Uterine fibroids are benign growths that develop in the uterine walls. They are the most common tumors found in the uterus, and data shows that most women will develop at least several by 50. Usually, fibroids remain small and do not cause any disruptive symptoms. However, depending on their size and position, they can also cause serious health complications. This is why medical experts recommend Plantation uterine fibroid embolization for bothersome fibroids. Getting this treatment can help you avoid the following unfortunate complications of uterine fibroids.
Infertility
When left untreated, fibroids can grow large enough or be positioned so that they cause infertility. Simply put, they can make it difficult for you to get or stay pregnant. This is true in about 1 to 2 percent of women with uterine fibroids. The growths can cause changes in the reproductive system that inhibit your ability to conceive. For instance, they can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the release of ova for fertilization. They can also block the uterine entrance, limiting sperm from entering.
Pregnancy Complications
If you do get pregnant, fibroids can cause complications with the pregnancy itself. Some fibroids grow so large that they alter the shape of your womb and reduce the space available for your fetus to grow. In other cases, fibroids can exert pressure on blood vessels, limiting blood circulation to the uterus. This can make implantation difficult and increase the risk of developmental problems and miscarriage. Subsequently, uterine fibroids are widely associated with pregnancy-related problems like breech births, low birth weight, placenta abruption, and preterm labor.
Anemia
Anemia is a medical condition characterized by insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body. While symptoms may vary depending on iron levels, they often include chest pain, insomnia, concentration problems, dizziness, and fatigue. Fibroids can increase your risk of anemia by triggering prolonged periods, heavy periods, or bleeding between cycles. Left untreated, anemia can predispose you to other serious medical conditions like heart failure.
Digestive Problems
Untreated fibroids often cause digestive problems. Many women with this complication experience chronic constipation caused by the growths pressing on the bowels. In addition to being uncomfortable, chronic constipation can increase your risk of other medical conditions like anal fissures, rectal prolapse, rectal bleeding, and hemorrhoids. Severe cases can also lead to fecal impaction, wherein you need medical intervention to have a bowel movement.
Kidney Damage
Just like they can exert pressure on the bowels, large fibroids can also press against your bladder. This can trigger incontinence and frequent urination. In some cases, fibroids pressing on the ureter are known to cause hydronephrosis or kidney swelling. The result is usually an increased urge to urinate, side and back pain, painful urination, and even kidney damage.
UFE Can Help You Avoid These Problems
About 8 in every 10 women develop fibroids before they hit 50. Most of these are asymptomatic and may not cause any problems, even left untreated. However, symptomatic fibroids are possible, and when they develop, they can be highly disruptive and painful. You can best protect yourself from the complications they cause by discussing UFE with a specialist. Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that limits blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. According to medical reports, it relieves symptoms in 90 percent of patients. Call a UFE provider to learn more.