Did you know that up to 80% of Black women and up to 70% of White women will develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50?
For many, the pain and discomfort caused by uterine fibroids can feel overwhelming. Painful fibroid symptoms, like menstrual cramps, often make it difficult to complete daily tasks and can significantly reduce quality of life. In today’s post, we share tips for living with fibroids, explore what causes fibroids, discuss how to manage fibroid discomfort and outline when to seek treatment for fibroid pain relief.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in or on the uterus. While the exact cause of fibroids remains unknown, research has identified several factors that may contribute to their growth, including:
Changes in Hormones
You are more likely to develop fibroids when your body makes too much progesterone and estrogen. High estrogen levels can make existing fibroids grow faster, which is why tumors often get larger during pregnancy. Elevated progesterone levels may also stimulate your body to produce proteins that influence fibroid growth.
Genetic Predisposition
If family members have fibroids, your risk factor is slightly higher. Emerging research suggests that certain genetic mutations could also increase your likelihood of developing uterine tumors.
Additional Risk Factors
Other factors that increase your risk for fibroid development include:
Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, the pain can manifest in various forms, such as pelvic pain, back pain, pain during sex, and more.
While coping with fibroids naturally may be possible when you have small tumors, larger tumors may require pain management through treatment options like uterine fibroid embolization, medication, or surgery.
What are fibroids? Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that often cause pain when they grow large enough to press on the nerves, tissues, or organs that surround the uterus.
Fibroid tumor pain can manifest during your menstrual cycle, during sexual intercourse, or at different times throughout the month. The pain may be minor or severe, chronic, or intermittent, and stabbing or constant.
Fibroids are categorized based on their location in or around the uterus.
These fibroids develop on the outer surface of the uterus. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramping, frequent urination, or a feeling of heaviness or fullness.
There are different approaches to managing fibroid pain that can help provide relief.
Following an anti-inflammatory diet may help alleviate fibroid pain. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables and limit processed foods and items high in fat or sugar.
Regular practices such as hatha, yin, or restorative yoga can help manage fibroid pain. Certain yoga positions, like child’s pose, forward fold, knees-to-chest, and cat-cow can also relieve back pain and menstrual cramps caused by uterine fibroids.
Chronic stress can worsen fibroid symptoms, so practicing stress management is an important part of fibroid management. In addition to yoga, other forms of exercise can help release endorphins and lower stress. Prioritizing sleep, practicing mindfulness, and improving time management can also support stress reduction for fibroid pain relief.
Larger fibroids may not respond well to lifestyle modifications. When fibroids cause serious symptoms, medical intervention may be necessary to provide pain relief and restore your quality of life.
While most fibroid symptoms are not dangerous, prolonged, or heavy bleeding can lead to serious conditions like anemia. Untreated fibroids may also interfere with conception or pregnancy, making medical intervention an important consideration if you’re planning to start or expand your family.
When discussing fibroid pain with your healthcare provider, be sure to mention all existing symptoms. Ask about the location and size of your tumors, and share your family-planning goals to understand how treatments might impact fertility.
You should also ask about treatment success rates, the likelihood of fibroid recurrence after treatment, and the cost of any recommended options.
Some women may find fibroid pain relief through medications like hormonal birth control. However, these options will not shrink existing tumors, meaning symptoms often return after stopping treatment.
In contrast, the following treatment options can provide longer-lasting relief.
As you navigate potential treatment options, it’s important to manage the emotional impact of living with chronic fibroid pain. Prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being is essential to the healing process.
According to the American Psychological Association, coping with chronic pain can be easier when you practice stress management techniques, maintain a positive mindset, and engage in activities you love.
Making simple lifestyle changes can help you effectively cope with fibroid pain.
Avoid wearing clothing that’s tight or restrictive around your abdomen, as the pressure could worsen fibroid pain. Instead, opt for loose, comfortable clothing for maximum blood flow and movement.
For fibroid pain during sleep, lay on your side and place a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your pelvis. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as the additional pressure on your tumors could worsen fibroid discomfort.
Along with the coping strategies mentioned above, practicing self-care and being open about your fibroid pain can help minimize its impact on daily life.
Discuss possible accommodations with your supervisor, such as work-from-home options, especially when fibroid pain is at its worst (e.g., during your menstrual cycle). If these adaptations no longer provide sufficient relief, you can request a consultation with the Dallas Fibroid Center for treatment options that provide long-term comfort.
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