Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in or on the muscle tissue of your uterus. Fibroids can occur in women of any age, but they happen most commonly in women of childbearing age.
Although uterine fibroids are usually not cancerous, having them can lead to some serious complications, such as infertility and a variety of unpleasant symptoms.
Dr. Ulas Bozdogan is an expert in diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids here at the Advanced Endometriosis Center in New York City and Hackensack, New Jersey. He wants you to know what symptoms to look out for, and how he can help you if you develop uterine fibroids.
In some women, uterine fibroids cause no symptoms at all. However, many women do experience symptoms that signal the presence of fibroids. In fact, uterine fibroids can cause a wide range of problems, including the following:
Fibroids can trigger various changes in your menstrual patterns. For example, you may notice that your periods last longer, happen more frequently, are heavier, or cause more painful cramps than in the past.
If you have fibroids, you may feel pain, cramping, or pressure in your abdomen. You may have lower back pain or discomfort during sex.
Fibroids can also interfere with normal urination, causing you to have trouble urinating or to feel the need to go to the bathroom more often. They can also lead to constipation, changes in bowel habits, or rectal pain.
These bathroom changes can result when fibroids press on the structures in your urinary tract, bowels, or rectum.
As fibroids grow in size and number, they can cause your uterus to enlarge. This can lead to noticeable changes in the size of your abdomen, as well as swelling, bloating, and an unusual feeling of fullness in your abdomen.
Longer, heavier, more frequent periods can lead to excessive blood loss. And some women with fibroids experience vaginal bleeding or spotting even when they’re not menstruating.
Increased blood loss can contribute to anemia, a condition in which your iron levels drop below recommended levels. Anemia can cause fatigue, lightheadedness, and other symptoms.
Having uterine fibroids can boost your risk of infertility, miscarriage, and early labor, and make a cesarean section necessary for delivering your baby. For women with fibroids that cause no symptoms, trouble getting pregnant is sometimes the first sign that they have fibroids.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, don’t wait to seek help. Dr. Bozdogan can work with you to diagnose and treat fibroids and other gynecological problems.
During your appointment with Dr. Bozdogan, he asks about your symptoms, performs an exam, and may order tests to learn more about your condition.
If uterine fibroids are causing symptoms that impact your quality of life or interfere with your desire to have a family, Dr. Bozdogan can offer a range of treatment options, including the following:
If you’re experiencing pain, heavy periods, reproductive problems, or other symptoms that may signal fibroids, Dr. Bozdogan can help. Call our closest office of the Advanced Endometriosis Center or request an appointment online.
