Excessive growth of tissue along the walls of the womb or the uterus is referred to as fibroids. Fibroids or leiomyomas is a common problem among women during their child bearing years. In fact, nearly 2 out of ten women over the age of 35 suffer from fibroid related complications.
Fibromyoma, fibroids, leiomyoma or myoma are some of the common terms used to denote the bundle of muscular tissue and connective tissue which grow along the uterine wall. Fibroids normally appear in clusters, and never as a single mass. In rare cases, the uterine walls may be covered with over one hundred fibroids.
Most fibroids are oval shaped, benign growths, which resemble a small egg or a ball. These growths have the consistency or texture of an unripe peach. Fibroids are not isolated to any specific region of the uterus. These growths are scattered all over the uterine wall. Depending on the region of growth, fibroids are classified as intramural, subserosal, submucosal and pedunculated fibroids.
The most common way to remove fibroids is through a surgical procedure called hysterectomy.
4 Early Symptoms Of Fibroids
Most women are unaware of the fact that they may be having fibroids because these growths cause no allied health problems. However, in some women fibroids can cause a host of health problems ranging from pain in the pelvic region to heavy menstrual flow. Some of the earliest warning signs of fibroids have been investigated in this article.
The earliest indication that you may be suffering from uterine fibroids is the excessive cramping, pain or pressure you may experience in and around the pelvic region. This pain normally flares up during sexual intercourse or the monthly menstrual cycle. Pain caused by the presence of fibroids can best be described as a dull ache. The pain normally originates near the lower back area, and radiates down to the hips and the legs. In most cases, an OTC drug like ibuprofen can provide instant relief from the cramping pain.
Women with fibroids often complain of abdominal swelling or fullness. The bloating is located near the lower abdominal region. The abdominal bloating is normally noticed in women who have more than one (and very large) fibroids in their uterus. Fibroids can also cause a build up of gas and sometimes even chronic constipation.
Large sized fibroids can exert pressure on the bladder and this can result in an increase in the urgency to urinate. Fibroids can also cause rectal pain. Some women complain of a burning sensation while passing urine. The presence of large number of fibroids in the uterus can sometimes lead to urinary incontinence.
Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Another indication, that a woman may be having uterine fibroids is when she experiences heavy menstrual bleeding or has an irregular menstrual cycle. Women with uterine fibroids suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding which is referred to a menorrhagia. Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids can lead to anemia, shortness of breath and general weakness. Fibroids can also result in longer than normal menstrual cycle with some women bleeding heavily for almost 10 to 15 days.