Pelvic Discomfort Or Pain
Large fibroids can cause a feeling of heaviness or pressure in your pelvis or lower tummy. This usually causes discomfort, particularly if you are lying on your front, bending down or exercising. For some women, this discomfort can become painful and persistent.
In rare cases, pain may suddenly become severe. This occurs when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and starts to degenerate. The pain usually goes away on its own after two to four weeks. Over-the-counter painkillers can help you manage your pain.
Inability To Become Pregnant
Medical infertility is when a woman is unable to become pregnant after trying for one year. Medical infertility is only diagnosed if there are no other factors present, such as a previous abortion, low male sperm count, or another medical condition.
If you have gone through all the fertility testing, and no other reason is found to be a cause for infertility, uterine fibroids may be the reason. Your doctor at All Womens Care will know to look for these growths in determining infertility, which could save you precious time in beginning your family.
Causes Of Uterine Infections
You should not mistake a uterine infection with fibroids or a UTI. However, misplaced bacteria that finds its way and harbors in the uterus is a common cause of both a UTI and a uterine infection. A uterine infection could be caused by any of the following:
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Abortion or dilation and curettage
- Placement of an IUD
Endometritis should not be confused with endometriosis. Endometritis includes fever, abdominal pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. As weve mentioned before, self-diagnosing can become difficult with endometritis, fibroids and UTI symptoms share some of the same qualities. Talk to a medical professional before attempting any treatment solutions on your own.
As you can see, many womens health conditions have similar symptoms making it difficult to self-diagnose. A womens health specialist, primary physician, or fibroid specialist can evaluate your individual situation and suggest the right treatment for you.
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Frequent Urination Or Constipation
Urinary incontinence is sometimes a sensitive subject, but have you considered that there may be factors at work beyond a lack of bladder control? If a uterine fibroid grows on the top of the uterus, it shares pelvic space with the bladder. This restricts the size available to the bladder, causing the need to go more often as well as contributing to urinary incontinence. At its worst, obstruction of the bladder and urinary tract can also lead to urinary tract infections and blood in the urine. Similarly, if the fibroid is located near the colon, it can obstruct normal bowel movement and lead to constipation as well as the painful passage of stools. If you are experiencing frequent UTIs, constipation, or discover blood in your urine or stools, promptly seek medical care.
What Is A Uti
A urinary tract infection is an infection found somewhere in the urinary tract. This system includes the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters. Most UTIs are found in the bladder or urethra.
Women are more susceptible to UTIs than men, but they can usually be treated with antibiotics for faster recovery. Depending on where the fibroid is located, it can cause symptoms similar to uterine fibroids. You may experience pain in the back, pressure in the pelvic area or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and frequent urination. Other symptoms you may experience include fever, nausea,vomiting, shaking and chills, and painful urination.
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Many Patients With Fibroids Struggle With Bladder Symptoms
Have you struggled with urinary symptoms that arent responding to traditional bladder treatments? Do you also struggle with painful cramping and/or intense bleeding? Uterine fibroid tumors might be a hidden source of your symptoms. A new research study has shown that when fibroid tumors are reduced in size and/or removed, urinary symptoms can improve dramatically. In fact, 97% of the patients in this study had urinary symptoms and 65% were cured of their urinary symptoms once the fibroids were treated.1
Preventing Pressure On Bladder
The best way to treat bladder pressure is to avoid experiencing it in the first place. Below are some tips to help prevent infections, and in turn, pressure on the bladder.
Underwear: Wearing loose, comfortable, cotton underwear prevents bacteria from being trapped near the urethra and causing an infection.
Shower: Showering rather than bathing reduces your risk of getting an infection, as the warm water of the tub is great for bacteria and the soap can wash away any protective mucous membranes.
Dont hold it: If you have the urge to urinate, do so as soon as you can. Holding urine in your bladder can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to infection.
Water: Drinking plenty of water helps to flush your system and can reduce the risk of getting a bacterial infection.
While pressure on the bladder has a variety of causes that can vary by sex, most are not very serious and can be treated easily. However, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you are experiencing bladder pressure so that its cause can be accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated before your condition worsens.
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Do I Need Treatment For My Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors made up of uterine muscle tissue. Fibroids that grow in the muscular wall of your uterus and dont bulge inward or outward are called intramural fibroids. Submucosal fibroids are those that bulge into the cavity of your uterus, while subserosal fibroids bulge outward, toward the exterior of your uterus.
Fibroids can be different sizes and shapes, ranging from microscopic to as large as a grapefruit. Some fibroids are whats called pedunculated, which means they hang from a little stem of muscle tissue.
No matter what type you have, uterine fibroids are common. By age 50, about 80% of women have had some kind of fibroid. At Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida, our compassionate OB/GYNs Daniel McDyer, MD, FACOG, and dont recommend treatment for fibroids unless they cause symptoms.
Are your fibroids symptomatic? Below are signs that they could be.
Menstrual Bleeding Becomes Irregular
Other factors with your menstrual cycle that can signal uterine fibroids have developed is your cycle becoming irregular. Heavier bleeding than normal, bleeding in between cycles, and menstrual cycles that become irregular are signs uterine fibroids have impacted your ovaries and the rest of your reproductive system.
Missing a cycle of your menstruation is a good indication your uterus and ovaries have something wrong with them. It can be related to stress however, if you miss a cycle, and especially if there is more than one missed cycle, you need to seek medical attention.
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Urinary And Bowel Problems
Fibroids can press and squeeze the bladder, leading to frequent need for urination.
Large fibroids that press against the bladder occasionally result in urinary tract infections. If the urethra is pressured or blocked, urinary retention may occur. Pressure on the ureters may cause urinary tract obstruction and kidney damage.
Pressure on the bowels may result in constipation.
Urinary Frequency From Fibroids Can Be A Thing Of The Past
Do you have frequent urination with fibroids? Are you interested in learning more about UFE for fibroid treatment? Most people would prefer to avoid surgery if there is an alternative out there that can help with their fibroid pain. Educate yourself about non-surgical fibroid treatment at Fibroid Institute.
The expert fibroid doctors and specialized team at Fibroid Institute have helped thousands of women discover the joys of not only living fibroid free but also ridding themselves of life-altering symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and urinary frequency. Just imagine what it will feel like to sleep through the night or go out with friends without having to worry about where the nearest bathroom is. With each UFE procedure, patients are empowered to achieve their full potential without being limited by fibroid symptoms.
You will need a formal consultation to determine if you are a candidate before scheduling your procedure. Call for a telehealth consult or an in-office appointment at our Dallas fibroid clinics at 214-838-6440 or Houston fibroid clinics at 713-903-3733 or complete the form below.
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Needing To Urinate Often And Other Bladder Problems
Your bladder sits below and in front of your womb. If your fibroids push against your bladder, you may need to urinate more often, which can disturb your sleep at night. Depending on exactly where your fibroids are pushing against your bladder, they may also prevent you from completely emptying your bladder or make it difficult to control the flow of urine.
Retraining Your Bladder After Fibroids
The main purpose of retraining your bladder is to go to the bathroom less frequently every day. So, to start off, the ACOP recommends keeping a pee journal, recording the number of times, and the time at which, you urinate each day. The goal is to stretch out the amount of time between each trip to the bathroom. In order to help you extend time between toilet trips, they suggest the following:
- Dont rush to the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate. Sit still and try to hold out as long as possible.
- Avoid going to the bathroom just in case.
- Distract yourself from thoughts about urination when you feel the urge.
- Try delaying bathroom trips by clenching your fists or crossing your legs.
- Practice kegels so its easier to hold your pee.
- Stay hydrated to avoid urinary tract infections.
- Avoid beverages with caffeine, since they increase your need to urinate.
Bladder control problems can be embarrassing and take a toll on your life. But, with proper fibroid treatment and some bladder retraining, you can get back to feeling like yourself!
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How Are Fibroids Diagnosed
Our team diagnoses fibroids in several different ways. We can use MRIs and ultrasounds to try to see your fibroids and assess them. Ultrasounds can pick up uterine fibroids and larger fibroids that may have swelled to the point where they are pressing on an organ. This non-invasive technique is quick and can let us know what were working with right away. MRIs are more intense and can give us detailed information on your fibroids, picking up smaller fibroids that ultrasounds sometimes miss. Which technique is best for you? We will be happy to assess you and give you our recommendation.
We also diagnose fibroids by looking at your clinical and familial history. Many times, fibroids are passed down from generation to generation, so if you have a hereditary gene for them, you could be more prone. Physical exams are also excellent ways to discover fibroids. A simple pelvic exam can alert us that there could be a problem, giving us the opportunity to investigate further.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options
If youre tired of running to the bathroom, struggling through heavy, painful periods, or worried about developing iron-deficiency anemia, then treating your fibroids could be an effective way to manage these painful symptoms and get back to your normal routine.
Many doctors recommend a hysterectomy to treat fibroids. Since it results in the removal of the uterus, it completely eliminates the potential for fibroid growth. However, it is important to note that a hysterectomy causes infertility.
A myomectomy is another surgical option which removes fibroids without removing the uterus. This procedure can cause future issues with childbirth with an increased risk for complications during delivery and throughout the pregnancy.
Nonsurgical, office-based treatments likeUterine Fibroid Embolization can eliminate frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder by reducing the size of your fibroids. Once your fibroids have been shrunk, your uterus will return to its normal size, thus relieving pressure off your bladder and urethra.
Whether youve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids or are in need of an evaluation, you know that finding the right treatment, doctor, and center that fits your individual needs is a top priority. Explore our website to learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization, as well as our physicians, locations, and insurance coverage.
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How Do You Find Out If Fibroids Are Causing Urinary Incontinence
There are many causes of increased urinary frequency including medical conditions, e.g. diabetes, urinary tract infection, medications, e.g. diuretics often used for high blood pressure, or just drinking a lot of liquids. However, as noted earlier, fibroids too can cause increased urinary frequency.
Increased urinary frequency due to fibroids is often associated with other bulk-related symptoms, e.g. pelvic pain and/or pressure in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, as well as heavy uterine bleeding. A physical examination with a healthcare provider can often detect leiomyomas that are large enough to enlarge the uterus and compress the adjacent bladder. This is often confirmed by imaging, i.e. either a pelvic ultrasound or pelvic MRI.
An Increase In Your Waist Size
For many, it is evident if there is any change in your body shape or size. A change in your waist size is a visible sign of a uterine fibroid. A visual difference in your body is evident right away, as some of them cause an increase in the separated abdominal muscle or blood vessels.
If you do not notice a visual sign, the way the fit of your clothes changes is another sign of uterine fibroids being present in your body. When a large uterine fibroid develops, it will cause an expansion in your abdomen. Talk to your doctor at All Women’s Care if there is a change in how your body looks or how your clothes fit, and you haven’t made any changes to your food intake. A test will need to be done to determine the cause for these changes, and a treatment plan created before you suffer serious complications to your health.
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Sensation Of Feeling Full But With No Appetite
A person typically knows their own limits as to how much they can eat and when their stomach should be full. If you notice you are beginning to feel full before youve consumed an average amount of food, or havent eaten, it could be a sign uterine fibroids have developed in your stomach. These fibroids can push up into your stomach and cause you to feel full because there is limited space for digestion.
If gone untreated, you could lose a significant and unhealthy amount of weight because you are not feeling hungry and not eating. You need to contact your physician at All Womens Care to have your condition diagnosed and treated.
Sneaky Signs Of Fibroids That You Should Know
The signs of fibroids can be so sneaky that many women have no idea they are there. In fact, according to the NIH or National Institutes of Health, up to 80% of women have fibroids by age 50 and many dont realize it.
They can be the size of a pea or as large as a small watermelon, so obviously size is a significant factor. There are 8 sneaky signs of fibroids that you you should know, and any combination should be cause for concern.
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2. Poor Dietary Practices- A healthy, complete diet is essential for a fit and active life. This is especially vital for women, as the slightest negligence can greatly affect the bodys internal balance. Thus, low intake of fruits and vegetables and excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and toxic foods create problems like hormonal imbalance, lowered immunity and poor digestion. Under such conditions, uterine fibroids can develop more easily. Can Fibroid Press on Bladder
3. Weakened Immune System- Poor diet, inadequate rest, stress, toxic accumulation, excessive use of medications- all contribute in lowering the immunity of the body. This makes the body highly vulnerable to the condition as the body cannot work towards balancing the hormones or eliminating the toxic waste within the body.
4. Accumulation of Toxins In our daily life, we are constantly exposed to toxins- in the food we eat, the water we drink or even the air we breathe. This leads to the accretion of toxins in our blood, lymph, kidneys and colon. These toxins then cause ovary damage, infertility and dysfunctional hormones. Some environmental toxins can even lower ones progesterone levels. All of these factors greatly increase the bodys susceptibility and make one prone to uterine fibroids.
Uncomfortable Pressure Sensations In The Pelvis
Pelvic pressure symptoms are rather common in fibroids. Around 30% of women with diagnosed uterine fibroids report sensations of chronic pressure on the bladder or inside the abdomen.³ Pelvic pressure sensations can vary from mild discomfort to episodes of intense pain and are sometimes accompanied by sensations of congestion, bloatedness, or heaviness.
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What Are The Risk Factors Of Uterine Fibroids
Risk factors that can contribute to the development of fibroids are African-American race and hereditary factors. African-american females tend to have a higher likelihood of having uterine fibroids and are often more symptomatic, with development at an earlier age and having larger-sized fibroids. Also, fibroids tend to be hereditary, so if a mother or sister has fibroids, her daughter or sister will also be at an increased risk of having fibroids. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol and high red-meat diet also may contribute to development of fibroids.
The Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids
Recognizing the symptoms of a disease is the first step towards a proper diagnosis and timely cure. Thus, understanding the underlying signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids, can go a long way in getting timely help and thus stopping further growth and development of the fibroids. Usually, the presence of one or two small fibroids in the uterus is hardly noticeable. It is when larger fibroids begin to develop, or the fibroids grow in number within the uterus, that it becomes immensely uncomfortable and problematic. This is when your body starts displaying certain uterine fibroid symptoms that you must be able to identify.
Uterine fibroids symptoms tend to be painful and distressing. Some of these symptoms are:
. Bleeding- This is the most obvious sign to show the presence of fibroids in your uterus. Conspicuous fibroids in the uterus tend to cause a uterine congestion. This leads to blockage of normal menstrual flow, which in turn causes the blood to flow heavily when released. Fibroids can also cause prolonged bleeding, bleeding in between menstrual cycles, heavy clotting and spotting. The bleeding can even be extremely painful. If excessive and prolonged bleeding remains unchecked, it can cause anemia.
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