Fibroids: When to seek medical help?

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

• 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.