Though as many as 80% of women in the country may have uterine fibroids by the time they reach the age of 50, not all of them have symptoms. Those who do could have problems like heavy menstruation, urinary problems, and abdominal distension.
These tumors are usually benign, though they range in size from very small to very large. Fort Worth gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD, specializes in uterine fibroid care, from diagnosis to treatment.
Understanding the signs of uterine fibroids and when to seek treatment are two key aspects of living comfortably with this condition. Let’s look more closely at how these tumors form and how to deal with the symptoms.
It’s common for women to develop uterine fibroids, muscular tumors that grow in the walls of the uterus. These fibroids rarely become cancerous, and they aren’t associated with an increased risk of other uterine cancers either.
The precise reasons why uterine fibroids form aren’t fully understood. Genetics and personal hormone levels each play a role, as might certain natural growth factors and irregularities in the extracellular matrix in the uterus.
Risk factors for uterine fibroid development include family connections, such as having a mother or sister with fibroids, as well as:
Fibroids can develop during pregnancy, but these often shrink or disappear after childbirth.
You may not know you have uterine fibroids if you don’t develop symptoms, and given their benign nature, there’s no reason to worry about these.
When fibroid symptoms develop, they usually include these common signs:
Fibroids range in size from microscopic to very large. In extreme cases, a patient with very large fibroids could appear to be pregnant.
Symptomatic fibroids can impact your daily life. Visit Dr. Whitfield when fibroids interfere with your ability to function and enjoy life. Make an appointment when you develop conditions such as:
If you develop sharp pains in your pelvic area or severe vaginal bleeding, seek urgent medical care immediately and follow up with Dr. Whitfield when your condition stabilizes.
Contact John A. Whitfield, MD, at his Fort Worth, Texas, office when you suspect uterine fibroid development. Call us directly at 817-927-2229 to book your appointment now.
