Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow on or in the muscular walls of the uterus. As such, they are rarely going to prove a significant danger. However, they do have a range of negative effects if left untreated. In some cases, they can develop into what are called degenerating fibroids.
While fibroids are non-cancerous, they cause uncomfortable and often painful symptoms and can lead to infertility. If fibroids aggressively grow, they can degenerate, causing significant pain to the patient. Since they are living tissue, they require oxygen and nutrients to survive and grow.
These components are supplied by blood vessels in and around the uterus.
When fibroids become too large, the blood vessels supplying the blood are no longer able to provide enough sustenance to meet the fibroid’s needs. Though this may seem good at first, it can have unpleasant effects. When this happens, the cells of the fibroid begin to die in a process called degeneration.
What are the Main Symptoms of Degenerating Fibroids
The most reliable way to identify fibroids is by professional diagnosis. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, they may be a sign of fibroids. The main signs of fibroids include:
- Abnormal or heavy periods
- A feeling of fullness or swelling in the lower abdomen
- Weight gain
- Frequent urination
Many women experience painful cramping during their periods due to fibroids. However, one of the main indicators of a degenerating fibroid is an acute stabbing pain and swelling in the abdomen. The pain and swelling are caused by the release of chemicals from the fibroids as the cells die. Some women may also experience a fever.
Degenerating Fibroids: Changes in Symptoms
Once enough of the fibroid cells have died, it can survive on the blood flow available from the blood vessels. In other words, the degenerating fibroids have reached a pause. Since it is no longer degenerating, the pain often subsides. Still, it is essential to seek treatment. There is the risk that once the blood supply returns to the fibroid, it will begin to grow again. When this happens, the cycle continues. Eventually, it will reach the point of degeneration once more.
Variations of Degenerating Fibroids
In rare circumstances, the fibroid grows on a stalk of tissue extending from the uterine wall. In such cases, the stalk can twist and cut off the supply of blood. When this happens, the fibroid begins to die. However, the pain can become severe and last significantly longer than an average degeneration.
Surgery may be necessary to remove the fibroid and stop the pain. However, your physician will discuss all possible treatment options with you.
Another variation of fibroid degeneration occurs during pregnancy. It is called necrobiosis. The symptoms of necrobiosis include severe abdominal pain and bleeding. Understandably, both of which are particularly worrisome during pregnancy. For peace of mind, we recommend seeking a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Duration of Symptoms for Degenerating Fibroids
The pain of degeneration can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Many patients can treat the pain with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or heating pads. However, it is important to have professional medical assessment and treatment. This is especially true if you have severe pain, abnormal bleeding, or any of the symptoms associated with fibroids or calcified fibroids.
Even if your symptoms seem to have subsided, we recommend that you come in for evaluation. Your fibroid may simply have stopped degenerating. If this is the case, you may feel fewer or lessened symptoms for a time. But, they will inevitably return until you fully treat the fibroids. The only way to solve the problem is to get to the root of it.
What are Degenerating Fibroids Treatment Options?
At the Fibroid Treatment Center in Beverly Hills, our doctors are pioneers in uterine fibroid embolization. This is a cutting-edge non-surgical fibroid treatment. Using the latest advances in medicine, they developed and perfected an embolization fibroid treatment.
This treatment has a high success rate in not only removing fibroids but preventing reoccurrence. This second effect is utterly crucial. If you only treat the symptoms, you will continue to suffer from degenerating fibroids. But, when you treat the root problem, you restore your body to a more balanced state.
We offer technologically advanced forms of diagnosis to improve accuracy and detection. Our expert physicians make the most of imaging tests such as ultrasounds and MRIs to accurately identify fibroids. Additionally, we use a variety of minimally invasive treatments to remove the growths. Every step of the way, our goal is to keep you comfortable and safe.
Risks of Living With Fibroids
Women who suffer from uterine fibroids do not have to live with the symptoms. There is a way to say goodbye to heavy bleeding, painful cramping, and the other troublesome symptoms of fibroids. You do not need to suffer through the acute pain of a degenerating fibroid. They do not need to put their fertility at risk. There is treatment available.
Living with fibroids may not be life-threatening, but it still severely impacts your life. You can experience negative effects that are both physical and emotional, only worsening the longer you have them. Instead, take this chance to take control back over your body. It is time to stop living with pain and discomfort. Call the best fibroids doctors Beverly Hills has to offer.
Fibroid Relief
If you are showing any symptoms and think you have fibroids, schedule an appointment for a professional diagnosis. One of our medical professionals 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 fibroids are diagnosed, we will discuss the best fibroid treatment for you. Here at the Fibroid Treatment Center, we offer free consultations in-office or over the phone. We encourage you to contact us for more information and to have any questions answered. To learn more about fibroids, visit our homepage.