Many women have benign (non-cancerous) growths known as fibroids in or on their womb (uterus). Most fibroids are small and don't cause any problems. They are usually discovered by chance.
Large fibroids may press on nearby pelvic organs. If the fibroid presses on the bladder, which lies in front of the uterus, urinary frequency or urgency may occur. Pressure on the ureters (the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder) can result in kidney damage if the fibroids are not removed.
If fibroids get very large, they can cause your belly to bulge like a pregnancy or press on nearby organs causing constant pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or difficulty passing bowel movements. In some cases, fibroids can make it harder to get pregnant or cause problems during pregnancy or childbirth.
Larger fibroids—about four centimeters or more—that are in the muscle of the uterus can also impact implantation. Fibroids that are inside the muscle of the uterus might block the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility. Sometimes fibroids can affect the mode of delivery of a baby.
If left untreated, fibroids can continue to grow, both in size and number. As these tumors take over the uterus the symptoms will become worse. The fibroids pain will increase. The heavy bleeding will become heavier and it may be accompanied by severe cramping.
Fatigue. Fatigue is especially easy to miss as a symptom of fibroids because it's not caused by overwork or a lack of sufficient sleep at night, but is mainly due to the loss of blood from heavy periods. This blood loss leads to anemia and an iron deficiency from the lack of red blood cells.
Fibroids can cause you to feel back pain, severe menstrual cramps, sharp stabbing pains in your abdomen and even pain during sex.
Don't eat a diet full of processed foods, red meats, and high-fat dairy. Studies show that eating these foods can make your fibroids worse. The same goes for alcohol and caffeine. Don't skip your workouts.
Uterine fibroids lead to multiple symptoms that can severely impact health and quality of life, including nausea. The level of nausea created by fibroids will vary, depending on size, location, pre-existing health conditions, and other factors.
Many women who have fibroids don't experience symptoms, but those who do often have difficulty living with them. Common symptoms include: Pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to anemia or the need for a blood transfusion. Pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination.
In rare cases, women with fibroids need emergency treatment. You should seek emergency care if you have sharp, sudden pain in the abdomen that is unrelieved with pain medication, or severe vaginal bleeding with signs of anemia such as lightheadedness, extreme fatigue and weakness.
Fibroids can also cause generalized pain as they take up space meant for your uterus or other organs. Acute pain is rare but can happen if a fibroid outgrows its blood supply or significantly impedes the proper function of other organs.
Pressure and Bloating
When fibroids grow up to 5 to 10 centimeters (the size of an avocado or larger), they can cause bloating, pressure in the pelvis, and a protruding abdomen that can be noticeable to you and everyone else.
Fiber content: Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which helps your body get rid of excess estrogen through your stool. Estrogen feeds fibroids, so clearing out any excess may decrease risks of fibroids.
Myomectomy. A myomectomy is an operation to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. For women who have fibroid symptoms and want to have children in the future, myomectomy is the best treatment option. Myomectomy is very effective, but fibroids can re-grow.
Fibroids themselves don't cause true weight gain. But some fibroids can become very large, and in some cases, weigh a few pounds. These larger fibroids can press on other structures in the abdomen or pelvis and appear to cause bloating and swelling around the abdomen.
Lie down and put a pillow under your knees. Or lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest. These positions may help relieve belly pain or pressure. Keep track of how many sanitary pads or tampons you use each day.
Stress is the body's biochemical response to life challenges. To handle stress, the brain tells our body to produce extra hormones. As a result, hormone levels rise, which stimulates fibroid growth and causes symptoms to flare up. Stress can cause fibroids that were once asymptomatic to grow at an alarming rate.
Lesser Known Symptoms Of Fibroids
Gaining weight and having a bulging stomach happen to be symptoms most women do not associate with fibroids. In fact, it is a common symptom. You may think your swollen stomach is just poor eating habits, but fibroids can add weight and volume to your tummy.
Women are encouraged to consume more fiber rich foods like whole grains, which help to reduce many common symptoms of uterine fibroids. In addition, it is advised for women to reduce their alcohol and caffeine consumption as they both contribute toward making fibroid pain even worse.