Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, affecting up to 80% of women by the time they reach menopause. Despite this prevalence, many women are unaware that their symptoms are linked to these non-cancerous growths. Understanding the signs of uterine fibroids is the first step toward finding relief and making informed decisions about your health. As a leading fibroid specialist in Greensboro, our team at Sunrise Vascular is dedicated to educating women about their health and the advanced, minimally invasive treatments available.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
While some women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all, others face significant discomfort and disruption to their daily lives. The symptoms often depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
One of the most reported uterine fibroid symptoms is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This can include periods that last longer than a week or bleeding that is so heavy it requires changing pads or tampons every hour. This level of blood loss can lead to anemia, causing fatigue and weakness.
Pelvic Pain and Pressure
Many women experience a persistent feeling of pressure or fullness in their lower abdomen. This sensation is often caused by the size and weight of the fibroids pressing against the pelvic organs. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating cramps, not just during menstruation but throughout the month.
Less Common, But Significant Fibroid Symptoms
Beyond the most common signs, uterine fibroids can cause a variety of other symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life.
Frequent Urination
Fibroids can press on the bladder, leading to a frequent need to urinate or difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Lower Back Pain
Fibroids located on the back of the uterus can exert pressure on the muscles and nerves of the lower back, causing a chronic ache.
Pain During Intercourse
Depending on their location, fibroids can cause pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
Constipation
Similar to how they affect the bladder, fibroids can press on the rectum, leading to difficulty with bowel movements.
Weight Gain and Bloating
Large or multiple uterine fibroids can cause weight gain and abdominal bloating. As fibroids grow, they add physical mass and can cause the uterus to expand significantly, sometimes to the size it would be during pregnancy. This growth can distort the shape of the abdomen, creating a visibly rounded or swollen appearance. In addition, fibroids can disrupt normal hormonal balance by influencing estrogen levels, which may contribute to water retention and make it more difficult for the body to maintain a stable weight. Women often attribute this bloating and weight change to other causes, which is why understanding fibroids as a potential factor is important.
The Impact of Fibroid Symptoms on Daily Life
The physical toll of uterine fibroid symptoms is often accompanied by a significant emotional and social impact. Constant pain, chronic fatigue from anemia, and the inconvenience of heavy bleeding can affect work, relationships, and mental well-being. Many women find themselves planning their lives around their symptoms, avoiding social engagements, and experiencing a decline in their overall quality of life. It is important to know that you do not have to live this way. Effective treatments are available to help you reclaim your life from fibroid symptoms.
When to Seek Treatment from a Fibroid Specialist in Greensboro
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, it is time to seek medical advice. You should schedule a consultation with a fibroid specialist in Greensboro if you have pelvic pain that is persistent or severe, heavy or prolonged periods that disrupt your daily activities, difficulty emptying your bladder or frequent urination, or any other symptom that is causing you distress or concern.
At Sunrise Vascular, our team of expert physicians provides compassionate care and advanced, minimally invasive treatment options for uterine fibroids. We are committed to serving the women of Greensboro and the surrounding rural communities in North Carolina. For more information on women’s health services in the area, you can visit the Guilford County Public Health website or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Contact Sunrise Vascular in Greensboro today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.