Gynecological health becomes paramount, especially when problems arise that produce pain and alter the quality of your life. One such problem affecting a large percentage of women is fibroids. Fibroid tumors are abnormal growths made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the form of tumors in the uterus. They can range in size from very small such as a pea size, to large, or the size of a softball.
It is unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation, such as hormones, family history and pregnancy. Some women have no signs or symptoms they are present, while others experience abdominal pain and heavy periods. Fibroids can cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In more than 99% of fibroid cases, the tumors are found to be non-cancerous or benign. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 70 to 80 percent of women experience fibroids by the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Symptoms of fibroid tumors may include:
- increased menstrual cramping
- heavy bleeding between or during your periods
- lower back pain
- pain in the pelvic area
- painful sex
- longer periods
- frequent urination incontinence
- bloating or constipation
- pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
- swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
- severe cramping in the stomach, back of the legs or back
How Women’s Health of Central Virginia Can Help
If you feel like you may have the symptoms of fibroid tumors, come see us. A pelvic exam and a pelvic ultrasound will detect the presence of any fibroid tumors. A treatment option for fibroids is a medication to regulate your hormones, shrink the fibroids and stop menstruation. An intrauterine device or birth control pills are also treatment options. If the tumors are large or multiple growths are present surgery may be necessary.
Schedule your annual well-woman exam with Women’s Health Center of Central Virginia today. Our team will answer your questions and ensure you are comfortable with any information we can help you with.
