We know that fibroids often cause painful and inconvenient symptoms. When you are waiting for your treatment procedure, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do for managing fibroid symptoms. Below we explain what fibroids are and how you can manage pain before treatment.
Fibroids are common tumors that grow in the uterus. Some women with fibroids may have to deal with pain, urinary urgency, bloating, or menstrual changes. On the other hand, many don’t experience symptoms. Many women think their symptoms are normal, or they ignore it in fear of getting treatment.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids depends on the number, location, and size of the fibroids. In 30 to 40 percent of cases, fibroids include symptoms like heavy menstrual flow. This can lead to anemia, cramping, and pain. African-American women may have more severe fibroid symptoms. Women with large fibroids may experience symptoms like pelvic pressure on the uterus, bladder issues, or increased urinary frequency. These symptoms can interfere with overall quality of life.
Diagnosis
A pelvic-exam may reveal an large uterus if you have fibroids. A consultation will allow for the detection of anemia if you experience heavy bleeding during or in between your periods. An ultrasound is one of the best ways to detect uterine fibroids. Due to its availability and affordability, ultrasounds are useful for the diagnosis of tumors in the uterus.
Managing your fibroid symptoms
There are some pain management strategies you can try at home until you can see a doctor. Balancing your hormones naturally, adding more organic and detoxifying foods to your diet are all easy ways to manage pain.
Remember, it’s important to see an interventional radiologist or, a fibroid specialist with years of experience when dealing with uterine fibroids.
You can also use the below options to manage your fibroid symptoms before treatment:
- Apply a hot water bottle on your lower stomach.
- Exercise to increase your body’s natural pain killers, endorphins. However, pay attention to your body and don’t push yourself if you experience pain or discomfort.
- Eat plenty of fiber so that you don’t have to strain during bowel movements.
- Beta carotene rich foods (sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots), high iron foods (legumes or flaxseeds), and high fiber whole grains (buckwheat, spelt, oats and rye) can help in temporarily relieving fibroid symptoms.
- Over the counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Acetaminophen.
- Managing your blood pressure may improve symptoms as there is a correlation between high blood pressure and fibroids.
- Managing your stress levels through relaxation techniques like yoga, massage, meditation and tai chi.
- Foods that have high iron content like whole grains, spinach, shellfish, beans and lentils, pumpkin seeds, turkey, cashews, and dark chocolate. This can help combat anemia, often caused by heavy, prolonged bleeding.
- Avoiding inflammatory foods and alcohol. This can help temporarily ease frequent urination and pelvic cramping until you are able to get further treatment.
A non-surgical option for fibroid treatment
Non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids is a safe, FDA-approved option for women who would like the chance to become pregnant and preserve their uterus. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure which has proven to treat fibroid symptoms effectively.
This minimally invasive, outpatient procedure is performed by our fibroid specialists. Uterine Fibroid Embolization shrinks uterine fibroids rapidly and eliminates symptoms without the need for surgery. Typically UFE requires one week for full recovery and you are able to return home the same day.
One of our fibroid doctors will create a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you. Our fibroid doctors are specialists in treatment of fibroids with years of experience. They provide quality, compassionate care and are committed to improving their overall quality of life.
Embolization for fibroids
While doing embolization for fibroids, our interventional radiologists will guide the delivery of small particles to the fibroids in your uterus. These small particles are injected into the blood vessels supplying your fibroids through a catheter. With their blood supply being cut off, fibroids shrink, starve, and eventually die.
For more information on fibroid pain treatment, please contact us at (855) 615-2555. Our treatments are covered by most major health insurance, and some Medicaid plans.
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