Excessive Cramping and Pelvic Discomfort
One of the most common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is excessive cramping and pelvic discomfort.
Unlike menstrual cramps, which are caused by the contracting uterus as it pushes out the endometrium during a monthly period, fibroid cramps can exist outside of the average 5-7 days that menstruation lasts.
In fact, for women with uterine fibroids, not only do these cramps occur outside of the menstruation period, but they can be rather severe. And, unfortunately, if the fibroids are left untreated, these symptoms are likely to get worse and include several others as well.
Fibroids can range in size and location. They also vary in terms of how many each woman has. Some women may have a single fibroid while others could have multiple fibroids.
When it comes to the symptoms directly related to uterine fibroids- the location, size, and number of fibroids can play a role in the specific symptoms experienced and their severity.
For example, women with large fibroids have reported that they feel a heaviness or pressure in their lower abdomen or pelvis. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also make it hard to lie down, bend over, or exercise.
Though all fibroids can contribute to pelvic pain and cramping, more often than not, these symptoms are experienced as a result of having intramural fibroids.
Intramural fibroids grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus. As intramural fibroids grow larger, they increase the likelihood of more severe symptoms that can have a direct impact on one’s quality of life.
The other types of fibroids can also cause cramping and pelvic discomfort. These types are called: submucosal, subserosal, and pedunculated fibroids.
Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity, while subserosal fibroids grow toward the outside of the uterus. Pedunculated fibroids are those that are not directly attached to the uterus and grow from a stem-like stalk.
Cramping and discomfort caused by submucosal fibroids are usually caused by the uterus trying to rid itself of them.
Unlike the contractions that happen every month in order to shed the endometrium, painful contractions caused by submucosal fibroids can happen at any time during a menstrual cycle.
No matter what type of fibroid is causing your uncomfortable symptoms- there is treatment available.
If you think you are experiencing moderate to severe cramping outside of your monthly period, or even if it’s severe during your period- it’s important to seek out treatment right away.
Though most causes of pelvic pain and cramping are treatable, if you do not address the issue it is likely that your symptoms and the underlying condition will get worse.
If the cause of the cramping is indeed fibroids, there are many treatment options available such as medication, surgery, or uterine fibroid embolization.
UFE is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that can relieve the painful cramping and other frustrating symptoms caused by uterine fibroids.
To learn more about UFE and to find out if it could benefit you, please call our office today.
