Heres everything you oughta know about leiomyomas.
Fibroids cant be preventedbut there are risk factors to know
Theres no way to prevent fibroids.
Genetics also play a role.
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They can occur in clusters, or solo.
The bigger the fibroid and the more fibroids there are, the more likely you are to have symptoms.
The most common symptom of fibroids is bleeding
Fibroids can be completely asymptomatic.
You may also discover you have asymptomatic fibroids during a routine pelvic exam, fertility workup, or ultrasound.
When fibroids do causesymptoms, they tend to be loud and obnoxious, says Dr. Arumala.
Prolonged heavy bleeding can also lead to anemiawhich can cause chronic fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Fibroids causing pain with sex will depend on size and location, says Dr. Eilber.
Large subserosal fibroids may not cause any symptoms while small submucosal ones might.
Fibroids can be a cause of infertility.
This does not mean that if you have fibroids you will have fertility challenges.
But if you are struggling with fertility, you may discover you have otherwise asymptomatic fibroids that need treatment.
Pregnancy usually causes fibroids to increase in size, says Dr. Eilber.
Women with fibroids are also more likely to go into preterm labor, adds Dr. Javaid.
Fibroids are treatable
Luckily, there are plenty of treatment options for fibroids.
and your reproductive plans.
The most hands-off option is known as watching and waiting.
Medications are also a common treatment option.
Surgical treatment is generally reserved for when non-surgical treatment fails, says Dr. Eilber.
Without a blood supply, the fibroid will eventually shrink, lessening symptoms.
A myomectomy is a treatment option that physically removes the fibroid.
Macaela MacKenzieis a writer and editor specializing in wellness.
Shes the author ofMoney, Power, Respect: How Women in Sports Are Shaping the Future of Feminism.
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