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The range of symptoms of uterine fibroids is unfortunately quite broad. And yes, even though it is one of the lesser-known annoyances on the list, digestive problems can definitely be caused by fibroids. Constipation Because the uterus is located directly in front of the distal end (last section) of the colon which controls bowel movements, when a fibroid comes between the uterus and colon, something needs to give. The colon becomes compressed. A subserosal fibroid grows outward from the uterine surface, potentially crowding the lower intestines, making the passage of...

Heavy bleeding is likely the most infamous symptom of uterine fibroids. For some women, the bleeding reaches a point of adversely affecting daily quality of life, work schedule and social activities. While coping hacks exist, an even bigger problem looms. This blood loss can lead to iron deficiency anemia, a debilitating and potentially dangerous condition that demands professional medical attention. Common symptoms of anemia include: Tiredness and lack of energy Shortness of breath Noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations) Pale skin Less common symptoms can include: Headaches Hearing ringing, buzzing or hissing...

While heavy menstrual bleeding is the symptom most mentioned when discussing uterine fibroids, the list of symptoms unfortunately doesn’t end there. Far from it, in fact. Included on that list is pain during sexual intercourse. In fact, one study found that 23.5% of women with fibroids report pain during sex, as opposed to 9.1% in the general adult female population.   Why can sex be painful with fibroids?  The human body wasn’t designed to comfortably accommodate anything that doesn’t belong in it, at least on a long-term basis. Fibroids vary in...

There’s still a lot of research and development to be done concerning uterine fibroids, in the areas of causes, treatment and prevention. Still, even with the information researchers have gleaned thus far, it does appear that there are significant racial disparities when it comes to uterine fibroids. Research is still lacking, especially when it comes to how this disease affects Hispanic and Asian patients. What are these disparities?  Indeed, women of African heritage are diagnosed with fibroids roughly three times more frequently than women of European heritage. Moreover, these black...

Upon first hearing the term “fibroids,” also known as leiomyomas or simply myomas, it can sound like a scary term. The “official” definition is, “a mass of cells that form a round shape, usually found in the wall of the uterus.” Fibroids are always non-cancerous and are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connected tissue. Fibroids develop in pre-menopausal women, with some estimating that between 20%-70% of women of childbearing age develop them at some point. Fibroids can be tiny and even go entirely undetected. They can also create...

The history of medical treatment of uterine fibroids, up until recently, was unfortunately lacking variety. The options were limited to either living with it -- both the fibroids and the accompanying symptoms, or to have a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy not only eliminates fertility entirely, but it’s also major surgery; recovery time is between six and eight weeks, which requires missed time at work and limited availability to care for children or other family members. The “new” option was the myomectomy, that is removal of the myomas (fibroids) while leaving the...