Dealing with Uterine fibroids can turn your life into a living nightmare if left untreated for long. In a nutshell, Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, Uterine fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.

But you should always remember that fibroids range in size from seedlings undetectable by the human eye to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. It is possible to have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In extreme cases, multiple Uterine fibroid can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage and can add weight.

Actually, many women have Uterine fibroids sometime during their lives. But you might not know you have Uterine fibroids since they often cause no symptoms. Your medical practitioner may discover Uterine fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. Either way, you need to understand the symptoms of Uterine fibroids to better prepare yourself for what lies ahead.

While most women don’t have any symptoms, it always happens. In those women that experience symptoms, they can be influenced by the location, size and number of Uterine fibroids. Among the most common signs and symptoms of Uterine fibroids you might experience include heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual periods lasting more than a week, and frequent urination.

You may also have to contend with pelvic pressure or pain, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation and backache or leg pains. Rarely a uterine fibroid can cause acute pain when it outgrows its blood supply, and begins to die. Keep in mind fibroids are generally classified by their location.

So, when should you see a doctor? Well, you need to take this action if you have pelvic pain that doesn’t go away, overly heavy, prolonged or painful periods, and spotting or bleeding between periods. The same applies if you have difficulty emptying your bladder and unexplained low red blood cell. Be sure to seek medical care if at all you have severe vaginal bleeding or sharp pelvic pain that comes on suddenly.

The Bottom Line

Now than you have insights into what Uterine fibroids entail, you should keep an eye on the above signs and symptoms. That way, you can seek fast medical attention before things finally get out of hand.