4 Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are very common — up to 80% of women develop them. But are you at risk? Read on to learn about fibroid risk factors, ways to lower your chances, and treatment options to help you feel your best.
Warning Signs You Need Fibroid Treatment
The vast majority of women — think 80% of women — develop uterine fibroids. While some fibroids are small and silent, others can grow and cause more noticeable symptoms. Some symptoms may significantly impact your daily life. So, how do you know when it’s time to consider treatment?
Below, the Fresno Fibroid Center team highlights seven warning signs that you need fibroid treatment.
1. You have heavy periods
In general, you may have a “heavy” period if you lose 60-80 milliliters of blood. A regular tampon holds about five milliliters of fluid, period underwear holds at least 1-2 milliliters, and menstrual cups can hold around 30 milliliters (depending on size and brand).
If you use a menstrual cup, you’ll have an easier time assessing blood loss, but if you don’t, you can look for other signs that your periods are heavy. Soaking through pads or tampons every hour, passing large clots, or periods that last longer than a week are signs that fibroids may be causing your heavy periods.
Not only are heavy periods annoying, but they can also impact your health. Heavy and prolonged blood loss can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can leave you feeling fatigued and weak.
2. You have pelvic pain and pressure
Do you feel a constant heaviness in your lower abdomen or pain during intercourse? Fibroids — especially larger ones — can press against other organs in your pelvis, and cause discomfort and pressure that won’t go away with over-the-counter remedies.
3. You have to use the bathroom more than normal
Fibroids that grow toward the front of the uterus (anterior fibroids) can press on your bladder and make you feel like you need to go all the time. If you’re waking up multiple times a night to urinate or barely make it to the bathroom, it’s worth getting checked.
4. You’re constipated
Your bladder isn’t the only organ impacted by fibroids. Fibroids can also grow toward the back of the uterus, put pressure on the rectum, and contribute to constipation or a feeling of bloating. If you notice ongoing digestive issues that don’t improve with diet changes, fibroids may be part of the problem.
5. You have dyspareunia
Fibroids can make intimacy uncomfortable or even painful. This symptom — officially known as dyspareunia — is more common with fibroids located near the cervix or vaginal canal. If you find yourself avoiding sex because of pain, don’t ignore it.
Other conditions, such as vaginismus, ovarian cysts, and adenomyosis, can also cause pain during sex, and relief starts with determining the root cause of your pain.
6. You’re struggling to conceive
Although many women with fibroids can conceive naturally, some fibroids can interfere with fertility or increase the risk of miscarriage. If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success, fibroids may be a contributing factor.
7. You’ve already been diagnosed, but your symptoms are getting worse
Maybe you already know you have fibroids, but you've been in “wait and see” mode. If your symptoms are worsening — or starting to interfere with work, relationships, or daily life — it’s time to explore your treatment options.
Get expert fibroid treatment in Fresno, California
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait. Drs. Pruett, Tower, Balfour, and Ng specialize in minimally invasive and nonsurgical fibroid treatments, including uterine fibroid embolization. Our personalized care plans help you get relief without major surgery and without long recovery times.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (559) 216-0746 or click here to schedule a consultation with our team.
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