Uterine fibroids are benign growths of smooth muscle tissue found in a woman’s uterus. While this is a extremely common condition that occur in almost 50 percent of all women, some women may be at a higher risk of suffering from them. For example, women who have had no biological children, are in their 30s and 40s, began menstruating before the age of 10, and women of African American descent face an increased risk of having uterine fibroids.

The majority of women who suffer from uterine fibroids may not even be aware until symptoms begin to manifest much later or they are discovered during routine pelvic examinations. Therefore, it’s important for women to maintain regular OB-GYN check ups in order to detect the presence of uterine fibroids and begin treatment, if necessary, before they become problematic.

Depending on their size and location within the uterus, and how close they are to the adjacent pelvic organs, uterine fibroids can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of fibroids include abnormal and heavy bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, frequent urination, constipation, bloating, pain, pressure, and even lethargy. As a result, it’s common for some women even experience lower sex drive.

Fortunately however, there are a number of fibroid treatments, both surgical and medical, that can alleviate if not permanently relieve symptoms of fibroid cysts. While each patient’s fibroids are different, there are two common uterine fibroid treatments that can yield positive results.

Treatment also depends on the patient’s desire to have children in the future. Medication can be prescribed that will temporarily shrink the size the fibroids. In addition, surgical removal of uterine fibroids is also a common treatment option. Once a fibroid is surgically removed, it will not grow back, however, additional fibroids may begin to form.

While fibroids can be painful, there are a variety of treatment options that can not only lessen the pain, but allow patients to move forward and enjoy their lives.