Pelvic Pain & Pressure
Past Fibroid Patients Discuss Their Struggle With Fibroid Symptoms
In these videos, several fibroid patients discuss some of the most common symptoms of fibroids including heavy uterine and vaginal bleeding and chronic pelvic pain and cramping. Listen to what they went through prior to their treatments.
While uterine fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms, they may not cause any symptoms at all. However, the most common symptoms of fibroid disease is pelvic pain and pressure. The short list below outlines some of the most common complaints of women with these symptoms.
Pelvic Discomfort
Women with large fibroids may feel heaviness or pressure in their lower abdomen or pelvis. Often this is described as a vague discomfort rather than a sharp pain. Sometimes, the enlarged uterus makes it difficult to lie face down, bend over or exercise without discomfort.
Pelvic Pain
A less common symptom is acute, severe pain. This occurs when a fibroid goes through a process called degeneration. Usually, the pain is localized to a specific spot and improves on its own within two to four weeks. Using a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, can decrease the pain significantly. However, chronic pelvic pain can also occur. This type of pain is usually mild but persistent and confined to a specific area.
Bladder Problems
The most common bladder symptom is needing to urinate frequently. A woman may wake up several times during the night to empty her bladder. Occasionally, women are unable to urinate despite a full bladder.
These symptoms are caused by fibroids pressing against the bladder, reducing its capacity for holding urine or blocking the outflow of urine. Treatment for bladder problems can provide great relief.
Low Back Pain
Rarely, fibroids press against the muscles and nerves of the lower back and cause back pain. A large fibroid on the back surface of the uterus is more likely to cause back pain than a small fibroid within the uterine wall. Because back pain is so common, it is important to look for other causes of the pain before attributing it to fibroids.
Rectal Pressure
Fibroids also can press against the rectum and cause a sensation of rectal fullness, difficulty having a bowel movement or pain with bowel movements. Sometimes, fibroids can lead to the development of a hemorrhoid.
Discomfort or Pain With Sexual Intercourse
Fibroids can make sexual intercourse painful or uncomfortable. The pain may occur only in specific positions or during certain times of the menstrual cycle. Discomfort during intercourse is a significant issue. If your doctor doesn't ask you about this symptom, make sure you mention it.
Past Fibroid Patients Discuss What Steps They Took For Fibroid Treatment
In these videos, several fibroid patients discuss what they did to help themselves live a fibroid free life. From making that first phone call through their treatment.
We know that visiting a doctor can be a scary experience. Most patients will (hopefully) only visit a few surgeons in their life. Not knowing what to expect and not knowing anything about the doctor you are seeing can cause anxiety!
However, the fear of the unknown is almost always worse than the actual experience. That’s why we encourage our past patients to give feedback about our center. Whether this feedback is in the form of a letter, or on HealthGrades, our past patients ease the anxiety of our future patients.