About Fibroids and Hemorrhoids
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, you may wonder if they can cause hemorrhoids. Perhaps you have already been diagnosed with hemorrhoids and wonder how fibroids can affect them. Since hemorrhoids are still an unknown subject for many people, you may not feel comfortable discussing the condition. However, it is important to be aware of how fibroids can impact hemorrhoids and seek treatment if you think you have both conditions. You can begin by identifying your symptoms to determine if they are related to fibroids.
While fibroids and hemorrhoids aren’t technically related, it is important to know how fibroids can impact hemorrhoids and seek treatment. Fibroids can also cause other symptoms, which may affect your daily life, such as heavy bleeding and severe menstrual cramps.
Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Hemorrhoids?
Fibroids can press against the rectum as they grow larger, causing both bowel and bladder issues. It may create a feeling of fullness with the fibroids pressing on bowels. Fibroids can also make it difficult to have a bowel movement or cause pain.
In some cases, fibroids can cause hemorrhoids. Fibroids located outside of the uterus, subserosal fibroids, cause rectal pressure, leading to constipation, one of the top causes of hemorrhoids.
Fibroids Can Cause Bowel Issues
When fibroids lie against the bowels and rectum, they place constant pressure on these areas of your body. You may experience discomfort whether you are up and moving around or sitting or lying. The constant pressure can cause back pain and constipation.
What Our Experts Want You to Know About Fibroids and Hemorrhoids
If you suffer from fibroids and hemorrhoids, you will need to seek treatment for fibroids pressing on the bowel, separate from treatment for hemorrhoids. Fibroids and hemorrhoids must be treated differently.
While your doctor may prescribe medication for your hemorrhoids, they will most likely refer you to a fibroid specialist to treat the fibroids causing bowel issues or hemorrhoids.
The fibroid specialist may recommend uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) to treat your fibroids. They will use imaging to locate the artery supplying blood to the fibroid. The fibroid specialist will insert a tiny catheter into the blood vessel and inject embolic materials to stop the blood flow to the fibroid. Without the necessary nutrients provided by the blood supply, the fibroid may shrink and die, alleviating the pressure against the bowels and rectum.
How to Treat Hemorrhoids with Fibroids
Most of the time, hemorrhoids can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, you may not find relief if fibroids are pressing against the bowels because the pressure is still constant.
If you experience the following symptoms from hemorrhoids, you should see a doctor for treatment.
- Rectal bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Severe pain and constipation
- Stool that appears dark red
- Dizziness or feeling weak
In this situation, you may need surgical treatment for your hemorrhoids while getting care for fibroids. Hemorrhoid treatment won’t resolve the problem until the fibroids have been dealt with.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment at USA Fibroid Centers
Fibroids can cause bowel issues that lead to hemorrhoids as they grow and place pressure on the bowel and rectal areas. Fortunately, USA Fibroid Centers can help. Our fibroid specialists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to alleviate the pain and pressure. Schedule an appointment online or call 888.615.2555 to plan a visit to one of our centers.
