Uterine fibroid tumors–benign tumors that originate in the womb–are actually a pretty common medical condition, especially in women of child-bearing age. This list should help you to identify some of the signs and symptoms of fibroids as well as learn about some of the different fibroid tumor treatment options that are available. Some fibroids are asymptomatic so you may not even realize you have it, while others cause serious discomfort that requires medical treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids?
Because symptoms of fibroid cysts may vary significantly from woman to woman, many individuals are not sure if they have fibroids or not. One of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids is excessive bleeding during periods. In a study of women diagnosed with fibroids, 46% described their period bleeding as “gushing”, or “flooding”. If you experience heavy bleeding during your periods, it is important to let your doctor know. Another symptom that could be caused by uterine fibroids is pain during sexual intercourse . Again, this is another symptom that could be caused by a fibroid tumor but could also have other underlying causes. A third symptom that could be an indication of the existence of uterine fibroids is frequent urination . This happens because as the tumors grow, they could compress the bladder and decrease its capacity. If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, your doctor can determine the existence of fibroids for sure by an ultrasound and pelvic exam.
What Are Some Fibroid Tumor Treatment Options?
If it is determined that you have fibroids, there are a few different options for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The most common surgical procedure for fibroid tumor treatment is a hysterectomy , or removal of the uterus. For patients who do not wish to take this route, there are alternatives such as medication like Zoladex, Synarel or Lupron. These medications are gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists and can help treat the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroid removal is now possible through radiofrequency ablation which is an outpatient procedure. In this treatment option, the uterus itself is undamaged and women can recover between 5 to 9 days with two small incisions.
If you are unsure of whether or not you could have uterine fibroids, the best thing to do is consult with your doctor. Make sure to be open about all of your symptoms. Remember, if you do have fibroid tumors, there are options for treatment. Consulting with your doctor will help you to determine the treatment option that is the best for your situation. If you have any questions or comments about uterine fibroid symptoms, signs or treatment options please leave a response.