Uterine fibroid pain is pain associated with uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids are benign tumors comprised of the uterine muscle and connective tissue in the uterus. Up to 80% of women have fibroids, however, only a small percentage will have symptoms. Women who have a family history or are pre-menopause have a greater risk of having symptoms.
Uterine fibroids refer to the overgrowth of muscle cells within the uterine wall. These tumors, which are noncancerous, may result in heavy, painful, or irregular periods and local pressure symptoms such as difficult defecation, frequent urination, and pain in the lower back. Estrogen predominance is usually a common cause and risk factor for uterine fibroid pain.
Uterine Fibroid Pain Causes
Uterine fibroids can cause pain from pressure on surrounding structures such as the bladder and nerves or from secondary pelvic floor muscle spasm and guarding.
Uterine Fibroid Pain Symptoms
Symptoms associated with uterine fibroids include excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) which can often cause anemia, infertility, and pelvic pressure or pain. In addition, patients may experience painful intercourse, low back pain, and frequent urination.
Fibroids and Pelvic Pain
The pelvic region encompasses many individual areas so our patients site pain in specific regions. Besides being called pelvic pain, it can be experienced in the hips, tailbone, stomach, and others.
This can be described as simply pain, or discomfort, or aching. Our goal is to help you find relief from that pain and discomfort. If the fibroids haven’t been addressed specifically we can help by bringing in other specialists if more invasive treatment is needed.
We make it known to our patients that you can manage your fibroid pain and get on a path to finding relief.
Can Fibroids Go Away On Their Own?
Yes, in certain cases fibroids can shrink on their own.
Treatment for Pain from Uterine Fibroid
Treatment for fibroids includes medication, surgery (including hysterectomy), and embolization methods. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain syndrome can be triggered by uterine fibroids and patients may present these conditions and symptoms. Our unique approach to helping control and reduce the pain associated with uterine fibroid pain may be of benefit.
With the varying levels of pain, a uterine fibroid can cause this brings a large amount of undue stress and tension to the region. Fibroids are often left untreated so patients are suffering from undiagnosed pain. This uncertainty of the pain brings additional pain and stress. Throughout this time and potential surgery, the body is trying to compensate for all this pain which can bring on other muscular-skeletal conditions like chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Whether you have uterine fibroids, already had surgery to remove them or just suffering from undiagnosed pain we are able to help set you on a path to long-term recovery.