Uterine Fibroids: Why a Correct Diagnosis is So Important

A uterine fibroid, also known as a fibroid, is a relatively unknown condition that affects approximately 60 to 80% of all women at some point during their fertile period. 20% of these women also experience complaints that can impact their quality of life. One of the most common symptoms linked to the presence of a fibroid is heavy bleeding during menstruation and pain in the lower abdomen. However, a diagnosis is often not made and therefore fibroids in the uterus often remain untreated for a long time. However, there are certain risks associated with this. Recognizing the symptoms is therefore crucial.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is not without its dangers. It can lead to anemia, because your body loses red blood cells faster than it can replace them. This can make you feel exhausted, dizzy or short of breath.

Menorrhagia can be caused by a chronic condition that can vary in severity: some are tolerable, others are very serious and sometimes even fatal.

Uterine fibroids can be one of the possible causes, but heavy menstrual bleeding can also be a signal of, among other things, hormone imbalances, poor ovarian function, polyps, endometriosis, adenomyosis (ingrowth of uterine lining into the wall of the uterus), pregnancy complications or the use of certain medications.

Pain in the lower abdomen is a discomfort that almost every woman has to deal with at some point. That is why they often “endure” this because it is “part of being a woman” and help is still not sought for this complaint all too often.

This pain can be caused by, among other things, pelvic inflammation, an ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, a urinary tract infection, etc. The presence of uterine fibroids can also be the cause of pain in the lower abdomen.

So it is not wise to ignore the pain.

It goes without saying that symptoms caused by pelvic inflammation require a completely different approach than symptoms caused by fibroids. It is therefore important that the correct cause is identified based on your symptoms, among other things. Only then can you also receive appropriate treatment and can you prevent possible complications such as reduced fertility or problems during pregnancy.

A diagnosis is important in the case of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The nature of the symptoms is also determined by the number, location and size of the uterine fibroids. One fibroid may cause little discomfort, while another uterine fibroid may cause serious symptoms. Examination by your treating physician will lead to a clear diagnosis. You can then discuss the various treatment options with your treating physician.

In order to be able to distinguish what exactly is causing your complaints, you need to be well informed about the symptoms of uterine fibroids. In addition to pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, the pressure of the uterine fibroid in your abdominal cavity may also cause problems with your bladder and intestines. The result may be that you have to urinate frequently or are constipated.

The pain of uterine fibroids can also spread further than just pain in the lower abdomen. The organs surrounding the uterus can also suffer a lot. The pelvis and lower back can feel painful as a result, and sexual intercourse can also be painful. In short, fibroids can throw your body out of balance to such an extent that it starts to weigh on your quality of life, both physically and psychologically.