Fibroid tumors are nodules that are found in a woman’s body as a single entity or in multiples. Read on to know about their symptoms.
Fibroid tumor is a growth that appears on organs composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissues. This non-cancerous growth is commonly detected in the woman’s uterus. It has a firm rubbery texture and is spherical in shape. It can be as small as 1 mm to as large as 20 cm.
This condition affects a woman during her reproductive age. Research has shown that 20% – 40% of women between 30 to 50 years are prone to it. It has been noticed that these growths are found when the estrogen level is very high, especially during menses and pregnancy.
There are mainly four types of tumors that are classified according to their location in the uterus. They are subserosal (outside the wall of the uterus), intramural (on the wall of the uterus), submucosal (under the inner lining of the uterus wall), and pedunculated (on a stalk, outside the wall of the uterine). The size and position determine the severity of the symptoms.
Symptoms
- One of the most common symptoms is heavy blood loss during the menstrual period. Sometimes, periods extend beyond the standard time of 4 – 5 days. This is usually considered as a symptom of intramural and submucosal fibroid. One may also undergo pain during menstruation.
- Another symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding, where you may discover clots or other irregular patterns during periods. Occurrence of bleeding more than once in a month is another sign.
- Excessive and abnormal uterine bleeding may lead to anemia due to decrease in red blood cells.
- Growth of fibroids may affect the neighboring organs like the pelvis. Pelvic pain is equivalent to that experienced during childbirth and is a symptom of pedunculated fibroid.
- This condition can strain the nerves that lead to the bladder and bowel, and cause frequent urination and constipation. The pressure can also stimulate pain in the legs.
- Presence of large growths in the abdomen can make a woman look 5 – 6 months pregnant, and may also lead to kidney failure.
- Another sign is discomfort during sexual intercourse or massive blood loss after it.
- Infertility is also an important symptom. Women who are unable to conceive or have undergone frequent and sudden miscarriages have been diagnosed with this ailment. Pregnant women with these growths are reported to have experienced early labor pains.
A patient need not necessarily have these symptoms. Usually, they are detected during the examination of the pelvic area. These signs can be caused by some other ailment too.
Treatment varies from person to person. It is important to consult a physician if you notice the above symptoms. Hysterectomy and myomectomy are two of the oldest treatments; however, minor tumors can also be cured through various other methods like diet control, medications, etc.
Every woman should be aware of the signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors. It is crucial to protect one’s reproductive organ to avoid infertility and ailments related to other organs of the body.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
