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How Can I Tell If I Have a Fibroid?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that are common. They affect from 20 to 40 percent of all women over age 35. The prevalence for uterine fibroids tends to run in families. Most are small and require no treatment, but 10 to 20 percent of all women who have fibroids require treatment and can suffer with growths as large as a cantaloupe. While treatment used to primarily consist of hysterectomy, today there are many different non-surgical treatments available. The first step is to recognize the symptoms to see if you could indeed have uterine fibroids.

  1. Bleeding

    • Unusual bleeding during and between periods is the most common sign of fibroids. If your periods have had established bleeding patterns, or are relatively light or short, and have suddenly gotten much heavier, gushing, or prolonged, you may have fibroids. This is particularly true if you are in your mid-30's or older. Unexplained bleeding at any other time that is more than spotting could also be a sign.

    Pain

    • Sudden onset of pain is another warning sign of fibroids. Increased cramping during periods, or the development of pelvic pain, back pain, or generalized lower body pressure that cannot be attributed to another cause or is accompanied by unusual bleeding could demonstrate the presence of fibroids. Pain during sex can be experienced as a symptom as well.

    Stomach and Digestive

    • Abdomen extension, accompanied by bladder pressure that causes frequent urination or constipation from pressure on the bowel can be caused by fibroids, too.

    See a Doctor

    • The only way to be completely sure you have fibroids is to see a doctor, especially if it runs in your family. After asking your questions, giving you a pelvic exam, and possibly a pregnancy test, he may want some other tests done to determine if your symptoms are truly the side effects of fibroids.

    Ultrasound Testing

    • Ultrasounds are a quick and easy tests that can be done in the gynecologist's office. It is a good first step in diagnosing fibroid tumors. However, it may not show all of the tumors or give an exact idea of size and position, so it should not be the only test done if fibroids are suspected. It also cannot provide any information on possible underlying causes of the tumors.

    MRI Testing

    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, testing is the most reliable and thorough testing method for fibroid tumors. It can be expensive and is generally done at an independent testing site by referral from your doctor. Anyone with a fear of enclosed spaces may have a hard time with this procedure. You must be able to lie motionless for as long as 15 minutes at a time in a tightly confined space. The results of an MRI are very clear and give a lot of specific data. An MRI is essential in properly diagnosing fibroids, especially before you consider any surgical remedies.

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