You might ask, what is a fibroid?

A fibroid is a benign, non-cancerous growth that normally occurs in or around the uterus. It has other names such as leiomyoma or myoma in medical terminology

A woman may have a single or multiple fibroids. These non-cancerous growths constitute fibrous tissue and muscles. They can be minuscule or conspicuous. In most cases, they become extremely large in size.

Most American women are most likely to develop fibroids during their lifetime; this is according to the National Institutes of Health.

The causes of fibroids remain unknown, however, they are mostly genetic. Women who are obese are more likely to develop fibroids than healthier women.

About 20 to 80% of women develop fibroids by age 50; this is according to the U. S. Department of Health. Also, it is more prevalent in women between the age of 30 and 40.

It is worthy of note that fibroids thrive on reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone and as such, they are most likely to occur during reproductive years.

As one grows older, so is the risk of developing fibroid. This is why women going through menopause are at the highest risk of developing fibroid.

Also, fibroids have a tendency of reoccurring, and hysterectomy is most recommended by doctors to combat fibroid-growth for a hassle-free, post-menopausal life.

Although fibroid is not life-threatening, they can prove highly uncomfortable and can have a negative impact on the quality of a woman’s life.

This article highlights some warning signs of fibroid that you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Pain During Intercourse
If the fibroid is extremely large it can cause extreme pain for a woman during intercourse. Also, a woman may experience sharp pain when the fibroids grow around the vaginal tract or the cervix (an opening that connects the vagina and uterus)

Due to its large size, the fibroid may exert pressure on the cervix during intercourse and may cause irritation and pain as well as mild bleeding.

A sharp pain may also be felt when assuming certain positions.

A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reports that the majority premenopausal women between the ages of 35 to 49 reported a positive association of fibroids with pain during intercourse.

According to the study, fundal fibroids, a type of fibroid that appears at the top of the uterus were strongly associated with intercourse-pain than other kinds of fibroids

If you experience an acute pain during intercourse, consult your physician for examination.

2. Non-Menstrual Pelvic Pain
Non-menstrual pelvic pain simply means experiencing pain in the pelvic region outside your menstrual cycle. This could be an indication of a fibroid growth, as large fibroids exert pressure on and around the pelvic region.

In some cases, fibroids grow very close to the pelvis, and in such cases, their location and not their size is what exerts pressure and causes sharp pain.

A 2003 study published in Fertility and Sterility reports that out of 15% of patients who reported uterine fibroids, 2.6% reported non-menstrual pelvic pain.

In this case, if you notice sharp pain around and in your pelvic region for no just reason, especially when you are not menstruating, consult a gynecologist.

3. Miscarriage
Two types of fibroids, in particular, submucosal fibroids (fibroid that grows within the muscular uterine wall) and intracavity fibroids (fibroids located within the cavity) can often lead to miscarriages.

How does this happen?

When a fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes and is deposited into the uterine cavity, submucosal fibroids may hinder the passage of blood to the embryo.

In some cases, it may cause inflammation within the lining and hamper the proper growth of the fetus.

These two factors can contribute to miscarriage.

According to a 2011 study published in Human Reproduction, it was reported that fibroid growth was positively associated with women who had suffered recurrent miscarriages in the mid-trimester.

In case you are suffering from recurrent miscarriages, it is advisable to seek medical attention for proper examination.

4. Excessive & Prolonged Bleeding
Excessive and prolonged bleeding lasting more than 7 or 8 days at a stretch could be an indication of a fibroid.

Many women simply do not notice or outrightly disregard heavy blood flow.

Now, if you find yourself using more sanitary pads in a day than you would or should normally use, the all is not right.

Another indication is passage of blood clots during menstruation

9.4% of women in the UK reported uterine fibroids; according to a 2012 study published in BMC Women’s Health.

According to the report, of those women, 59.8% reported heavy bleeding, 37.3% reported prolonged bleeding and 33.3% reported bleeding between periods.

If you notice any abnormalities in your menstrual cycle, consult your physician for examination.

5. Abnormal Urinary Patterns
The bladder and the uterus are in close proximity. That simply means, when multiple and large fibroids grow from the uterus, they exert excessive pressure on the neighboring organs, including the bladder. This often causes frequent and painful urination.

Now, the pressure exerted on the bladder is at its peak when lying down. As such, the frequency of urination at night increases with fibroid growth.

Loss of bladder control and function could also be an indication of fibroid growth.

A 2011 study published in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery reports that out of 78 women diagnosed with uterine fibroids, 91% reported a spike in nighttime urination, 59% reported an increase in urinary frequency, and 45 to 54% reported a loss of bladder control.

Therefore, if you suffer any of these lower urinary tract symptoms, visit a gynecologist for examination and treatment.

6. Infertility
Endometrial or submucosal fibroids are very rare types of fibroid. They often develop toward the endometrium and under the muscles lining the uterus.

These submucosal fibroids block the fallopian tubes and restrict the passage of fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Although studies have not shown a positive link between other fibroids and infertility, submucosal fibroids are known to cause infertility and reduce chances of pregnancy.

According to a 2009 study published in Fertility and Sterility, submucosal fibroids increases the risk of infertility and suggests removing the fibroids to increase the chances of pregnancy.

Consult your gynecologist for possible fibroid examination if you have difficulties conceiving.

7. Abdominal Swelling
Multiple and large fibroids can cause large or swollen abdomen. It is not uncommon to associate large or abdomen with weight gain, however, it is one of the most ignored and misunderstood symptom of a fibroid growth.

According to a 2005 study published in Human Reproduction, 59.1% of 300 multi-ethnic women with uterine fibroids reported abdominal swelling.

If you notice your belly protruding and you have not made any diet modification, its time to consult your doctor.

8. Leg Pain
Subserous fibroids (fibroids that grow outside the uterus) may press against the spinal nerves. Since spinal nerves are directly connected to the legs, this pressure can cause leg and thigh pain.

However, leg pain can occur for so many reasons. But if you have leg pain along with any of the symptoms of fibroids listed on this page, seek medical attention immediately.

9. Lower Back Pain
You might be wondering what is the connection between a fibroid growth and lower back pain. The truth is that the mass and position of fibroids determine the parts of the body that are affected and to what degree.

As earlier mentioned, the size of fibroid varies and some are extremely large and heavy. Also, such large and bulky fibroids are often located on the lower back surface of the uterus. On such occasions, your lower back experiences pressure inducing pain

However, lower back pain can occur for a number of reasons. Furthermore, if it occurs frequently and accompanied with other reproductive symptoms, it might indicate a fibroid growth.

10. Constipation
Large, bulky subserous fibroid exert pressure on the rectum and hampers the body’s normal bowel functions and can cause constipation.

According to a study published in Practitioner, constipation is one of the major symptoms of fibroids in women.

Also, constipation can occur for a number of reasons. However, if you have a regular occurrence of constipation with other noticeable symptoms of fibroid along with it, pay your doctor a visit.

Source: http://www.currenthealthtips.com/warning-signs-of-fibroid-that-you-shouldnt-ignore/

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That was a long one, very informative and educating...

Lalasticlala, Mynd44 come and see front page material

nice one

I've seen ladies who lost their womb and became permanently childless due to this. Regular check ups should be encouraged. Save our future generation.