Noncancerous growths that stem from the uterus, fibroids are nothing new to countless women across the world. But while many women think of fibroids as something unique to the pelvic region (affecting menstruation), their effects can actually go way beyond this.
Turns out, fibroids can impact the body in numerous ways.
If you’re unfamiliar with less-common effects on the body, you’re not alone. But staying uninformed can be bad for effective detection and treatment. And it’s especially important for Black women to get informed.
In fact, a lot of research shows that Black women are more susceptible to getting fibroids, more likely to get them younger, more likely to get bigger fibroids, and more likely to get more fibroids in total.
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So let’s not delay! Here are five uncommon symptoms you should look out for.
1. Urinary Issues
When many women think of fibroids, they often forget the issue of urinary problems. If you didn’t know, fibroids can increase in size, bulging against the bladder, and changing the frequency of urination. If you’re urinating a lot more than often, waking up multiple times every night, or finding urine ‘leaking’ at times, you’re not alone.
Fibroids may also cause your bladder to retain urine, meaning you don’t fully drain the tank when you go. Over time, this can be a problem for your kidneys, which can cause illness and other organ damage.
2. Constipation
Constipation is never fun, but it does happen in many people who have fibroids. Like with the bladder, when fibroids swell, they can put pressure on the bowels. This can cause challenges in going to the bathroom, especially excessive ‘fullness,’ bloating, and trouble excreting fully.
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With long-term constipation issues, some fibroid sufferers may also experience hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and other gastrointestinal difficulties. The good news is, many times all you need to do is change your diet. With an improved diet and effective medications, most individuals can drastically improve their quality of life.
RELATED: 7 Ways for Sistahs to Make Living With Fibroids Easier
3. Leg Pain/Swelling
As you may know, when large fibroids get even larger, they can compress nerves and blood vessels in the pelvic region. This, in turn, can lead to swelling and pain in the legs due to restricted blood flow to the extremities.
Just be careful of symptoms. Whether it’s a slight ache or a sharp, shooting agony throughout the leg, the feeling can vary widely. If your pain or swelling doesn’t seem to have a basis, or if your pain and swelling accompany other fibroid symptoms, look into getting medical advice. MRIs and other imaging studies can help significantly.
4. Infertility
One of the worst potential effects of fibroids, infertility occurs when fibroids interfere with the uterus. In some cases, fibroids reshape the uterus, which can block fallopian tubes and affect the lining. As a result, the embryo may struggle to implant and develop.
Miscarriages also happen, unfortunately. Due to problems with conception and pregnancy, some women may have to explore options like fertility medication. The good news is, that there are many reproductive technologies today that can improve the likelihood of giving birth.
5. Severe Degenerative Pain
In many cases, fibroids can cause aches and pains due to their size, area of effect, and impact on nearby organs. However, degenerative fibroid pain is different. This happens when fibroids actually begin to break down from a lack of blood supply, leading to tissue necrosis. As a result, sharp and sometimes debilitating pain may occur.
Whether it’s inflammation or infection, taking care of dying fibroids is critical. Medications and surgeries can go a long way in addressing these issues.
So, if you suspect your problems are due to fibroids, no need to remain in the dark. Consult your doctor, relay the symptoms, and a series of simple tests can tell you what’s really going on. Remember, Black women are up to three times more likely to have fibroids, with many Black women first experiencing them during the 20s (compared to 30s and 40s in other races).
Given that Black women also deal with more problematic symptoms like pain, heavy bleeding, and anemia, it’s especially important that they seek medical attention when necessary.
And that’s what it’s all about. Not being paranoid, not worrying needlessly, but just getting ahead of issues.
Know your risk factors, stay in touch with your doctor, and listen to your body when it’s telling you something!
You’ll be thankful you did.
