Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are growths on or in the uterus. Fibroids can grow on the outer wall, on the inner wall, or inside the wall of the uterus.

Your doctor may call them fibroid tumors, leiomyomas, or myomas. But fibroids aren't cancer. And they usually don't cause problems. You don't need to do anything about them unless they are causing problems.

Uterine fibroid symptoms can develop slowly over several years or quickly over several months. Fibroids often cause mild symptoms or none at all. But sometimes the symptoms become a problem. The types of symptoms you have can depend on where the fibroid is found in the uterus.

Uterine fibroid symptoms and problems include:

Abnormal menstrual bleeding.

This includes:

• Heavier, prolonged periods that can cause anemia.
• Painful periods.
• Spotting before or after periods.
• Bleeding between periods.

Pelvic pain and pressure.

This includes:

• Pain in the belly, pelvis, or low back.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Bloating and feelings of pressure in the belly.

Urinary problems.

These include:

• Frequent urination.
• Kidney blockage following ureter blockage (rare).

Other symptoms.

These may include:

• Difficult or painful bowel movements.
• Difficulty getting pregnant.
• Problems with pregnancy, such as placental abruption and preterm labor.

To find out if you have fibroids, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and your menstrual periods. Your doctor will do a pelvic exam to check the size of your uterus.

You may get an ultrasound or another type of test that shows pictures of your uterus. These help your doctor see how large your fibroids are and where they are growing.

Your doctor may also do blood tests to look for anemia or other problems. You may have a hysteroscopy. This lets your doctor check the inside of your uterus. And sometimes an MRI is used before surgery to check the size and location of the fibroids.

If your fibroids aren't bothering you, you don't need to do anything about them. Your doctor will check them during your regular visits to see if they have gotten bigger.

If your main symptoms are pain and heavy bleeding, try an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen. And ask your doctor about birth control pills. They can help you feel better and make your periods lighter. If you have anemia, take iron pills and eat foods that are high in iron.

If you're near menopause, you might try medicines to treat your symptoms. Heavy periods will stop after menopause.

A treatment called uterine fibroid embolization can shrink fibroids. It's not a surgery, so most women feel better soon. But fibroids may grow back.

Surgery to remove the fibroids or the entire uterus may be done.

Most of the time fibroids grow slowly, so you can take time to think about your choices.

• If your doctor gave you medicine, take it as exactly as prescribed. Be safe with medicines. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Take anti-inflammatory medicines for pain. These include ibuprofen and naproxen. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Use heat, such as a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low, or a warm bath to relax tense muscles and relieve cramping. Put a thin cloth between the heating pad and your skin. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on.
• Lie down and put a pillow under your knees. Or lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest. These positions may help relieve belly pain or pressure.
• Keep track of how many sanitary pads or tampons you use each day.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
• If you bleed longer than usual or have heavy bleeding, take a daily multivitamin with iron.