Fibroids are nonmalignant tumors in the uterus. Even though they can be annoying they rarely cause any serious complications. The most common group of women having these tumors are those who are over 30 but have not yet reached their menopause.
The information about the causes of fibroids is still rather scarce. However, there are some factors that have been associated to the development of these tumors.
It is believed that the increase of the hormones estrogen and progesterone contribute to uterine fibroids since fibroids contain higher amounts of these hormones than do regular uterine muscle cells. Other chemicals in the body that help to maintain tissues are also believed to be a contributing factor in the development of uterine fibroids.
Most women will develop fibroid tumors sometime during their life, but most do not know they have them because they produce very little symptoms. They are most likely to be discovered during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. They rarely cause problems or require treatment.
However, if they are rather large and cause some harm, they can be removed or shrinked using medical and surgical approach. If the symptoms are very severe, such as heavy bleeding and intense pain, they may need emergency surgery. However, this is extremely rare.
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include painful menstrual periods that last longer than normally, heavier bleeding during periods than normally, pressure in lower abdomen, more frequent urination, painful intercourse, and constipation. If your symptoms develop so severe that they significantly affect for the quality of your life, you should immediately contact to your doctor.
Sometimes fibroids are painful when they start to die due to lack of blood circulation. The substances released from the dying fibroid can cause some ache. Again, if the symptoms are intense, you should meet a physician.
If the fibroids develop inside of the uterus they can cause increased and prolonged bleeding during menstrual periods. These fibroids can also cause difficulties to get pregnant. When the fibroids are outside of the uterus they can cause for example constipation, difficulties to urinate, increased need of urination, and pain in lower back, depending on their location.
It is important to seek medical attention if you have pelvic pain that doesn’t go away, have unusually long and heavy periods, spotting or bleeding between periods, painful intercourse, difficulty with urination or difficulty with bowel movements. It is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention if you suddenly experience sharp pelvic pain or heavy bleeding.
About the Author
Visit PCOSandFibroids.com to learn more about fibroids in uterus. You will also find information about ovarian cyst treatment and symptoms.
Not logged in