Uterine fibroids, also known as myoma, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors of the uterus. These abnormal growths develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus (myometrium) but rarely, if ever, develop into cancer. These do not also increase a woman’s risk of uterine cancer.
Despite uterine fibroids being non-cancerous in general, such could grow to huge sizes, large enough to make a woman look pregnant.
Though benign, these growths may cause pain in the affected area and could interfere with the normal function of the woman’s reproductive system, huge ones “compete” with the baby for nutrition and blood (if the woman is pregnant), or cause symptoms like constipation, difficulty emptying the bladder or frequent urination, and prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding.
Photo credit: Cure Uterine Fibroids
Thankfully, there are plenty of possible treatment options for myoma – and a lot of cases do not even require treatment. Still, it is a good idea to be aware of what is going on in your body so you can have a choice to seek treatment as early as possible.
Watch out for these 5 warning signs of myoma or uterine fibroids:
Frequent constipation
This could hold true in large uterine fibroids that compress the walls of the rectum or the large intestines.
Urination problems
Frequent (possibly painful) urination is often experienced by women with myoma because the growth could irritate the bladder which is just adjacent to the uterus. Large growths could also push the bladder or the urinary tract, making it difficult to empty the bladder with all urine inside. This could lead even lead to urinary tract infection (UTI).
Swelling of lower abdomen
There are women who have large fibroids that these make them appear pregnant. If you notice your lower abdomen getting bigger even if you are not pregnant, consult your doctor.
Infertility or frequent miscarriages
There are a number of possible reasons for infertility and frequent miscarriages, of course; not just myoma. Still, if you’ve been having problems getting pregnant or keeping the baby, visit your doctor. A simple ultrasound could reveal the presence of uterine fibroids.
Prolonged heavy menstruation
This is one of the most common and telling signs of uterine fibroids. Women should be on the lookout for excessively heavy bleeding, with plenty of blood clots. Aside from the inconvenience and possible pain brought about by prolonged heavy bleeding, it can also lead to anemia due to iron depletion and blood loss.
Source: Mayo Clinic