Do you frequently have heavy and painful periods? Do you commonly experience pain during sexual intercourse? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you may be suffering from uterine fibroids, benign growths in the uterus that usually affect women in their 30s and 40s and shrink after menopause. While uterine fibroids can only be diagnosed by a doctor, the first step in seeking treatment of uterine fibroids is education. Read on for a list of the common signs and symptoms of fibroids to see if a discussion with your doctor about uterus fibroids treatment may be something to pursue.

Abnormal Menstrual Periods

This can mean bleeding that is heavier than normal and/or bleeding that lasts longer than normal. Though it is unclear why fibroids cause heavy bleeding, 46% of women who suffer from uterine fibroids report experience “gushing” or “flooding” during their periods while only 28% of women without fibroids have bleeding to that degree. Spotting or bleeding in between periods can also occur when fibroids are present. With fibroids, you may experience very painful cramping during your period as well. Abnormal menstrual periods are not something to ignore as heavy bleeding can sometimes lead to anemia. To prevent conditions such as anemia consult your doctor right away if heavy bleeding is something you experience during your period. If fibroids are to blame, an effective uterus fibroids treatment can lessen symptoms affecting your menstrual periods.

Pelvic Pain

It is normal to experience cramping during your period but if that cramping becomes severe or you have chronic pelvic pain (even in between periods), it may be a symptom of fibroids. Fibroids may also cause you to have pain during sexual intercourse, constipation, and/or pain during bowel movements. Pain that is chronic and/or severe should not go unaddressed and should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible. The removal of uterine fibroids may be the solution, but you won’t know until you ask.

Problems With Urination

Another unpleasant symptom of uterine fibroids are issues surrounding urination. It is possible that fibroids can cause you to experience incontinence or even pain during urination as fibroids can press on the bladder. It isn’t always a comfortable topic to talk about, but bringing up an urinary difficulties to your doctor can be the first step in eliminating them which may mean a uterus fibroids treatment.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss them. There are many treatments for uterine fibroids available today and you certainly have options. Continuing to suffer from these painful and uncomfortable symptoms does not have to be one of them.