If you’re experiencing constant pelvic pain or discomfort, we know how much it can affect your quality of life and make everyday activities hard to enjoy. While it’s easy to dismiss these symptoms as part of the normal menstrual cycle or aging process, there could be significant underlying issues — like fibroids.
In Catonsville, Maryland, Board-certified OB/GYN Dee L. Hubbard, MD, offers personalized gynecologic care to diagnose and treat uterine fibroids. By improving symptoms and preventing complications, Dr. Hubbard can help you find the relief you deserve.
Let’s take a look at some common signs to watch out for and explore treatment options to enhance your quality of life.
Understanding fibroids
The first step to understanding pelvic pain caused by fibroids is to understand them as a whole. Here’s what you need to know. Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in your uterus. They can vary in size, ranging from small, pea-sized nodules to large masses that can distort the shape of your uterus. Additionally, fibroids can set up camp anywhere — they can develop within the uterine wall, protrude from your uterus, or hang by a stalk inside or outside your uterus.
Recognizing common symptoms
Along with pelvic pain, there are a range of signs to look for when it comes to fibroids. However, some women may not experience symptoms at all. Regardless, it’s essential to pay attention to your body and seek medical attention if you experience the following:
Pelvic pain
If you’re already experiencing persistent or intermittent pelvic pain or pressure, it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Hubbard. It’s even more important to address your pelvic pain symptoms if they’re accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or fullness in your lower abdomen.
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Be on the lookout for changes in your menstrual cycle. Excessive menstrual bleeding, including prolonged periods, frequent spotting between periods, or the passage of blood clots may indicate a more serious concern.
Urinary symptoms
Another common fibroid sign is the urge to urinate more frequently than normal. This can manifest as feeling difficult to empty your bladder completely or experiencing urinary urgency.
Painful intercourse
Fibroids can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. This happens as a result of pressure from the fibroids on your surrounding organs.
Abdominal swelling
Lastly, pay attention to your lower abdomen and check to see if it’s swollen or resembles a pregnancy bump. This is especially common with larger fibroids.
Exploring treatment options
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain along with any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to consider treatment options. There are various solutions available to manage your fibroids and give you the relief you deserve. Some common treatment options include:
Medications
Dr. Hubbard may discuss hormonal medications with you such as birth control pills, gonadotropin-release hormone (GnRH) agonists, or progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) that can help control heavy bleeding and reduce the size of your fibroids.
Minimally invasive procedures
Techniques such as uterine artery embolization (UAE), magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), or laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery can target and shrink fibroids while still preserving your uterus.
Surgical removal
If you have a more severe case of fibroids, surgical procedures such as myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of your uterus) may be recommended by our team.
Regardless of the treatment option we recommend, the priority is getting you back to living pain-free and feeling like yourself again. Just know that you’re not alone, and that we’re here for you every step of the way to help you regain control of your health.
To learn more about fibroids and treatment options, call us at (443)251-2996 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment with Dr. Hubbard today!