your fibroids in the present through a healthier lifestyle. You will have less of a use for over the counter solutions and relieve yourself of the side effects of those drugs as well.
Increase Your Vitamin D Intake.
One of the main reasons that African American women are three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women is because of the genetic predisposition towards less natural vitamin D production in the body. Take a vitamin D supplement every day if recommended by your doctor.
Determine Your Fibroid Type.
There are different treatment measures available for uterine fibroids versus calcified fibroids. The tip bellow this (Visit Your Doctor Regularly), although it may seem like a no brainer, will help you with this tip and speed up your overall treatment program exponentially. For instance, if you have a degenerating fibroid, you may require surgery, and it is better to know this earlier rather than later.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly.
Many women have worse problems than they deserve with fibroids because they do not visit the doctor on a regular basis. Only a practiced physician will be able to give you a regulated schedule that is sure to reduce your short term symptoms and better your long term condition. Before you assume that your doctor cannot help you, remember that you have only dealt directly with one case of fibroids: yours. Your doctor has dealt with many cases of fibroids from the many patients that he or she has seen.
Do not give up on your doctor just because the first treatment does not work. Cases of fibroids are different in each person, and it may take a few experiments in order to determine the right mix of treatments. One thing is for sure: You will find the right solution more quickly with a doctor than you would on your own.
There are many ways to deal with fibroids, so choose the method that best fits into your lifestyle. Use the methods above to reduce pain and increase your day to day productivity until you eventually get rid of the problem altogether.
When You are Sick of Living with Uterine Fibroid Pain
Managing the symptoms of your fibroids may work for a time, but for many women, such short-term approaches are not realistic long-term solutions. When it’s time to deal with the fibroid pain once and for all, you have several fibroid treatment options, including:
Non-surgical Fibroid Embolization
Embolization is a popular non-surgical option for dealing with all types of fibroids, whether they are located inside or outside of the uterus. Essentially, embolization deals with uterine fibroids by shutting down their oxygen supply so they shrink.
After the procedure, fibroids begin to shrink immediately and any heavy bleeding is stopped soon after. Embolization also keeps new fibroids from forming after the procedure, which is a major benefit. Embolization is also a popular choice among women who wish to conceive in the future, as the procedure does not affect fertility.
The overall success rate of fibroid embolization is 94%. In fact, the Fibroid Treatment Collective actually performed the very first non-surgical fibroid embolization in the United States in 1994 and has treated thousands of women with embolization since then.
Hysterectomy
When you undergo a hysterectomy, your uterus is removed from your body. In a total hysterectomy, the entire uterine system is removed. Sometimes, a patient and her doctor may choose to remove the uterus but leave the cervix in place, which is known as a sub-total hysterectomy.
Although hysterectomies are used to treat many conditions, uterine fibroids are the most common reason for the surgery, accounting for up to half of all hysterectomies.
A hysterectomy will permanently remove uterine fibroids because the uterus itself has been removed.
Women who have hysterectomies can no longer bear children.
Most hysterectomies are performed as abdominal surgeries, although some may be handled vaginally. Regardless of how the surgery is performed, a hysterectomy is a major surgical operation requiring a lengthy recovery time, so it is important to fully understand the potential risks and benefits before deciding to go this route.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is also a surgical procedure designed to remove fibroids from the uterus. This type of procedure may be done abdominally, laproscopically, or hysteroscopically (vaginally.)
Unlike a hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed, a myomectomy only removes the fibroid tumors themselves. This is good news for women who want to be able to conceive after the removal of their uterine fibroids, however there are some side effects to this type of procedure that may make it a less attractive option for women in their child-bearing years.
Although the uterus itself is not removed, a myomectomy procedure can cause uterine scarring that can affect fertility. Women may also experience problems with loss of blood, especially when large fibroids are removed.
Uterine fibroids can re-develop after a myomectomy, with a regrowth potential of 30% or more, depending on a woman’s age.
Conclusion
Not everyone is a candidate for embolization, hysterectomy or myomectomy, and just as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects with each of these options. Discuss your symptoms and the pros and cons of each possible treatment option with your doctor before making a decision on fibroid treatment.
Fibroids are abnormal growths on or in the uterus; the tumors can vary in size from the very small to some that are large enough to distend the uterus itself. Most fibroids are benign and non-cancerous; however they can result in several physical problems including severe pain, heavy blood flow and even complications with pregnancy or conception. By the age of 50, 50-70% of women have experienced fibroids. Read more on fibroid symptoms and their most commonly associated symptoms.
Five Most Common Fibroid Symptoms
Menstrual
Heavier than normal periods, painful cramping and abdominal discomfort, menstrual flow requiring additional protection such as thicker pads and/or tampons. Some menses can also become irregular with some spotting, or can become abnormally prolonged in length – up to seven days or more. This is one of the most common fibroid symptoms women experience.
Pelvic Pressure
Pain in the abdomen and pelvis can become chronic and constant. Some experience discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse and can develop pressure, bloating and swelling within the abdominal wall.
Bowel and Bladder Control
Frequent urination and loss of bladder control can occur – many women experience this to such a degree that adult diapers are sometimes needed. Conversely, women can also find it difficult to empty their bladders, and also have bouts of constipation. In rare cases, kidney blockage can also occur.
Pregnancy/Conception Problems
Difficulty conceiving is often one of the first symptoms of fibroid tumors, as they can make it difficult or impossible to become pregnant. Sadly, in some cases miscarriages are also a factor, and other complications with ongoing pregnancies can also happen, such as placental abruption and premature labor.
Back and Leg Pain
Can come on suddenly and sharply without warning, and can also be constant and chronic.
Diagnosis and fibroids treatment require a gynecologist to administer a pelvic exam to determine the existence of any tumors, their size and type, and the overall condition of the uterus itself. An ultrasound may be needed so that the doctor can determine what, if any treatment is needed. In some cases, a pelvic MRI – which is an in-depth image analysis of the pelvic area and uterus — may be recommended for diagnosis.
Depending on age, size, and type of tumors, one or a combination of treatments can be offered. There are several medications available which can help regulate hormone levels ; in some cases, menstruation may cease, and fibroids can shrink. Other options include an intrauterine device (IUD), as well as anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen, and even birth control pills may be recommended.
In less common cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tumors. Many of these procedures are fairly non-invasive – laparoscopic procedures using small incisions and a camera, for instance, and a new procedure called “forced ultrasound surgery” (FUI) might be used. FUI uses high-frequency sound waves to destroy the fibroids and is completely non-invasive. Other treatments include Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which uses a small catheter inserted into the femoral artery in your upper thigh that cuts off blood flow to the fibroids so the shrink from malnourishment. In extreme cases, surgery may also include a full hysterectomy and removal of the reproductive system – but only if other avenues have proven unsuccessful and your condition becomes worse.
If you are experiencing sharp and sudden pains, abdominal discomfort, heavy bleeding, or are having trouble getting pregnant, please contact us and arrange an exam. Again, in most cases, these fibroids are non-cancerous and are relatively harmless; it is their fibroid symptoms which cause a variety of issues with regard to pain and successful pregnancy. Our doctors will be able to treat your case fairly easily and quickly, depending on the size and the location of the tumors. If you are pregnant and develop fibroids, your doctor can monitor your condition and progress carefully, and in most cases, your pregnancy will be uneventful and successful.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, you may also call during business hours. We will do everything we can to assist and guide you.
A common issue that 20% to 40% of women encounter at least once in their lifetime is the growth of fibroids. Some demographics, particularly African-American women, are more likely to get fibroids. Black women are three times more likely to experience fibroids, and the growth of these benign tumors often occur earlier in life than average. If you currently have fibroids or if fibroids appear to run in your family, you may be wondering how fibroids will affect future pregnancies. Here is everything you need to know about the impact of fibroids on pregnancies and the risks fibroids may pose to your baby.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are tumors that are noncancerous in nature. These fibroids grow in the muscle tissue of the uterus. While fibroids commonly grow in the uterine wall, they can also grow outside the uterine wall or even into your uterine cavity. Women can, and often do, have more than one fibroid in their uterus at a time. Fibroids are commonly referred to as myomas or uterine leiomyomas. The size of fibroids varies drastically. Fibroids can be pea-sized, but they can also grow to be as large as a melon or basketball. Even though fibroids can grow to become incredibly large, they are almost always benign. However, large fibroids can negatively affect the function of both the uterus and nearby organs. This is especially true if there are multiple large fibroids and not just one.
What are the symptoms of fibroids in pregnant women?
In many cases, women only find out that they have fibroids in their uterus when they go for their first ultrasound to monitor the development of the baby because fibroids often cause no symptoms. However, in some cases, women will start to experience symptoms of fibroids during and after their pregnancy. The most common symptoms in expecting mothers include pain, fever, nausea, and sometimes an increase in the level of white blood cells in the blood. Pain medication is usually recommended for women to help them cope with pain and discomfort. While fibroids can be removed in a number of ways, a woman cannot have her fibroids removed once she is pregnant. During pregnancy, the uterus is far more prone to bleeding. Therefore, the fibroids can’t be removed from the womb. If a pregnant woman wants to have her fibroids removed from her uterus, she will have to wait until after she delivers the baby. That way, the risk of excessive bleeding or other complications is far lower.
Can I Get Pregnant with Fibroids?
The effect that uterine fibroids have on fertility varies from woman to woman. Based on various studies, it is estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of all infertile women have at least one fibroid. However, this does not necessarily mean that the fibroids caused these women to be infertile. In general, the effect uterine fibroids have on fertility depends mostly on size and location. For example, fibroids that occur within the uterine cavity are more likely to result in infertility than fibroids that arise in other areas of the uterus. Also, fibroids in the wall of the uterus that are larger than six centimeters in diameter are also likely to cause infertility. Fortunately, large fibroids and growths that occur in the uterine cavity are uncommon. The vast majority of women will not become infertile due to fibroids. If you suspect that fibroids are impacting your fertility, you and your partner should be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that other issues aren’t the cause of infertility.
How can fibroids cause infertility?
While fibroids typically don’t impact fertility, there are several ways these growths can reduce fertility. The most common way fibroids cause infertility is by growing too large. Excessively large fibroids can potentially change the shape of your uterus or cervix. If the shape of the cervix is affected, this may reduce the number of sperm that can enter your uterus. A distorted uterus can affect the embryo or the movement of sperm within the uterus.
In some cases, the fibroids will block the fallopian tubes, which will reduce the ability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to term. Fibroids in the uterine cavity can impact the size of the cavity’s lining. Finally, if fibroids affect the flow of blood to the uterine cavity, this can reduce the ability of any embryos to implant in the uterine wall to develop further.
What are the risks that fibroids pose to an unborn baby?
If you are pregnant and you have fibroids, you may be worried about the risks fibroids may potentially pose to your unborn baby. Fibroids occasionally lead to complications during pregnancy. A typical example of such a complexity is a large fibroid obstructing the opening of the uterus. In such a scenario, doctors will likely have the woman deliver her baby via a C-section. In most cases, fibroids will not pose so great of a risk to an unborn baby that a miscarriage occurs. Extremely large fibroids can affect the position of the baby in the uterus. This may increase the risk of preterm delivery for the unborn baby.
What should pregnant women with fibroids expect?
What to expect when you’re pregnant with fibroids? When it comes to fibroids, pregnant women don’t have to worry too much. Fibroids occur only in about 10% of all pregnant women. This is likely because fibroids tend to appear later in life for women rather than earlier. In some cases, fibroids will change size in pregnant women. Fibroids may grow larger or become smaller during a pregnancy. Usually, the change in the size of the fibroids occurs in the first three months of pregnancy. It is natural for pregnant women to be concerned about the well-being of their unborn baby. Fortunately, pregnant women have little to worry about if they have fibroids. To be safe, it is best to consult your physician about the possible impact your fibroids will have on your pregnancy.
If you are a woman living with uterine fibroids, one of the symptoms you may be experiencing is depression. While it is still unclear exactly what may be the causative link between the two conditions, enough women experience the two disabling conditions simultaneously to warrant further studies.
Anywhere from 20 to 80 percent of women of child-bearing age develop uterine fibroids before their 50th birthday. As women approach perimenopause, the risk of developing fibroids increases. Some women who have fibroids remain asymptomatic, and their conditions are only revealed during routine physical examinations. Other women experience a plethora of symptoms, some of which may be quite disabling and may include the following:
Painful, heavy periods
Urinary retention or frequency
Rectal pressure
Abdominal pain and swelling
Sexual dysfunction and painful intercourse
Do fibroids cause depression, or does depression lead to fibroids?
When you are truly suffering from the effects of uterine fibroids, the “chicken or the egg” question doesn’t really matter all that much. It is easy to see how a woman trying to cope with the everyday stressors of life while dealing with the complications of uterine fibroids could become overwhelmed and depressed.
Heavy, painful periods that last longer than a few days or a week can sap a woman’s energy and leave her physically drained. Pain during intercourse can slam the door on intimacy, which can in turn have a trickle-down effect on a woman’s relationship with her spouse or partner. Dealing with urinary frequency can make life much more difficult, as women may curtail exercise routines or other enjoyable activities out of a fear of not being able to “hold it” until they can get to a bathroom. Conversely, if a fibroid is applying pressure to the ureters, a woman might not be able to void her urine and may even need to be catheterized. When you consider all of the above, it’s no wonder that depression and uterine fibroids are often a co-diagnoses.
The flip side of the depression/fibroid coin
At least one segment of the population — African-American women — has been the focus to examine the role of depression and other mental health conditions in uterine fibroid development.
A research team from Boston University studied nearly 16,000 women of childbearing age who were participants in a Black Women’s Health Study. The team conducted an analysis of the group’s medical statistics and published their findings in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2012.
During separate periods in the past two decades, researchers provided questionnaires utilizing the depression scale from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies to women in the group in order to assess and evaluate any symptoms they manifested that were linked to depression.
Then, over a dozen-year period, they requested that the women follow up with surveys every other year. These surveys asked questions that included:
Had they gotten a diagnosis of fibroids via surgery or ultrasound?
Were they diagnosed by a physician or mental health professional as being depressed?
Were they prescribed, and did they take, any antidepressants?
Of those women surveyed, there were 4,722 who were diagnosed with uterine fibroids during the study. Of that group, researchers noted that the higher the risk for depression, the greater likelihood of an enhanced risk for the development of uterine fibroids.
The science behind the link
Researchers hypothesized that this link between co-diagnoses of uterine fibroids and depression has to do with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. While the full role of the HPA axis is out of the breadth and scope of this post, suffice it to say that this axis is part of the human body’s internal communication system that regulates one’s response to stress and other emotions.
When the HPA axis goes out of whack, the stress response intensifies, altering moods and potentially causing depression. Additionally, hormone processing can be affected by depression; it’s been found that when women have higher progesterone levels, there is more rapid growth of uterine fibroids.
Another possible cause — the onset of menopause?
Menopause and perimenopause bring many changes to a woman’s body. While some women may be relieved to no longer have to worry about birth control and periods, others mourn the loss of their fertility that accompanies this transition. For those women, the stressors of aging and coping with the physical and psychological implications of menopause can induce stress that can easily segue right into depression before the women are able to get a handle on their emotions.
Whatever the science is behind the dual diagnoses, there is no need for any woman to soldier on while struggling to manage two debilitating conditions. In the past, many gynecologists recommended that their patients who were truly suffering undergo partial or even complete hysterectomies. Yet surgical menopause can bring its own set of complications and side effects that many women prefer to avoid entirely. There is also a risk to any major surgery where a general anesthesia is used, and surgeons tend to err on the side of caution in these types of medical situations.
Choosing a less invasive treatment for relief
If you are a woman suffering with both depression and uterine fibroids, you will be glad to learn that there are remedies out there that do not require either a partial or complete hysterectomy. Fibroid embolizations block the pathways to the blood vessels that feed the fibroids and cause them to increase in size. Without the infusion of life-sustaining blood, the fibroids wither and die without the woman ever having to be subjected to major invasive procedures.
If you are concerned about your depression and fibroid risks, a fibroid embolization might be the best treatment for you. To schedule a free consultation with leading surgeons who perform this procedure, call (866) 479-1523 to learn more.
Women are resilient and powerful. They endure the pains of childbirth, monthly menstruation, and a host of other conditions brought on simply by being a woman. Fibroids are no exception. Fibroids are common benign tumors of uterine origin that commonly develop as various sized single tumors or as grouped clusters. They occur mainly in pre-menopausal women. They may grow either towards the uterine cavity, the abdominal cavity, or they are located within the uterine wall. But wherever they are found, women all describe them as one thing; painful. But there is a way out!
With 40% of women aged between 35 and 55 affected, many delay seeing their doctors. There are factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing fibroids that span from eating habits to family history. For example, women of color, especially African-American women, are more susceptible to fibroid development.
What are the Symptoms?
For many women learning to live and cope with the uterine fibroid symptoms is what proves most difficult. For example, heavy periods are a common symptom and seriously get in their way of life. Bleeding is so constant they frequently have to change their tampon, sometimes every 30 minutes as well as pairing them with more than one sanitary napkin. Many take time off work, cancel dates with friends, or miss opportunities. The pressure fibroids place on your pelvic cavity can cause frequent trips to the restroom throughout the day and night. Many have to learn how to prevent embarrassing leaks, but this does not compensate for their disrupted daily life. Furthermore, when left untreated, fibroids can grow in size and the excessive blood loss creates a risk of iron deficiency.
Heavy bleeding is only one of the countless symptoms of fibroids. Fibroids can cause longer, painful periods, lower back pain, discomfort during sex, and difficulty during pregnancy. Some women cope by taking pills but ultimately, coping is not the answer! Most women have constant discomfort and must be near a toilet at all times. Imagine the inconvenience! Fibroids also can impact your fertility, thus making it harder to get pregnant. This increases the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and this becomes greater once you conceive. So if you’re thinking of starting a family, that’s another good reason to speak to your doctor. No one should have to live with such a burden, not when there are safe and viable options.
So to recap: incredibly heavy periods, horrible uterine pain, irritability caused from constantly being in pain, inability to have sex due to the pain, and strains on one’s love life are just some of the inconveniences of fibroids. Furthermore, fibroids can cause constant pain, forces you to constantly be changing pads and tampons, spend thousands of dollars on these feminine hygiene products as well as the clothes ruined, never feeling confident to wear white, relationships can become strained, not being able to go about your daily life or accomplish everything you want to in a day because of how inhibiting fibroids can be, make fibroids are unpleasant and uncomfortable part of life. Your self-esteem and value as woman suffers because of the trauma brought on by this condition. But that doesn’t have to be the end.
Is There Hope for Me or My Loved One?
There is hope! Although fibroids aren’t life-threatening you should take action so these symptoms no longer dictate how you live your life. Apart from anything, fibroids are more treatable today than ever before. There are options for every situation including surgery, oral pills, or controlling bleeding. It’s all about finding the most effective treatment for you. So while you may feel that you can continue to ‘cope’ with the symptoms of fibroids, there’s really no need. One such option: Fibroid Embolization.
Fibroid Embolization may be the answer to getting your life back to normal and pain free!
Embolization has been around since 1975. Doctors perform this procedure to reduce bleeding during uterine surgery. One important effect of the treatment is it shrinks the fibroids. This effective, non-invasive treatment gave hope to many and led to further studies, trials and has ultimately found acceptance in the world of medicine. Today, women across the globe have found relief with this safe, simple procedure. Imagine living a life free from constant worrying and embarrassment. Hundreds of thousands of women have and they are living worry free! They once again have the confidence to wear whatever they want whenever they want. So can you! Having the assurance that you won’t constantly need to make trips to the restroom or forgo an evening out because of what could happen. Embolization is minimally invasive and very safe! The freedom it offers is invaluable. The side effects are minimal and can’t compare to the comfort and peace of mind it brings. Post procedure cramping is the most common side effects, but is usually controlled by pain-killers. However, the effects are nothing compared to the freedom and security that this procedure offers!
How would Fibroid Embolization do just that?
Doctors use fluoroscopy, a type of real-time x-ray, to deliver and guide embolic agents to the uterus and fibroids. The embolic agents cause the fibroids to shrink by blocking the arteries that supply them blood. No more embarrassing leaks or involuntary trips to the restroom. Uterine Fibroid Embolization has an overall success rate of 94%. This means 94% of all patients who had the procedure experienced relief from their symptoms and significant fibroid shrinkage. Furthermore:
99% of patients had immediate relief from heavy bleeding
94% of patients experienced 50-60 percent shrinkage
48% of patients who attempted to conceive were successful
99% of patients returned to work in less than a week
There is hope for you! No need to cope! Just take action. Consult a doctor about Fibroid Embolization and get back to life as usual! Call (866) 479-1523 for a Doctor Today!
Uterine fibroids are a common issue that many women face at some point in their lives. While some races and groups of women are more likely to get fibroids, all women who have a uterus can get fibroids. While these tumors are normally benign, they can grow to be very big in terms of size. If you have fibroids or if you expect to get fibroids at some point because they run in your family, you may be wondering about the impact fibroids will have on your relationships. Here is everything you need to know about the impact uterine fibroids can have on your romantic and platonic relationships.
What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow on or within the uterus and are benign in nature. This means that fibroids are not an indication of cancer in most cases, even though these growths can become very big. Uterine fibroids develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. Most commonly, fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus. However, they can also grow outside of the wall of the uterus or even within the actual uterine cavity. Women can have just one or multiple fibroids in their uterus at one time. Other common names for uterine fibroids include uterine leoimyomas and myomas.
Fibroids can be small or incredibly large in size. In fact, fibroids can develop and grow to be as large as a melon. At the same time, fibroids can be as small as a pea. The size of fibroids varies from woman to woman. Not only that, but women can have both small and large fibroids in their uterus at the same time. Even the fibroids that grow to incredibly large sizes are usually benign. While fibroids are noncancerous in most cases, they can end up negatively impacting the function of the uterus and nearby organs if they grow to very large sizes. The presence of several large fibroids can distort organs and impair function.
What impact do fibroids have on daily life?
The impact fibroids have on your daily life will depend on a number of factors. In some cases, uterine fibroids will not impact daily life for a woman at all because of the lack of symptoms. In other cases, uterine fibroids will result in a number of severe symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of fibroids include pain, heavy periods, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The severity of all of these symptoms can range from light to extreme. Physicians recommend that women take pain medications to deal with the pain associated with uterine fibroids.
Fibroids definitely have a negative impact on daily life for women who experience extreme pain or nausea. In some cases, women experience such severe pain that they become incapable of going to work, doing chores around the house, or just living their life. Spouses of women with serious pain from fibroids may become frustrated because they are forced to take on more responsibilities. If a woman quits her job as a result of the severe pain, this may lead to financial instability for a family, which is not a good recipe for a healthy relationship for a couple.
Women with extreme pain from fibroids may lose contact with friends and coworkers because of their inability to go to work or even just leave their bed for an extended period of time.
What impact do fibroids have on sex?
For some women, uterine fibroids have no impact on their sex lives. However, for other women, fibroids have essentially eliminated the possibility of a sex life for a couple. In some cases, fibroids can cause extreme pain for a woman during sexual intercourse. As you’d expect, this can lead to discomfort and even resentment for both spouses.
In some cases, a woman will feel like she is not fulfilling her role or “duty” as a wife because she is unable to have sex with her husband. Some husbands, out of frustration, resort to adultery in order to satiate their needs. This then leads to feelings of resentment by the woman. Wives often feel helpless because they believe that they cannot stop the adultery as long as they cannot have sex with their husbands.
What impact do fibroids have on fertility?
While fibroids don’t impact fertility in most cases, it can result in infertility for some women. In general, fibroids will impact fertility if they grow to excessively large sizes or if they grow in the fallopian tubes of the uterus. Couples who believe that fibroids are reducing their fertility should visit a physician to rule out other potential causes of infertility.
Women who become infertile as a result of their fibroids may fall into a depression or state of discontent because they are unable to have children. This is why women who have a family history of fibroids are advised to have children earlier rather than later before they develop fibroids. The inability to have a child can impact the relationship between two spouses in a negative way. The husband may feel resentment towards the wife due to her inability to bear a child. Depression can also negatively affect the quality of the relationship of a couple.
What are some solutions?
If you feel that your fibroids are causing your quality of life and relationships to go down the drain, you should consider undergoing fibroid embolization. The fibroid embolization procedure is a non-invasive yet effective way to eliminate your fibroids. This procedure works by cutting off the flow of blood to your fibroids, so that they become smaller in size over time.
As you can see, fibroids can impact your platonic and romantic relationships in a number of serious ways. Fortunately, if you are suffering from your uterine fibroids, you can take action by undergoing a fibroid embolization procedure to improve your quality of life and save your relationships.
Today, there are speculations and studies about what’s fact and what’s fiction concerning birth control pills and their affect on fibroids. And the choice of treatment ranges from non-medical to major surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition. There are also several types of therapies using anti-inflammatory remedies to control the growth and pain levels of fibroids.
In recent years more information about fibroids has been discovered through medical research and breakthroughs helping to understand the truth behind the cause and effect of fibroids. Although we don’t know everything, we have learned fibroids are independent growths, which can multiply and vary in sizes. Over eighty percent of women at some time during their lives develop fibroids and most share the known symptoms, while others go undetected without any problems.
The symptoms of fibroids vary in degrees of pain and inconveniences are mild to severe, accompanied by heavy bleeding or pressure to other organs located in body’s lower abdominal area. The majority of fibroids are non-cancerous and those affecting one’s health can be treated without surgery, depending on a physician’s diagnosis of the patient’s condition. The cause of fibroids isn’t completely known, but there are links between hereditary, dietary and natural hormonal responses by the body itself. Medical practitioners believe and research has recognized the increased levels of estrogen generated by the body preparing for pregnancy and preventative medicines like birth control have a correlation between the cause and effect of uterine fibroids.
Here’s some information based on the medical findings:
Facts
Medical research continues to study fibroids for the actual cause of development and growth contributors along with effective treatments. There are two major components known for stimulating the growth of fibroids; estrogen and progesterone. Birth control pills contain both of these elements causing the medical industry to take additional steps in studying the levels of estrogen and the potential rate of fibroid enlargement caused by a women’s use of prescribed birth control pills.
Over twenty years ago, the industry identified an effective non-invasive method of treating fibroids; reducing the size and the side effects dramatically. This non-surgical procedure is called uterine fibroid embolization. It uses a direct approach of placing embolic agents into the uterus and the actual fibroid. The embolic agents block the flow of blood to the fibroids causing them to shrink and over 90 percent of the women selecting this option experience significant health improvements related to fibroid and the secondary symptoms.
More than twenty-five percent of women in childbearing years have one or more fibroids, but less than fifty percent of these women suffer from the symptoms, requiring some form of treatment. Between the uterine fibroid embolization, hysterectomy studies and patient feedback uterine fibroid embolization works best at returning good health in most cases. Like all medical procedures, it’s a good idea to speak with an experience physician and perhaps a second opinion before undergoing any type of health procedure.
Women’s bodies are as different as the individual when it comes to the production of hormones with some females generating excessive amounts, while others find it necessary to use hormone replacement alternatives. Today, birth control pills vary in the dose of estrogen or the combination of estrogen and progesterone. Even with the lower dose of hormones, it’s a good idea for women taking birth control pills to visit the doctor routinely to ensure the potential threat of painful fibroids is monitored. Current treatments show remarkable results with the capacity to control hormone levels throughout a women’s life, particularly during two phases when change is a natural progression within the body. The first is during pregnancy when these two hormones are generated in excess and anti-hormone medication can be used to control production and prevent or reduce the growth of uterine fibroids. The second, as women enter menopause uterine fibroids start to diminish as the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone.
Fiction
The industry knows what causes the growth of fibroids, but there is still some research being done as to the why these uterine tumors develop in the first place. Many patients believe they have no choice but to live with the pain of fibroids. It’s not true, there are solutions for the condition and treatment depends on the patient’s health, phase of life and the stage of severity. Procedures like uterine fibroid embolization may require an overnight stay at the hospital with a much faster rate of recovery compared to surgery. Uterine fibroid embolization is considered to be a minimal invasive procedure where surgery is considered an aggressive medical process for treatment.
Some patients believe self-treatment can prevent or eliminate fibroids, in some cases, medication can reduce the symptoms of fibroids, and taking over the counter drugs for slight pain may diminish the pain but it doesn’t heal or shrink the fibroid. The same with replacing dietary iron to prevent anemia from heavy blood loss, it may help temporarily, but doesn’t eliminate the problem. Masking the issue or symptoms is not the best solution for treating this condition.
Another fallacy about fibroids is the serious casualties regarding pregnancies. Most women have fibroids during this stage of life and go through the full term of the pregnancy without problems delivering healthy children. In today’s healthcare, obstetricians are well trained and experienced in dealing with fibroid during pregnancy.
Finally, having fibroids does not increase the risk of developing a cancerous tumor. It’s rare that fibroid tumors are cancerous and as of today, the majority of fibroids are benign. Fibroids do not increase a woman’s chance of getting other forms of uterine cancer. There are situations where fibroids may enlarge causing the stomach area to look bloated or cause pain because of the pressure placed on the bladder. If this occurs, it is recommended to get an examination by a professional doctor specializing in this form of uterine growth.
Making a decision to have a surgical procedure is never easy. But if your uterine fibroids are causing heavy bleeding, fatigue, embarrassment in social situations, infertility and other symptoms, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) should be a serious consideration. UFE is a minimally invasive option that can give you greater freedom and improve health outcomes. This includes anemia and chronic pain, and preserve the hope of having a healthy pregnancy. But minimally invasive procedures still have risks. Is UFE worth it? By far, the positive effects of UFE make it a choice that can be made with confidence. Many women happily report changes in the following:
1. Relief from Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
99 percent of patients have immediate relief from heavy menstrual bleeding after UFE and return to work less than a week after the procedure. Many women report their period is shorter than it was prior to embolization. In addition, women who undergo UFE will generally have much lighter periods. They can feel confident knowing that these agonizing and unusually heavy menstrual periods will cease after the UFE. A few may experience irregular menstrual cycles between 3 to 6 months after UFE. However, the possibility of this still occurring is less than 1 percent for women below the age of 40 and around 10 percent for women who are over 45. Overall, improvements to the menstrual cycle are remarkable, as well as the freedom and flexibility of not having to worry about or plan for the inconvenience of a heavy period.
2. Alleviate Chronic Pain
Some women with fibroids may experience agonizing periods, slight aches in their thighs, back pain or a bloating or fullness feeling in their lower stomach area. Fibroids and pain each point to a different warning signaling from the body. For example, menstrual cramps during a period may be common for some individuals, but for women with fibroids, this pain may be due to large clots of blood pushing through the cervix. Cramps may also be a result of the uterus trying to push out a submucosal fibroid that is in the cavity of the uterus. Also, some fibroids become so big they begin to push on nerves and blood vessels that extend out to the legs, which causes significant leg pain and discomfort. A wonderful benefit of UFE is that the pain you associate with fibroids dwindles within a brief length of time post-procedure.
3. Diminish Anemia
Menorrhagia, the heavy menstrual bleeding people associate with fibroids, can cause women to become anemic, sometimes to the point of requiring a blood transfusion. Fatigue and dizzyness is common for women due to their anemia and fibroids. This is due to the loss of iron which carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream. However, once the fibroids are eliminated, heavy bleeding will diminish. As a result, your body is able to recover and you can build up your iron reserves gradually, without the threat of further heavy blood loss.
4. Eliminate Discomfort from Sex
Fibroid symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, uncontrollable urination, and bloating, can make sex less than a pleasurable experience. Since fibroids shrink soon after UFE, the pain and discomfort from sex and fibroids generally improves. Additionally, the removal of the fibroids allows the uterus to better contract. This results in a woman’s sexual experience notably improving after UFE. Perhaps most important, UFE has little to no effect on a woman’s hormonal status. As the level of sexual desire is typically maintains rather than decreases.
5. Increase in Body Image
Many women notice a significant change in how their body, particularly their abdomen, looks after the procedure. While before UFE, many women have a noticeable “pooch” or rounded belly where the enlarged uterus protrudes, the abdomen is noticeably flatter and smoother after UFE. In many cases, the fibroid, or fibroids, decrease to a size where they no longer are outwardly visible. However, depending on the size of the fibroid(s) and the amount of time it takes for them to shrink, there is still the chance that a slight protrusion in the abdominal area will remain for some women.
6. Fibroid Shrinkage
Uterine fibroid embolization has an overall success rate of 94 percent. This means 94 percent of patients experienced 50 to 60 percent shrinkage of their fibroids. After UFE, the embolized fibroid begins the process of shrinking. It immediately loses its supply of oxygen, blood, and nutrients. Over the subsequent weeks and months, individual muscle cells in the fibroid die off and are replaced by scar tissue. This scar tissue is about half as big as the original fibroid, or slightly smaller. Because scar tissue is not influenced by hormonal stimulation like fibroids are, the normal menstrual cycle no longer causes fibroids to grow, resulting in lighter periods, less pain, and less pressure.
7. Pregnancy
Pregnancy and fibroids can be a challenge. For many women, the ultimate goal of fibroid treatment is conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy, and ultimately delivering a healthy baby. Statistics show that between 39 and 48 percent of patients who attempt to conceive after UFE were successful. Further, since UFE causes no changes to a woman’s hormonal status, the factors necessary to stimulate and nurture a new pregnancy are not compromised. One of the benefits of UFE is that while fibroids die due to the blocking of blood supply. Simultaneously, the uterus itself is not affected. The uterus still maintains a healthy blood supply for supporting a healthy pregnancy. Finally, since there’s no fibroid re-growth after UFE, women of child-bearing age can try to get pregnant. This is in contrast to racing against the clock in case their fibroids reoccur.
Fibroids are a very common condition for women in the United States. A recent study states, by the age of 50, 70 percent of women will have developed uterine fibroids at some point in their life. When fibroids develop in a woman’s uterus, they are non-cancerous and in fact, do not present fibroid symptoms in the early stages or when they are very small. As symptoms develop, women may experience any of the following: heavy bleeding, swollen abdomen, frequent urination, painful intercourse, lower back pain, and/or fertility issues. The degree to which a woman may experience these symptoms can vary, however, it is important that when fibroids are diagnosed that treatment is sought as soon as possible, even if the symptoms are manageable.
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4. Eliminate Discomfort from Sex