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Uterine fibroids, also called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, can cause various symptoms such as abdominal cramps and bleeding outside the menstrual period, however, in some cases, the presence of the fibroid does not cause symptoms and is only discovered during routine gynecological examinations.
Because it is a benign tumor, fibroids do not usually pose a danger to the health of women, and their symptoms can be controlled with medication, which must be recommended by the gynecologist, or in some cases, it may be necessary to resort to surgery for its removal. Find out what causes myoma and how it can be treated.
The fibroid, regardless of the affected region, can cause general symptoms such as:
- Increased blood flow and the duration of the menstrual period;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period;
- Abdominal pain and cramps in the uterus;
- Backache;
- Feeling of pressure in the belly;
- Increased urge to urinate or urinary incontinence;
- Constipation;
- Pain during intercourse;
- Difficulty getting pregnant.
In the case of pregnant women, the symptoms of fibroids are the same, but they can become more intense during pregnancy, it is important to stay at rest so as not to put the baby's health at risk. See other symptoms caused by changes in the uterus.
Specific symptoms of each type
Symptoms of uterine fibroids can also vary according to the type of fibroid, for example:
- Subserous Fibroids: they are those that are in the external region of the uterus and, therefore, they can grow bigger and push the surrounding organs, causing an increased urge to urinate, diarrhea or constipation. When they hang out of the uterus, they are called pedicled fibroids;
- Intramural fibroids: they are located inside the wall that forms the uterus and, thus, can cause more abdominal pain, cramps and pain during sexual intercourse;
- Submucous fibroids: are inside the uterus, causing bleeding and difficulty getting pregnant.
In addition, if the woman has many fibroids or if they are large, the symptoms may be more severe. Learn more about the types of uterine fibroids.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of uterine fibroids is based on symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding or out of period, constipation, cramps or also anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding. In addition, the gynecological examination allows the doctor to observe the female genitals and palpate the abdomen to feel the contour of the uterus. If the woman presents symptoms or changes during the clinical examination, the gynecologist may recommend the performance of abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. See more about transvaginal ultrasound.
In some cases, the doctor may request more specific tests, such as hysteroscopy, hysterosonography and hysterosalpingography, for example, which are useful to assess the uterine cavity.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for fibroids is done in women who have symptoms, and the use of hormonal medications, such as the contraceptive pill or the intrauterine IUD (Mirena), for example, can be recommended in order to reduce the size of the fibroid and thus relieve the symptoms.
In addition, the doctor may recommend the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, for example, to relieve symptoms that bother the woman, such as colic.
In some cases, especially when the fibroid is very large and the symptoms are more intense, surgery to remove the fibroid may be recommended. Learn more about how surgery is done to remove fibroids.
When to go to the doctor
The ideal is to have gynecological exams at least once a year. However, if you experience symptoms of increased menstrual flow, frequent cramps or menstrual bleeding outside the period, pain during sexual intercourse or urgency to urinate, you should seek follow-up with the gynecologist for the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
In case of severe vaginal bleeding or severe colic that appears suddenly, you should seek medical help immediately or go to the hospital or emergency room.