If you have a uterus, there is a good chance you will experience uterine fibroids at some point. Fibroids are smooth muscle tumors that grow in and around your uterus during the childbearing years. Usually, fibroids do not cause pain and require treatment, but they may do in some cases. See a doctor if your fibroids are causing extreme discomfort or fertility issues.
Women with problematic fibroids should be aware of their treatment options. Problems like excessive menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and potentially impact fertility. Advanced fibroid treatments can help women who want to have children in the future. Seek an expert for uterine fibroids Houston, TX today.
Things to know about living uterine fibroids
1. Fibroids can grow as large as a watermelon.
Fibroids occur in millions of women across the country, but their size and shape may vary widely from patient to patient. While one woman may not even know she has fibroids and carry on with her life effortlessly, another woman may be struggling to manage the debilitating symptoms. Fibroids are usually small, about the size of a grapefruit. However, patients can sometimes show up with watermelon-sized tumors in their bellies. It may seem like they are pregnant.
2. Fibroids can have no symptoms at all.
For some women, uterine fibroids can make their life difficult. However, in a significant number of cases, these tiny growths do not pose any signs or symptoms at all. Only 1 in 5 women experience fibroid symptoms. Therefore, they are quite uncommon. Those who do get symptoms experience excessive bleeding, constipation, intense cramping, and urinary tract problems.
3. Women with fibroids can achieve pregnancy.
Fibroids typically do not make a woman infertile. However, they can become an obstacle to getting pregnant in certain cases. Fertility problems that arise due to fibroids are usually because of the size and location of the fibroid, which can interfere with the implantation of the embryo. In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgical removal of the fibroid to help a woman achieve pregnancy.
4. African Americans suffer the most due to fibroids.
Nobody knows why, but African American women are at high risk of developing fibroids. By the time African American women reach the age of 50, 80% of the population has already had fibroids. They are also diagnosed with fibroids at a younger age and have larger and more number of growths.
Complications arising from fibroids can be treated by addressing them from the very beginning. Consult with a doctor today.
