Fibroids and Health Complications

More than half of women may develop fibroids before they are 50. So if you have been diagnosed with Uterine Fibroids, at least you know you are not alone. Though many women will have little to no symptoms, others may experience painful, heavy periods, pregnancy complications, and more. There are also further health complications that may arise from uterine fibroids. Here we explore some of the health issues that you need to look out for.

Anaemia

Anaemia is a reduction in your red blood cells which could be the result of heavy periods. This is one of the most common conditions that can arise due to uterine fibroids. In certain women fibroids can cause an excess loss of menstrual blood. This could lead to feelings of fatigue, paleness, and breathlessness.

 

Bladder and bowel problems

Other complications that can result from uterine fibroids are bladder and bowel problems. This can be caused by large fibroids that force the uterus to press against the pelvic organs. This can result in feelings of constipation, fullness, discomfort, as well as the need to constantly urinate.

 

Fertility problems

Uterine fibroids can also compromise a woman’s fertility. In some cases fibroids may interfere with the implantation of a fertilised egg. Fibroids can change the shape of a woman’s uterus causing the egg to implant on top of a fibroid. Many women have difficulty getting pregnant for this exact reason.  

 

Increased risk of miscarriage

Another health complication arising from uterine fibroids is an increased risk of having a miscarriage. Oftentimes during pregnancy, fibroids place pressure on the placenta, which can lead to a reduction in blood flow to the placenta. This may result in a miscarriage and even a premature delivery, if it blocks the baby as it attempts to travel down the birth canal, in which case a cesarean section would be necessary.  

 

Here at Unique Interventional Radiology, we understand how life altering fibroids can be. Up until recently, the most common procedures was a hysterectomy, which is an invasive surgical procedure where all or parts of a woman’s uterus are removed. This means they can never conceive and comes with other underlying factors. As Interventional Radiologists, we specialize in being able to treat conditions such as fibroids without ever using a scalpel. Imaging technology has enabled minimally invasive procedures where embolic agents are delivered through a catheter to the uterus to shrink fibroids. It is highly effective but few women are aware that this procedure even exists.

 

For more information on Uterine Fibroid Embolization or to schedule an appointment call:(305) 907-6191