Are Some Fibroids More Painful Than Others
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can occur in women of all ages but are most common among those aged 30 to 50. While many women have no fibroid symptoms, others experience pain and heavy bleeding. The severity of symptoms varies based on the location and size of the tumors.
American Fibroid Centers affiliated physicians provide cutting-edge solutions for patients who seek fibroid pain relief. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces discomfort by shrinking the size of the fibroids without surgical removal of the uterus.
Compassionate outpatient fibroid centers are available in various locations in NYC including Harlem, Brooklyn, Queens as well as Fishkill NY, West Orange, NJ, and Cincinnati, OH.
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids are normally discovered during a routine pelvic exam or annual well-woman exam. Some patients seek an evaluation from a vascular specialist due to common fibroid symptoms, like pain or heavy menstrual bleeding. American Fibroid Centers affiliated physicians conduct a thorough consultation which may include ordering an MRI in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis of fibroids. An MRI can determine the size, location, and number of fibroids in the uterus.
What causes fibroid pain?
Fibroids cause pain by pressing on nearby organs or disrupting the normal flow of blood and nutrients to the surrounding tissues. Small fibroids do not cause many issues, but as the fibroid grows, they can lead to complications. Larger fibroids may cause the uterus to stretch, leading to an enlarged abdomen, and cramping and discomfort.
What does fibroid pain feel like?
The location of the pain depends on the size and location of the fibroid. Women may experience pain in the abdomen or pelvic area, while others feel discomfort in the legs and back. Pain can be chronic or intermittent. It may worsen during menstruation or during activities, like sexual intercourse.
Some women are unsure about the distinction between fibroid pain and menstrual cramps. Patients who experience new or worsening pain, pressure, or other symptoms like bleeding outside their normal cycle should call American Fibroid Centers to schedule an assessment.
How is fibroid pain treated?
American Fibroid Centers affiliated physicians can perform uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) for women in need of fibroid pain relief. UFE is an outpatient procedure which uses image-guided technology and specialized techniques to reduce the size of uterine fibroids.
A physician begins by inserting a small tube through the blood vessels to access the uterine arteries. An iodine dye provides a detailed image of the uterine tissue. American Fibroid Centers affiliated physicians administer small particles of an embolizing agent which stops the blood flow to the fibroids. This results in the shrinking of the fibroids over time.
How does UFE compare to other methods of fibroid treatment?
There are numerous surgical treatment options for fibroids. Minimally invasive treatment options include uterine fibroid embolization which does not require general anesthesia or a lengthy hospital stay. UFE also has a high success rate, with most patients reporting significant pain relief after the procedure.
Relieve fibroid pain
Fibroid pain can disrupt a patient’s life and cause significant discomfort. American Fibroid Centers offers minimally invasive solutions, like uterine fibroid embolization, to shrink the size of the tumors and provide long-term fibroid pain relief. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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