Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Recognizing uterine fibroids
• Part 2 of 3: Making a diagnosis
• Part 3 of 3: Treating uterine fibroids

A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor that occurs on the wall of the uterus. They occur quite often, and according to some estimates, by the age of 50, more than half of women have fibroids. In most cases, fibroids do not cause any symptoms and disappear without a trace. However, in some women, uterine fibroids cause severe symptoms that need medical treatment. To receive proper treatment, it is necessary to identify the symptoms and get the correct diagnosis from a doctor.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Recognizing uterine fibroids

1. 1 Identify symptoms during your menstrual cycle. Fibroids can cause changes and problems in the menstrual cycle. If you had a fairly regular menstrual cycle, which then changed, then these changes could be caused by uterine fibroids. It is worth noting that these symptoms can be caused by other diseases as well. Symptoms that indicate uterine fibroids include:
   • excessive bleeding during menstruation;
   • severe menstrual pain;
   • bleeding between periods.
2. 2 Beware of acute symptoms. There are a number of symptoms that can occur during and in between your menstrual cycle - they indicate the presence of uterine fibroids or other medical conditions. Some symptoms are directly related to your period, but others simply affect your overall well-being. Symptoms that may indicate uterine fibroids include:
   • bloating or painless masses in the lower abdomen;
   • Frequent urination caused by the pressure of fibroids on the bladder;
   • pain during intercourse;
   • back pain;
   • constipation;
   • chronic vaginal discharge;
   • dysuria (urinary disorder).
3. 3 Identify problems with the reproductive system. Even in the absence of acute symptoms, uterine fibroids can still cause fertility problems. If you are having trouble conceiving, it could be caused by uterine fibroids. Be aware that other health problems can also cause infertility.
   • If you are having trouble conceiving, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor will take tests from you and determine if there is a medical condition that prevents you from getting pregnant.
4. 4 Assess your risk factors. There are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing uterine fibroids. Risk factors that increase your chances of developing fibroids include:
   • Ethnicity or Race: African American women are much more likely to develop uterine fibroids and may develop uterine fibroids at a young age. In addition, unlike other women, African American women have an increased risk of developing fibroids with age.
   • Weight: With overweight and obesity, the risk of developing fibroids is slightly increased.
   • Age at the first menstruation: the younger the girl was in the first menstruation, the more likely she was to get uterine fibroids.
   • Lack of pregnancy: A girl is more likely to develop fibroids if she has never given birth.

Part 2 of 3: Making a diagnosis

1. 1 Get a physical exam. If you suspect you have fibroids, get a physical. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, perform a general examination, and then perform a pelvic exam. The therapist can conduct a general examination and take tests. After that, you will be referred to a gynecologist for further examination and treatment.
   • The doctor will most likely perform a gynecological examination. To do this, he will look inside the cervix and perform a bimanual examination to estimate the size of the uterus. He will also take a swab from your cervix and check it for infection.
2. 2 Get an ultrasound scan. After the physical examination, your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound of the uterus (both external and internal (transvaginal)). An ultrasound scan is necessary to determine the location of the fibroid, its size and the extent of its spread.
3. 3 Ask your doctor about the type of fibroids. After confirming the presence of fibroids, your doctor will tell you what type of fibroids it is. There are three types of uterine fibroids: subserous, intramural and submucous. They differ in their location in the reproductive system. These fibroids cause different symptoms and require different treatments.
   • Subserous mimoma can descend to more than 50% of the cervix. This fibroid rarely affects fertility.
   • Intramural mimoma is located in the muscular layer of the uterus and does not go deep into the uterine cavity.
   • Submucous mimoma deepens into the uterine cavity. This type of fibroid greatly reduces the possibility of getting pregnant.
4. 4 Agree to treatment. Depending on the type of fibroids and the severity, your doctor will prescribe a course of treatment for you. It may include removal of the fibroid. Regardless of whether surgery is performed or not, your doctor will prescribe medications to reduce fibroids and treat symptoms.
   • In most cases, your doctor will prescribe pain relievers, birth control, and gonadotropin-releasing hormones to slow or stop the growth of fibroids. Birth control pills will reduce bleeding if it is one of the symptoms of fibroids.
   • If your doctor advises surgery, it could mean one of several types of surgery. This can be laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myomectomy, or laparotomy. They are all surgical procedures to remove fibroids.
   • Most women with mild cases of fibroids (approximately 30%) do not need treatment due to the absence of symptoms or pain.
   • If you want to get pregnant in the future, be sure to tell your doctor about it, as this may affect the choice of treatment.

Part 3 of 3: Treating uterine fibroids

1. 1 Treat acute symptoms. Even with medical treatment, uterine fibroids can cause profuse uterine bleeding and severe menstrual pain. In this case, try to relieve the acute symptoms of your period. To relieve pain, heavy bleeding, and other problems associated with your period, do the following:
   • Attach an ice pack. An ice pack on your stomach or lower back can help relieve pain. Put the compress on for 20 minutes and then remove it so as not to harm your skin.
   • Take vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C helps your body absorb excess iron, which can cause you to bleed heavily during your period.
   • Take iron supplements. Heavy uterine bleeding may cause anemia. In this case, take supplements to help normalize your iron levels.
2. 2 Make lifestyle changes. In addition to treating and treating your symptoms, you should also make some lifestyle changes. Anything that helps relieve your period will help ease your symptoms as well. To do this, you need to do the following:
   • exercise regularly;
   • eat fruits and vegetables;
   • eat less sugary and fatty foods.
3. 3 Ask for help. With uterine fibroids, you cannot do without the help and support of loved ones. This is the only way to get the necessary treatment. You need someone to drive you home after your surgery and look after you. You will also need help if you suddenly feel worse and are unable to help yourself.
   • If your symptoms affect your work or daily activities in one way or another, be sure to discuss all possible treatments with your doctor.Discuss your situation with your employer and ask for a job that will not be affected by your condition.