Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Common Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, or the passing of clots, is one of the most common signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors.

In addition to the initial concern related to the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, women who are experiencing excessive menstrual bleeding deal with a number of physical obstacles that make normal daily activities a constant source of worry. Abnormal uterine bleeding can lead to difficult periods with extended cycles, heavy menstrual bleeding, clotting, and more. Soiling events are not uncommon, and they become a possibility that steady precautions must be taken. Additionally, as blood carries the oxygen and nutrients our bodies need to function properly, excess loss of blood can lead to fatigue, making every day tasks more difficult. If left unattended over long periods of time, abnormal uterine bleeding can necessitate a blood transfusion.

Abnormal uterine bleeding, or excessive menstrual bleeding however, is just one of the signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors. If you are experiencing abnormal bleeding patterns, please contact your primary care physician.  Continue reading to learn more about other signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors.

Other Symptoms of fibroids

In addition to abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids will typically exert other symptoms, such as:

• Longer periods marked by excessive or heavy menstrual bleeding and/or clotting
• Accidental soiling events brought about by abnormal uterine bleeding
• Excessive or prolonged fatigue resulting from blood loss
• Noticeable pain and/or pressure in or around the pelvic region
• Frequent urination or incontinence
• Lower back pain
• Pain in the back of the legs
• Discomfort during intercourse
• Constipation or bloating from pressure on the bowel
• An appearance of noticeable weight gain (or even pregnancy) from enlargement of the abdomen area

If you regularly experience abnormal uterine bleeding, or any these signs and symptoms, you may have uterine fibroids - a non-cancerous (benign) type of tumor that grows in the uterus. Fibroids affect 20-40% of women age 35 and older. Some studies suggest that fibroids may affect as many as 80% of African-American women. In the past, the solution was a hysterectomy. Today, however, there are alternatives to hysterectomy treatment. One such alternative is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

Alternatives to Hysterectomy Treatments

Uterine fibroid embolization (also known as uterine artery embolization) is a relatively new, non-surgical procedure that is one of the most popular alternatives to hysterectomy treatment for fibroids. Performed on an outpatient basis, the UFE procedure is relatively simple.

Once a physician has properly diagnosed you with fibroids, you will have a consultation with an Interventional Radiologist (IR) to discuss options specific to your case. In general, however, the procedure takes place in the following manner. Patients are initially given a sedative and numbing agent. From there, a very small nick in the groin area will be made, through which a narrow catheter is inserted. Through special X-ray techniques, the catheter is guided to the site of the fibroid(s). One positioned, the IR delivers Embosphere® Microsphere through the catheter to the fibroid(s). These microspheres permanently block the vessels delivering blood and oxygen to the fibroids. This causes the fibroids to stop growing and start shrinking.

Of the different alternatives to hysterectomy treatment for fibroids, uterine fibroid embolization is popular because it leaves the uterus intact, relieves excessive or abnormal uterine bleeding and the other signs and symptoms of fibroids tumors, and generally involves a short recovery time of 11 days on average. Learn more about your available options for the treatment for fibroids, including minimally-invasive alternatives to hysterectomies.

Relieving Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

If you would like to learn more about uterine fibroid embolization as a means to stop abnormal uterine bleeding, please consult your OB/GYN, or to find a physician or IR that is familiar with uterine fibroid embolization, please use our physician locator.

Please take a moment to learn more about fibroid tumor treatment options, or if you have specific questions and would like to speak with a professional, please take advantage of the convenient communication features also located on the right hand side of this page. Don't let symptoms of uterine fibroids like abnormal uterine bleeding ruin your day to day activity, learn more with Ask4UFE.com.