WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A uterine fibroid is a non-cancerous tumor of the uterus.
Fibroids can grow on the inside, outside, or within the wall of
the uterus. They range from small to large, and usually cause
few if any problems. It's estimated that up to a quarter of all
women over 30 have fibroids. They're believed to be present in
nearly 40 percent of women over 40. After menopause, they tend
to shrink and even disappear.
Causes
The cause is unknown, but many experts suspect a link
with the female hormone estrogen.
Signs/Symptoms
Many women have fibroids without knowing it. However, the
tumors sometimes cause heavy bleeding or pain during the
monthly period, bleeding between periods, or periods that are
longer or shorter than normal. Fibroids can make sex painful,
or cause pain in your abdomen or lower back. If a fibroid is
pressing on your bladder, you may feel a frequent need to
urinate. The growths can also interfere with efforts to become
pregnant.
Care
If the fibroids are not causing problems, no action is
needed. Simply schedule regular check-ups to make sure that the
fibroids aren't growing too fast or too large. Your doctor can
use an ultrasound device to take a look at them.
If the fibroids begin to cause severe problems, the only
effective remedy is surgery. There are two surgical options.
You can have the fibroids taken out individually, or you can
have the entire uterus removed (a hysterectomy). If you opt for
individual removal, there's an almost 50:50 chance that
additional growths will appear. If you choose a hysterectomy,
you'll be completely cured, but will lose the chance to have
children.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
If you're delaying surgery or your symptoms are minor,
here are a few measures you can take to make life more
comfortable.
-
For pain, use ice or heat on
your abdomen for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long
as you think you need it. Do not sleep on the heating pad
or ice pack.
-
-
For warmth, use a heating
pad (turned on low) or a hot water bottle, or sit in a
warm water bath.
-
For cold, put ice in a
plastic bag and cover it with a towel.
-
Exercise daily. It helps make
the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and generally
keeps you healthier.
-
Drink 8 to 10 large glasses
of water each day.
-
Learn new ways to relax. Deep
breathing, relaxing muscles, meditation, or biofeedback may
ease your pain.
-
Take over-the-counter
pain-killers.
-
See your doctor for regular
checkups.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You have heavy
bleeding.
-
You develop bad abdominal
pain or feel bloated.
-
You cannot hold urine or have
to urinate frequently.
-
You feel pain during
sex.
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