What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids affect millions of women around the globe. This condition usually develops during the reproductive age and most commonly affects individuals in their 30s and 40s. 30% of patients with uterine fibroids often go through menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding along with other symptoms like pelvic pain and infertility.

Uterine fibroids are also called leiomyomas and are small growths made up of connective tissue and muscle. These non-cancerous growths develop as a single nodule and then gradually form clusters. These clusters can be 1mm to 20 cm in diameter.

Some fibroids may begin to develop and grow in the uterine wall and stay attached to it by a stem, and some might develop in the uterine cavity.

If you’ve recently experienced changes in your menstrual cycle or are experiencing heavy bleeding or pelvic pain, it is time to consult a fibroid bleeding specialist.

Let’s look at the symptoms and causes of fibroid bleeding and how our fibroid bleeding specialists can provide suitable treatment options.

Different Types of Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids can be of different types.

  • Subserosal fibroids:Subserosal fibroids grow on the uterus's outer region, called serosa. These fibroids can become very large, making the uterus appear much bigger than its actual size.
  • Cervical fibroids:These fibroids grow on the cervix, which is a connection between the uterus and the vagina.
  • Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids grow in the myometrium, which is the middle muscle layer of the uterus.
  • Intramural fibroids:These types of fibroids are very common and develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids can also grow very large and stretch the uterus wall.
  • Pedunculated fibroids: Subserosal fibroids that develop a stem-like structure at their base are called pedunculated fibroids.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids and Fibroid Bleeding?

There isn’t sufficient scientific research on what causes uterine fibroids, but a few factors can lead to their development.

  • Family history: If uterine fibroids and fibroid bleeding run in the family, you’ll likely develop them as well.
  • Hormones:Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone cause the uterine lining to regenerate every month, which can influence the growth of uterine fibroids.

Am I at the Risk of Developing Fibroids?

Here are some factors that can put you at risk of getting fibroid bleeding.

  • Obesity
  • Not having children
  • Getting your period at an early age
  • Late menopause
  • Family history of uterine fibroids
  • High blood pressure
  • A diet that is high in red meat

Symptoms of Fibroid Bleeding

Most women often don’t experience any symptoms of uterine fibroids. In contrast, some women might experience noticeable and severe symptoms that can affect their everyday life.

The symptoms also primarily depend on the size and number of tumors an individual has and their location. For example, submucosal fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and might even interfere with conceiving.

If the fibroid is very small or the individual is going through menopause, they might not have any noticeable symptoms. This is because fibroids tend to shrink after or during menopause due to lower estrogen and progesterone levels.

Here are some common symptoms of uterine fibroids.

  • Menstrual clots:Menstrual clots are small blobs made of tissue, blood, and coagulated blood that are eliminated from the uterus during menstruation. These clots can be larger than a quarter in size.
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding: If your menstrual period is irregular, painful, and excessively heavy, it’s best to consult a fibroid bleeding specialist. Heavy menstrual bleeding might mean that your period lasts longer than seven days, and you need to change your pad or tampon once per hour. Heavy menstrual bleeding can interfere with routine activities and can be very painful to experience.
  • Pain in the lower back or pelvis:Pelvic pain can generally feel like regular menstrual cramps. Pain or pressure in the lower back can also be caused by uterine fibroids.
  • Abdominal swelling:Lower abdominal swelling or a swollen belly can be painful and uncomfortable.
  • Increased urination:Uterine fibroids can also cause frequent urination. You might feel like your bladder is extremely full and need to urinate more frequently than normal.
  • Pain during intercourse: This condition is also known as dyspareunia, where one feels recurring pain within the pelvis or the genital area during sexual intercourse. This pain may occur in the bladder, urethra, or vagina and might even continue after intercourse. This pain is often described as a stabbing pain or a similar feeling to menstrual cramps.
  • Extremely painful menstrual cramps:Menstrual cramps are felt as discomfort around the abdomen area, thighs, or lower back. Fibroids can cause increased menstrual cramps.

How Can Our Fibroid Bleeding Specialists in Elgin Help?

At RJIR Vascular & Oncology, we are committed to helping our patients find relief with advanced treatment plans and comprehensive care. We take pride in our incontinence and fibroid bleeding treatment options and can help you manage the symptoms of this condition.

Our fibroid bleeding specialists use minimally invasive treatments and state-of-the-art technology to detect fibroids. We have an in-depth understanding of uterine fibroid embolization, where we inject tiny particles into the fibroids, gradually reducing their size.

Our fibroid bleeding specialists have specialized knowledge of fibroid tumors and fibroid bleeding treatments. We take a patient-centered and holistic approach and provide high-quality patient care.

Once you book a consultation with us, we will take the time to develop a complete understanding of your medical condition. Then we will devise a customized fibroid bleeding treatment plan most appropriate for your condition.

Ready to learn more about your fibroid bleeding treatment options? Book a consultation with our fibroid bleeding specialists online today, and let’s discuss your options.

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