The term uterine fibroids refers to benign growths on the uterus, frequently presenting during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas and fibromyomas, fibroids do not cause an increased risk of endometrial or uterine cancer incidence, notes Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of fibroids include profuse menstrual bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, backache and leg pain. Although frequently asymptomatic, uterine fibroids that cause important symptoms necessitate medical evaluation and appropriate treatment. Fibroid treatment depends upon the location and size of the fibroids and the severity of symptoms.
Step 1
See your doctor. Your physician will need to determine the extent of your fibroids before recommending an appropriate treatment plan of care. During your visit, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination, including a pelvic examination. She might also prescribe diagnostic imaging testing such as a transvaginal ultrasound that will determine the location and size of your fibroids, as well as blood tests to rule out hormonal causes. After your medical assessment is complete, your doctor will suggest an appropriate course of treatment to manage your fibroid pain.
Step 2
Try an over-the-counter pain medication. Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can effectively manage fibroid pain. In addition, acetaminophen based analgesics such as Tylenol can also relieve pain, however do little to reduce inflammation, a contributing factor in fibroid pain.
Step 3
Ask your physician about taking prescription pain relievers to manage your fibroid pain if OTC medications do not work. Prescription pain relievers include narcotic analgesics that contain codeine or morphine, which are effective for pain relief, but can cause pronounced side effects. These include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, headache and lack of coordination. Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy equipment after taking these medications, and only take them as ordered by your health care provider.
Step 4
Inquire about a hormone releasing intrauterine device if prescription pain relievers do not work. Commonly known as the IUD, this option releases progestin into the uterine cavity, reducing copious bleeding and relieving pain.
Step 5
Talk to your physician about a myomectomy. A myomectomy is a surgical procedure which removes uterine fibroids, but does not remove the uterus itself, says Dr. Andrew Weil. Ask your doctor if myomectomy is a viable treatment option for your fibroid condition.
Step 6
Discuss having a hysterectomy if other treatment options failed to manage your uterine fibroid pain. This procedure removes your uterus and attached fibroids and eliminates pain and bleeding. Although hysterectomy will eradicate your fibroids, you will become infertile. Discuss hysterectomy thoroughly with your physician, including recuperation time and the potential for early menopausal symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a heating pad on the low setting applied to your pelvic and abdominal area. Heat stimulates blood flow, eases fibroid pain and promotes relaxation. Do not place heating pad directly to your skin because even set at low, can cause skin irritation.
- If your fibroids are accompanied by prolonged or profuse bleeding, weakness or severe pain, seek immediate medical attention. You will need to be swiftly evaluated to rule out anemia or a serious gynecological condition.
Things You'll Need
- Physical examination
- Prescription analgesics
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Hormone releasing intrauterine device
- Surgical consultation
