What are typical symptoms of fibroids?
• Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods sometimes with clots. The bleeding could lead to anemia. • Pelvic pain, pressure or heaviness caused by bulk or weight of the fibroids • Pain in back or legs due to pressure on nerves • Pain during sexual intercourse • Urinary frequency • Constipation • Bloating 2. Who is most likely to have fibroids? Twenty to forty percent of women age 35 and older have fibroids of significant size. While fibroids can affect women of any race, African American women are at higher risk. Approximately 50% of African American women will have fibroids and these fibroids tend to be heavier, bulkier and hence more symptomatic than fibroids in the remainder of the population. 3. How are fibroids diagnosed? Typically, the diagnosis is made by gynecologic pelvic exam. If the uterus feels enlarged, then the presence of fibroids can be confirmed with a pelvic ultrasound. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is also an option that can be performed in the office by your gynecologist. In th
