One of the most common and often overlooked causes of persistent pelvic pain is uterine fibroids. These non-cancerous growths affect millions of women, yet many don’t realize they have them until symptoms become difficult to manage.
Fibroids may be the culprit if you’ve been battling pelvic discomfort, heavy periods, or pressure in your lower abdomen.
The good news? Our Women’s Specialists of Fayette team can help. We provide highly effective, personalized, compassionate women’s health services to individuals throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Here’s our team's guidance on uterine fibroids, the symptoms they cause, and treatments that help manage this common condition.
Pelvic pain is a common concern among women and can arise from problems with the reproductive, urinary, digestive, or musculoskeletal systems. It’s essential to determine the underlying cause so that we can help manage or prevent your symptoms.
Uterine fibroids are one of the leading sources of pelvic pain, with symptoms ranging from mild cramping between periods to significant abdominal enlargement that mimics pregnancy.
Fibroids grow from connective and smooth muscular tissue. Uterine fibroids can occur anywhere along the inner or outer uterine wall. You may have one or many, and although they are non-cancerous, depending on their size, number, and location, uterine fibroids can significantly impact your daily life and overall health.
Some fibroids are tiny, while others can grow large enough to push against nearby pelvic organs. Shapes can vary from globular, grape-like clusters to smooth, rounded bumps to pedunculated fibroids that hang or grow from a stalk.
Depending on their location and size, fibroids can cause symptoms such as the following:
Some women experience no symptoms or only mild discomfort, while others struggle with chronic pain and other symptoms that disrupt their everyday routines.
Fibroids cause discomfort for several reasons. Large or multiple fibroids can put pressure on nearby organs, such as the bladder or bowel, leading to pelvic heaviness or sharp pain.
Fibroids located within the uterine lining may also trigger intense cramping, especially during menstruation. Even small fibroids can be painful if they grow in sensitive areas of the uterus.
While the exact cause is unknown, several factors can increase your risk of uterine fibroids, including:
Many women with fibroids are unaware they have them until they seek care for symptoms like pelvic pain, irregular periods, or fertility concerns.
If you are experiencing heavy periods, clotting, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, or pain during sex, it’s time to talk to an OB/GYN specialist. A simple pelvic exam or ultrasound can quickly determine whether you have fibroids.
Fibroids are highly treatable — that’s good news. At Women’s Specialists of Fayette, your provider recommends a plan based on your symptoms, age, and reproductive goals.
Treatment options may include:
We only recommend a hysterectomy in the most severe cases. However, this procedure can eliminate the fibroids and permanently resolve your symptoms. Very often, fibroids and their symptoms resolve once you reach menopause.
Relief is possible, beginning with a conversation. Schedule an evaluation today at Women’s Specialists of Fayette in our Fayetteville or Peachtree City, Georgia office by calling or requesting an appointment online.
