4 Signs You're Dealing with Fibroids

If you have a uterus, you’ll probably develop at least one fibroid at some point. While the noncancerous growths often go unnoticed, over half of the estimated 26 million Americans with fibroids develop bothersome symptoms.

With his expert team at Midtown Manhattan practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa provides uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) to bring you lasting relief.

Here’s a look at several common signs of fibroids, plus how our team can help.

1. Especially heavy or painful periods

Most everyone who menstruates experiences heavy flow or cramping at some point. If you develop severe symptoms, however, you may be dealing with fibroids. You may bleed longer than seven days, which is the typical maximum for people without fibroids. 

Meanwhile, your cramps may feel excruciating, leading you to double over and miss work, school, or social events. These symptoms derive from your uterus having to work hard to expel blood and tissue due to fibroids.

2. Constipation and bloating

Fibroids can also cause constipation, meaning you have few or difficult-to-pass bowel movements. This happens when the growths form near your bladder or intestines, placing strain on your bowel. Constipation can also stem from changes in your hormone levels and pelvic blood supply because of fibroids. 

Both constipation and the fibroids themselves can lead you to feel bloated and full in your abdomen. Even when you haven’t eaten much, you might have an uncomfortable sense of fullness. And your clothing may fit more snugly around your middle. 

3. Pain during sex

If your fibroids are quite large or located near your cervix, penetrative sex can feel painful. Friction during sex can also fuel fibroid-related pain. 

Whether a sex toy or body part is used, the insertion can cause discomfort and irritation. The pain may range from relatively mild to quite severe, and worsen with certain positions. 

4. Urinary changes

Fibroids that place pressure on your ureters, the tubes that carry urine to your bladder, can interfere with normal kidney function. As a result, you can develop frequent urination and incontinence. 

For most people, peeing more than 7-8 times a day is considered frequent urination. Signs of incontinence include leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, or exercise, or have sudden urges to relieve yourself.

How UFE helps fibroids

Your ideal fibroid treatment depends on the size and location of the growths, as well as your overall health. While a “wait and see” approach suffices in some cases, symptomatic fibroids often require medication, surgery, or a less invasive procedure.

Dr. Golowa may recommend uterine fibroid embolization if you’re bothered by fibroid symptoms and wish to avoid surgery. UFE uses injections of tiny particles to block the blood supply to the fibroids, leading them to gradually shrink away. 

Because it’s gentle and noninvasive, you can get back to your usual activities shortly afterward. UFE is considered very effective, with a success rate of about 85%. 

To learn more about nonsurgical fibroid treatment or find out if UFE is right for you, call our office or book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.