Learn about these tumors and what they mean to your health.
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No woman wants to hear that she has a tumor or growth on her reproductive organs. A uterine fibroid is just that, a tumor; but it is most often benign. Like the name says, these types of fibroids develop in the uterus, and they can be found in the following areas:
- Inside the uterine cavity
- Within the uterine walls
- On the outside of the uterus
Uterine fibroids can develop singularly or in clusters.
What are the symptoms?
Even though they're usually benign, uterine fibroids may wreak havoc. However, not all women experience symptoms when they develop one or more fibroids. The possible symptoms are:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Pain during sex
- Frequent urination
- Lower back pain
On an extremely rare occasion, uterine fibroids develop into cancer. But, having fibroids doesn't appear to increase your risk for cancer.
Fibroids and pregnancy
If you develop a fibroid in the cavity of your uterus, this could pose some issues if you were to become pregnant. However, not all fibroids cause pregnancy problems. These are the common pregnancy complications caused by uterine fibroids:
- Preterm delivery
- Needing a cesarean section
- Your baby is breech
- Labor doesn't progress
- Placental abruptio
Diagnosing fibroids
During routine pelvic exams your gynecologist may see or feel uterine fibroids. Otherwise, the doctor may assess your symptoms and utilize imaging like MRIs, ultrasound or X-ray to determine if you do have uterine fibroids.
At Las Colinas Medical Center, we perform a myomectomy procedure, which allows surgeon to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. Utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System, our surgeons are able to treat uterine fibroids as a minimally invasive experience. Visit us online to learn more about the Women's Services offered at Las Colinas, or for help finding a physician.
Related Posts:
Women's Health: Common Pelvic Conditions
Gynecologic Surgery
