This guide will help you understand the potential symptoms and how options like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) might provide relief.
Have your periods become heavier, longer, or more exhausting than usual? Many women experience symptoms like these and assume they’re just part of life, but they could be caused by uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus, and they’re more common than you might think, especially among women aged 30 to 50. Recognizing the signs of fibroids early can make a huge difference in managing your symptoms and improving your well-being.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that develop in or around the uterus. These growths are incredibly common and can vary in size from as small as a seed to as large as a grapefruit. While some women may have fibroids without any noticeable symptoms, others might find their daily life disrupted by issues stemming from these growths.
Fibroids are influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which is why they often develop during reproductive years. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, genetics, age, and hormone levels likely play a role. The good news is that fibroids are treatable, and there are options like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) that don’t require invasive procedures to alleviate symptoms.
Common Symptoms That May Signal Fibroids
Fibroids can present a variety of symptoms, and they often overlap with other conditions, making them tricky to identify without proper medical evaluation. Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Heavy or Prolonged Periods
If you find yourself changing menstrual products every couple of hours or experiencing periods that last over a week, this could indicate the presence of fibroids. Heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) might also lead to anemia, leaving you feeling weak and fatigued. - Pelvic Pain or Pressure
Fibroids, particularly larger ones, can cause discomfort in the pelvis. Some women report a constant feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, much like mild cramping that doesn’t go away. - Frequent Urination or Constipation
Fibroids that press on the bladder can make you feel like you constantly need to use the bathroom, even if you’ve just gone. Similarly, if a fibroid is positioned near the rectum, it may contribute to constipation or other digestive issues. - Back or Leg Pain
Larger fibroids can put pressure on the nerves in the lower back or even the legs, resulting in sharp or dull aches that are hard to explain otherwise.
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms affecting your life, especially over a prolonged time, it’s important to search for “uterine fibroid embolization near me” and talk to a healthcare provider.
When to Consider Medical Evaluation
It’s easy to ignore symptoms and hope they’ll resolve on their own, but untreated fibroids can worsen over time. Here are some situations where it’s a good idea to seek medical help:
- Symptoms Persist for Several Cycles
If your symptoms don’t improve or seem to last longer each cycle, it’s worth consulting with an expert. - Disruptions to Daily Life
Some women find that fibroids impact their concentration, productivity, or even the ability to participate in everyday activities. When your symptoms start interfering with your routines, it’s time to take action. - Physical or Emotional Strain
The fatigue caused by heavy bleeding or the emotional strain of dealing with unpredictable symptoms can take a toll over time. Seeking help can offer both relief and peace of mind.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted healthcare professionals for an evaluation, especially if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms or they’ve gotten worse over time.
Awareness of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
If you’re concerned about fibroids but don’t want to pursue surgery, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a promising, non-surgical option worth considering. UFE works by targeting the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s a minimally disruptive treatment that allows many women to experience significant symptom relief without the extended recovery time associated with surgery.
Here’s why UFE might be a good solution for you:
- Symptom Relief Without Major Downtime
UFE addresses problems like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure effectively, helping you feel more like yourself again. Best of all, it’s done on an outpatient basis, letting you recover at home and quickly return to normal activities. - Minimally Disruptive
This approach avoids incisions or any invasive procedures, making it ideal for individuals who want to minimize the impact on their daily life. - Accessible in Libertyville
Local options for UFE in mean you can find care close to home, ensuring convenience and continuity with minimal hassle.
If fibroid symptoms are overwhelming you, UFE could be the answer you’re looking for.
FAQs
What causes uterine fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t always clear, but they are influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Your genetic history, age, and hormone levels may also play a part in their development.
How do fibroid symptoms differ from normal periods?
Fibroid symptoms often involve prolonged periods (lasting longer than seven days), very heavy bleeding, and additional discomfort such as pelvic pain, pressure, or backaches that don’t typically accompany normal cycles.
Get Help with a UFE Today
Recognizing the signs of uterine fibroids early can be life-changing, helping you take control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you notice heavy periods, pelvic discomfort, or other bothersome symptoms, don’t ignore them. Taking action now can lead you to effective solutions like UFE.
If you’re ready to learn more about UFE and explore care options near you, reach out to Joint and Vascular Institute today.