What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
While most women develop uterine fibroids during their life and are asymptomatic, there are some symptoms that women may experience if they have larger or more difficult uterine fibroids. Some common symptoms that may indicate the presence of a uterine fibroid include:
- Increased and heavy menstrual bleeding
- Periods lasting over a week
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Backaches and/or leg pain
For some women, uterine fibroids are never detected because they do not cause problems, for others, the discomfort and problems associated with them may require them to be removed. This is especially true for submucosal fibroids, which are problematic for women who are considering pregnancy. These specific types of fibroids can result in infertility or pregnancy loss and should be addressed before conceiving when possible.
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed and found?
There are several diagnostic tools and tests that may indicate the presence of uterine fibroids. They include:
- Ultrasounds
- Lab testing
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Hysterosonography
- Hysterosalpingography
- Hysteroscopy
How are uterine fibroids treated?
The treatment for a uterine fibroid varies depending on various factors. If they are small and are not problematic, they can often be left alone as they are not cancerous and do not typically interfere with pregnancy. However, for women who have problematic uterine fibroids or those that cause a variety of concerns, treatment may be pursued. Treatment options may include:
- Medication
- Noninvasive procedures
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Traditional surgical procedures for direct removal
Request an appointment today
At Columbus Women’s Care, our professionals are available to assist women with their reproductive health needs. If you suspect uterine fibroids and want to find a provider that offers effective treatment, we welcome you to book an appointment with our practice located at 7901 Diley Road, Suite 205 and 260. The front office team can be reached by calling (614) 755-4200. Call to schedule your evaluation today and learn more about the cause of your discomfort.
