Are you concerned that you may have uterine fibroids? These common, non-cancerous growths develop in or on the uterus. Fibroids can cause numerous painful, uncomfortable, and inconvenient symptoms, such as heavy periods, severe cramps, frequent urination, and low energy levels. For some women, these symptoms can be severe enough to affect their overall quality of life. 

At USA Fibroid Centers, we want you to know there’s help available in the form of non-surgical fibroid treatment. However, your first step toward symptom relief is to obtain an accurate uterine fibroids diagnosis. Here’s what you need to know:

Uterine Fibroid Diagnosis

Many women who suffer from abnormal bleeding and other uterine issues don’t realize that fibroids may be to blame. Unfortunately, there is a widespread lack of awareness surrounding fibroids, fibroid symptoms, and fibroid treatment. For some individuals, fibroids can negatively impact their career, social life, personal relationships, and self-esteem. 

The good news is that there’s no need to suffer any longer. If you are experiencing fibroid symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Receiving an accurate medical diagnosis is essential for finding effective fibroid treatment and improving your overall quality of life. 

How Do You Know if You Have Fibroids?

Fibroid symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other female reproductive conditions, so you should always discuss what you are experiencing with your doctor. Although fibroids are not usually considered dangerous, other uterine conditions may be life-threatening. Generally speaking, early detection is key to obtaining the best health outcomes.

Keep an eye out for common fibroid symptoms, which include:

  • Heavy and prolonged menstruation between or during your periods
  • Anemia, which can lead to fatigue
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation and/or bloating
  • Pain in your pelvis or lower back
  • Increased menstrual cramping
  • Stomach swelling

You should also be aware that the size and location of your fibroids can affect which symptoms, if any, you experience. Fibroids can develop individually or in numbers, and range in size from a tiny pea to as large as a melon. 

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Uterine fibroids are often detected during a routine pelvic exam. Although up to 80 percent of women are affected by fibroids by age 50, many remain unaware of their existence. Some of these women may not realize that their periods are considered abnormal, or they may only experience mild symptoms (or none at all).  

Others may seek treatment because of debilitating symptoms that make it challenging to work, move around, have sex, or socialize.

Diagnosing Fibroids

When it comes to diagnosing fibroids, there are a variety of methods available. Depending on your situation, your doctor may suggest:

  • Pelvic exam: Your doctor may feel an enlarged or abnormally shaped uterus during a physical examination. 
  • Ultrasound: If your doctor suspects fibroids, you may be asked to schedule this non-invasive exam. Ultrasound imaging can provide essential information on the size, location, number, and type of any growths involved. This information can help guide your treatment decisions.
  • MRI: Although an ultrasound is often the only medical imaging that doctors require, sometimes it just doesn’t provide enough information. In this situation, your doctor can order an MRI to provide more details. 
  • Hysterosonography: Also known as a saline infusion sonogram, this exam can expand the uterine cavity for a clearer view inside. 
  • Hysteroscopy: This surgical procedure can provide direct line of sight into the uterine cavity. However, hysteroscopy is an uncommon method for uterine fibroid diagnosis

Diagnosis & Prognosis of Fibroids

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may be concerned about your prognosis. As mentioned above, fibroids are not usually considered dangerous. However, they can potentially harm surrounding organs, impact fertility, and cause pain or discomfort.

No matter what type, size, or number of fibroids you have, the good news is that fibroid treatment is effective and widely available. Treatment options include fibroid surgery, such as a hysterectomy or myomectomy, and non-surgical methods.

At USA Fibroid Centers, we offer a minimally-invasive, non-surgical approach called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Before you decide on fibroid surgery, you should know that UFE can also effectively eliminate your fibroid symptoms and quickly get you back to normal daily activities. 

Contact USA Fibroid Centers for Fibroid Relief

If you believe you are suffering from uterine fibroids, we encourage you to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Our top-rated fibroid specialists at USA Fibroid Centers can help you explore your full range of treatment options. 

We have dozens of convenient clinic locations across the United States. To learn more about how Uterine Fibroid Embolization can help you reclaim your life, schedule an appointment at one our clinics nearest you.

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Don’t Suffer Another Day

Life with fibroids can be painful and challenging. Timely detection and treatment of fibroids can relieve symptoms, as well as reduce your risk for hysterectomy.

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