Fibroids, also known as leiomyoma, myoma, and fibromyoma are the commonest benign tumours of the uterus (womb). They occur in up to 50% of all women but many women are not aware about it as it may cause no symptoms.
Consult your doctor for fibroid if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Change in the periods. If your periods change from relatively pain-free to painful or have become irregular over 3 to 6 menstrual cycles.
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
- Bladder problems such as frequent urination, urinary tract infections or an inability to control the flow of urine.
- Acute, severe pelvic or abdominal pain.
Watchful Waiting
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- If the fibroid is not causing any symptoms you will probably need only regular follow up to check the increase in size or any other complication during your yearly gynaecological exam.
- During pregnancy, your doctor will monitor for changes in fibroid size and position.
Who to consult: Uterine fibroids can be diagnosed by a family medicine physician, gynaecologist, internist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. But you may have to consult a gynaecologist for further testing or treatment.
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