Painful cramps during menstruation are a normal physiological symptom. But if the cramps are severe accompanied by heaving menstrual bleeding, it is something to be worried about.
Andrew Doe MD is a board-certified interventional radiologist, offering advanced diagnosis and treatments for uterine fibroids.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also referred to as leiomyomas, are abnormal lumps or growths of soft tissue and muscle forming in or on the wall of the uterus. These are the most common benign (noncancerous) growths seen among women.
How are uterine fibroids caused?
Though the cause is unknown, it is believed that uterine fibroids develop due to hormone imbalance. The female sex hormones namely estrogen and progesterone are to be blamed.
However, you are at a greater risk due to one of the following risk factors:
- Family history
- Obesity
- Not having children
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late age for menopause
What are the types of uterine fibroids and their symptoms?
There are four types of uterine fibroids depending on where they are located and how they attach.
Intramural
- These are the most common uterine fibroids that can grow anywhere and enlarge in size rapidly.
- Intramural fibroids often grow between muscle layers within your uterus.
- Symptoms include:
- Lengthy menstrual cycles
- Bleeding between cycles
- Low back pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Severe cramps
Submucosal
- These uncommon fibroids can grow inside the inner tissue layer of your uterus.
- The abnormal growths can block the fallopian tubes leading to infertility.
- Symptoms include:
- Lengthy cycles
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Anemia
- Chronic fatigue
Subserosal
- These fibroids grow on the outer layers of your uterus.
- The fibroid exerts pressure on your abdominal organs as it enlarges in size.
- Symptoms include:
- Lengthy periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Low back pain
- Increased urge to urinate
- Urinary incontinence
Pedunculated
- These types of fibroids can grow inside or outside your uterus.
- They present with tiny extensions or stalk-like growths that resemble a mushroom.
- Symptoms include:
- Severe pelvic cramps
- Excruciating pain
- Long periods
Can uterine artery embolization treat uterine fibroids?
Uterine artery embolization is an excellent alternative to myomectomy and hysterectomy. It is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure that can shrink uterine fibroids.
The procedure involves delivering tiny plastic or gel particles through a catheter directly into the artery supplying the fibroid. This blocks the blood supply which shrinks the fibroid.
Bottom line
Uterine fibroids are common conditions that can be challenging. Do not ignore your symptoms and seek medical help for uterine fibroids.
Uterine artery embolization is the latest innovative method adopted by many healthcare professionals. It has proven to relieve fibroid symptoms in 90% of women and is effective in treating all types of fibroids.
