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.    
  • SHARE
  • FOLLOW
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.

 

 

Read Next

What are Fibroids?

Disclaimer

TAGS