Category: Fibroids

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Fibroids

When Sex is Painful because of Fibroids

Not only can fibroids affect self-esteem and body image, but they can also impact relationships and sex.

Not only can fibroids affect self-esteem and body image, but they can also impact relationships and sex.

In fact, many women with fibroids have reported adverse effects on their sex life for several reasons.

First of all, untreated uterine fibroids have been known to cause pain during sexual intercourse, especially when they grow near the cervix.

They can also create constant pressure in the uterus and surrounding organs that can increase during sex causing additional discomfort.

In fact, the Journal of Sexual Medicine published the results of a study that’s primary focus was to find out if there is a clear relationship between uterine fibroids and painful sex.

For this particular study, participating women with uterine fibroids between the ages of 35 and 49 were randomly selected from the membership rolls of a prepaid health plan.

These women were then asked to provide detailed health information including filling out a detailed fibroid symptom questionnaire with contained several questions about painful sex, known medically as deep dyspareunia.

The participants also had an ultrasound to make sure the fibroid diagnosis was accurate.

The meta-analysis which included a total of 827 women, found that uterine fibroids were indeed, significantly associated with sexual pain.

Not only that, but the study also discovered that fundal fibroids, which are fibroids that grow on the top wall of the uterus, were the fibroid type that was most frequently associated with sexual pain.

Not only can fibroids cause painful sex, but the impact that they can have on a woman’s body image and self-esteem can cause women to feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, and less desirable.

As a result of the impact that fibroids can have on the way a woman feels about her body and herself, plus the pain that they can cause during sex, many women report feeling isolated and distant in their personal relationships.

Fortunately, there is a solution. And treatment is available.

If you or someone you love are suffering from painful fibroid symptoms that are getting in the way of any aspect of your life, please know that help is available.

To get started and to set up a consultation to see about a non-invasive fibroid treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization, please do not hesitate to call us at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

In our next article, we will look at some other ways in which fibroids can cause uncomfortable and painful sex, regardless of the type of fibroid.

 

 

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Fibroids

The Mental Health Impact of Fibroids

Studies have found that women with symptomatic uterine fibroids can experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-direct harm.

Studies have found that women with symptomatic uterine fibroids can experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-direct harm. This is especially true for women experiencing physical pain, and for women who are experiencing emotional difficulties as a result of a hysterectomy.

In 2022, the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health published the results of a study on depression, anxiety, and self-directed violence in women with fibroids, especially those experiencing pain or who have had a hysterectomy.

The study also screened its participants, eliminating those that prior to their diagnosis with uterine fibroids, had a prior diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or a history of self-violence. Women who had been prescribed anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication were excluded from the study.

Once the participants were selected, the study compared 313,754 women aged 18-50 that had been diagnosed with uterine fibroids with 627,539 who did not have fibroids.

What they found was that the women who had been diagnosed with uterine fibroids had much higher rates of anxiety, depression, and self-directed violence than those that did not have fibroids.

The researchers of this study also found evidence to support that there may be a link between chronic pain and depression.

Though the exact reason for this connection needs to be studied more, most experts agree that the connection could be due to similar biological mechanisms in patients with both chronic pain conditions and depression, as well as anxiety.

Another interesting finding of this study was significantly higher rates of symptomatic uterine fibroids in African American women.

Not only did the African American participants have higher rates of uterine fibroids with worse symptoms, but they did so at younger ages, and were more likely to have hysterectomies. For more information on this, you may wish to check out this previous article.

Though the study found that African American women experienced greater health challenges related to uterine fibroids, those in the study had lowered rates of diagnosed depression and anxiety.

The authors of the study purported that the lower rates of mental health issues amongst this particular group could be inaccurate due to a remaining stigma when it comes to getting help for mental health issues amongst African-American women.

Their theory was developed based on evidence in past studies that found that African American women, due to the stigma around mental health issues, are less likely to report symptoms even though studies have shown that they have higher loads of stressors than White women due to racial disparities, and other factors.

The bottom line is that no woman should have to suffer the physical, mental, and emotional impact that uterine fibroids can have on their life.

Therefore, if you or a loved one are experiencing fibroid symptoms or fibroid symptoms that coexist with chronic pain, depression, or anxiety, it’s important that you speak with your doctor, or call us here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, and together we can find the right treatment method for you.

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Fibroids

Feeling Better with Help

The physical and emotional toll that fibroids can have on a woman, can affect she feels about herself and how she feels about her body. 

The physical and emotional toll that fibroids can have on a woman, can adversely affect how a woman feels about herself and how she feels about her body.

It can also affect how she walks, how she sits, and how she stands. All of which can make her appear lacking in confidence and can send other body language messages as well.

Add to that, the many disruptive, challenging, and even painful symptoms that come along with having uterine fibroids, of various sizes and numbers.

All of this makes perfect sense when you think about what women with fibroids have to deal with, sometimes on a daily basis. Such as:

• Unusually heavy period

• Long than normal periods

• Bleeding in between periods

• Pressure and pain in the pelvis

• Frequent urination

• Lower back pain

• Pain during intercourse

• Difficulty conceiving

Fortunately, help is available.

In fact, there are many ways to manage uterine fibroid symptoms, such as medication, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes. However, the only way to really address and treat the fibroids themselves is through surgery or a non-invasive technique called Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

UFE is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that is proven to reduce fibroid symptoms.

The procedure is done by an expert interventional radiologist who will insert a tiny catheter into the wrist.

Then through the use of moving x-ray technology, the catheter is guided through the blood vessels until it reaches the artery supplying blood to the fibroids.

Once in place, teeny tiny beads are released through the catheter and into the artery, where they create a blockage.

Though the word blockage may sound scary, in this case, it is not.

Unlike a blockage to the heart or other vital organ which can be deadly, this particular blockage is only cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid. Fibroids can not survive without the vital nutrients they receive through the blood. As a result, the fibroids shrink and die, as do the fibroid symptoms.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the success rate of uterine fibroid embolization is up to 95%.

By treating the fibroids themselves, you can finally experience freedom from fibroid symptoms, including the impact they can have on your body image, and your posture.

So take action today and call us to set up a consultation.

With our help, we can have you sitting straighter, standing taller, and feeling and looking more confident as you continue your life journey, without the troublesome burden of fibroids.

For more information about fibroid diagnosis and treatment, or to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call us at MidAtlantic Fibroid Care, at 301-622-5360.

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Fibroids

The Power of Non-Verbal Communication

According to a study, published in Healthcare magazine non-verbal communication makes up 65-90% of what we communicate to others.

According to a study, published in Healthcare magazine non-verbal communication makes up 65-90% of what we communicate to others.

In fact, the messages that our body language sends to others and to ourselves are incredibly powerful.

So what does this mean for those of us suffering from the pain and uncomfortable symptoms of uterine fibroids?

It’s hard to sit up straight and practice proper posture when you’re experiencing fibroid-induced cramps, pelvic pain, backaches, bloating throbbing aches, and acute pains.

Even worse, the impact that fibroids can have on our posture can communicate unwanted messages to others and to ourselves.

According to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, sitting and standing with good posture increases positive thoughts and as a result, self-confidence, while slouching increases negative thoughts and lack of confidence.

In the study, the participants were seated at a computer terminal and instructed to either sit down with their backs erect and push their chest out (confident posture) or slouched forward with their backs curved and their faces looking at their knees (doubtful posture).

While holding their assigned posture, the students were asked to write down either three positive or three negative personal traits as they related to future job performance, and they were asked to rate how well they think they would perform at that future job.

The outcome of the study was that the participants in the confident posture down significantly more positive thoughts and rated themselves much higher in regard to their performance as future employees. While the participants assigned that sat in a doubtful posture, wrote significantly more negative thoughts about themselves and rated themselves lower in regard to future job performance.

With so many studies finding a clear connection between confidence, self-esteem, and posture, as well as the messages it sends to others, you may be left wondering:

What am I supposed to do? Should I just force myself to sit up straight even though it hurts?

No. Of course not. But there are actions you can take to make you more comfortable in the short term, as well as treatment available to help you in the long term as well.

 

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Fibroids

Messages from Body Language

Fibroid pain can affect how we sit, stand, and carry ourselves in life. It can also affect the message this body language sends to others.

Fibroid pain and discomfort can affect how we sit, how we stand we stand, and how we carry ourselves in life. It can also affect the message this body language sends to others.

The pain and the unpredictability of fibroid symptoms such as heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, as well as acute cramping, can not only adversely how we feel about our bodies, but it can also affect the way we present ourselves to others.

Let’s face it, it’s hard to stand tall, and walk with confidence when your uterus is throbbing, or acute pains are causing you to want to curl up in a little ball in your bed.

In fact, according to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, sitting up and standing up straight increases positive thoughts and as a result, self-confidence.

In the study, 71 students that were participants were told that they would be taking part in two separate studies at the same time, one organized by the business school and one by the art school.

The participants were then told that the study of the arts was going to examine their ability to maintain a specific posture while engaging in a study conducted by the business school.

The participants were then seated at a computer terminal and instructed to either sit down with their backs erect and push their chest out (confident posture) or slouched forward with their backs curved and their faces looking at their knees (doubtful posture).

While in their assigned posture positions, the students then were told that they would be participating in another study that investigated factors contributing to job satisfaction and professional performance.

Still holding their assigned posture, the students were then asked to write down either three positive or three negative personal traits as they related to future job performance.

For the final task of the experiment, the participants were asked to take a survey where they rated how well they think they would perform as future employees.

In our next article, we will take a look at the results of this study and how it can relate to women with uterine fibroids.

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Fibroids

Under the Influence of Fibroids

No woman has to suffer the emotional, physical, and psychological toll that uterine fibroids can have on them. Treatment is available.

Studies have shown that having uterine fibroids can increase anxiety and depression. As a result of the psychological impact of having fibroids, problems in relationships can occur.

Furthermore, these mental health effects can reduce our ability to engage in and further develop our hobbies and interests.

Why is this?

For starters, let’s say you love the outdoors and love camping. Well, with the fibroid symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding between periods, enjoying the great outdoors isn’t quite so easy.

This also applies to a beach day, a road trip, or any other activity that provides distance from your bed and your bathroom.

Fibroids can also be uncomfortable, and this discomfort can impact how feel about our bodies. Which is also known as our body image. You can learn more about body image and fibroids by reading this previous article.

Though others might not notice any difference in our physical appearance, and in fact, there might not be a difference at all, our perception and experience could be quite different.

Due to the pain and pressure of fibroids, as well as the fibroid symptoms of water retention, constipation, and bloating, our abdomen and lower parts of our body feel inflated and larger than they are.

Fibroids can also affect our physical appearance in other ways. One of which is our posture.

In our next article, we will explore the effect that fibroids can have on our posture and the message that it sends to ourselves and others.

In the meantime, there is no reason to let fibroids keep you from feeling good about yourself and enjoying your life when help is available.

If you are interested in exploring your treatment options and learning about Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which has a proven track record of success, please call and set up a consultation with MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional today.

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Fibroids

Psychological Toll of Fibroids

Uterine fibroids can not only interrupt our lives, but they can also affect our relationships, our self-esteem, and our perception of our bodies.

Though some fibroids can visibly distort the body, others can distort our perception of our body. This perception of our body is known as our body image.

According to experts at the National Eating Disorders Collaboration,

“Your body image is what you think and how you feel when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind. This includes how you feel about your appearance; what you think about your body itself, such as your height and weight; and how you feel within your own skin.

Body image also includes how you behave as a result of your thoughts and feelings. You may have a positive or negative body image. Body image is not always related to your weight or size.”

When it comes to having uterine fibroids, research has shown that there is indeed a connection between having fibroids and body-image-based concerns.

In fact, according to a recent article in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine entitled “Body image concerns in individuals diagnosed with benign gynecological conditions: scoping review and meta-synthesis,” not only can gynecological conditions like uterine fibroids lead to increased body dissatisfaction, but if this body image concern goes untreated, it can lead to a great reduction in quality of life.

In 2014 a study was released by Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, which took a look at the psychological effects of having uterine fibroids.

The study followed 48 women that were suffering from diagnosed fibroid pain. These women were regularly examined in regard to their emotional and psychological relationship with having fibroids.

What the study found was that the women in the study did indeed experience emotional reactions to having fibroids and fibroid-related pain.

Their emotions linked to their fibroids ranged from mild worry to intense feelings of fear and anxiety. Some women even reported experiencing symptoms as severe as depression.

One of the most commonly reported reasons for these feelings was the unpredictability of fibroid symptoms, as well as the feeling of helplessness in regard to the effect that fibroids have on their bodies and their lives.

Women in the study reported feeling self-conscious about the impact their fibroids had on their appearance and weight, whether the effect of the fibroids was physically evident or not.

As a result of feeling uncomfortable within their own bodies, many of the women reported that it negatively affected their sexual and intimate relationships with their partners.

One of the most upsetting results of the study was the finding that many of the women thought they had no choice but to live with and endure the symptoms of uterine fibroids. And- the psychological toll that comes with it.

Fortunately, that is not at all true, and there is a solution.

In our next article, we will take a further look at the effects of fibroids and the first steps to getting treatment and finding relief.

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Fibroids

Pregnant…with fibroids?

Can uterine fibroids make me look pregnant?

“Congratulations! When are you due?!” Though saying this is appropriate when there is indeed a pregnancy, sometimes this congratulatory statement is given or received when there is no pregnancy. Which, needless to say, is embarrassing and uncomfortable for all involved.

But how, you might ask, could someone mistakenly assume a woman is pregnant?

Though sometimes weight gain, especially in the form of excess belly fat can make a woman’s body appear pregnant, it’s not the only underlying cause.

In fact, sometimes, weight gain has little to do with it, and the appearance of pregnancy can be caused by something else entirely.  And, that something else, could be uterine fibroids.

That’s right.

For starters, uterine fibroids can range in size… and location.

Sometimes they are as small as 1-5 centimeters, which is about the size of a small seed or a grape. Other times they are medium-sized which is usually between 5-10 centimeters or about the size of a lemon or even an orange.

Large fibroids are 10 centimeters or more and can grow to be the size of a mango or grapefruit. And, in some cases, they can even be as large as a watermelon.

So now, imagine what a woman’s body might look like with a watermelon-sized fibroid in her uterus, and you’ll see how an erroneous “Congratulations! When are you due!?” could happen.

Fibroids can sometimes grow to the point where they distort the abdomen, making some women appear pregnant. Furthermore,  depending on their size and the number of them, fibroids can not only lead to an increase in clothing size, but they can also lead to an increase on the scale as well.

In fact, when left untreated, some larger fibroids can weigh as much as 20 to 40 pounds!

And, as if that isn’t bad enough, fibroids regardless of their size can come with a slew of terrible life-interrupting symptoms such as long and painful periods, anemia, excessive bleeding in between cycles, pelvic pressure, and pain, frequent urination, constipation, and fatigue.

All of these symptoms can not only affect a woman’s day-to-day life, but they can adversely affect the way she feels about herself and her body.

In our next article, we will take a look at the effect that fibroids can have on a woman’s body image.

In the meantime, if you or a loved one are experiencing body distortion from large fibroids, or painful symptoms from any size fibroid, you are not alone. Read this recent blog post to find out if you are a good candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

Help is available, and you can even call us today and set up a consultation where we can work together to help determine the best treatment plan for you.

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Fibroids

Female Sexual Dysfunction

The relationship between uterine fibroids and sexual dysfunction, and what to do about it.

We’ve all seen the commercials for Viagra, Cialis, and several other drugs to treat male sexual dysfunction. But what about female sexual dysfunction? And can uterine fibroids contribute to this?

The answer: Yes.

Not only are fibroids uncomfortable, but they come with a slew of symptoms that can be detrimental to a woman’s sexual health.

After all, who wants to engage in any sort of sexual activity when they are experiencing pelvic pressure, pain, and heavy bleeding?

Those aren’t quite the symptoms of desire.

Nor are the following fibroid symptoms which can wreak havoc on a sex life such as:


Vaginal dryness:

The hormone imbalances underlying fibroid growth can cause vaginal dryness, and the friction of vaginal penetration can lead to the irritation and tearing of those delicate tissues which can make sex painful and even harmful.


Irregular periods:

One of the unfortunate realities of having uterine fibroids is that they can cause abnormally long and heavy periods as well as bleeding in between cycles. This excessive blood flow can make intercourse or any type of vaginal contact awkward and unpleasant.


Fatigue and loss of energy:

In some cases, the heavy bleeding caused by fibroids can be so severe that it leads to anemia, and even occasionally requires blood transfusions.

Anemia, and the nausea and headaches that come with it, can cause dizziness, weakness, and fatigue, all of which can greatly diminish libido.


Frequent urination:

Frequent urination is caused by fibroids pressing on the bladder, leading to an increase in urinary frequency, and urgency, and can even lead to incontinence.

Fibroids can also block the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), resulting in kidney problems and urinary tract infections amongst other health issues.

It’s hard to get intimate when you’re feeling the constant urge to urinate, or experiencing the pain of a UTI.

As if that isn’t enough, fibroids can also affect a woman’s sex life by causing or exacerbating body image issues.

In our next article, we will take a look at the effect that having uterine fibroids can have on a woman’s body image, and we will offer some valuable suggestions on how to cope with this and other sexual health problems related to having fibroids.

We will also look at some of the best treatment methods for treating fibroids without adversely affecting sexual health and wellness.

 

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Fibroids

A Good Candidate for UFE

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is not only effective, but it has a much shorter recovery period than other treatment methods.

There is great news if you are a good candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

UFE has an excellent track record regarding its effectiveness in relieving fibroid symptoms. It also has a faster recovery time than more invasive procedures like a hysterectomy and a myomectomy.

In fact, based on the results of a meta-analysis of several studies, it is estimated that on average 92% of women treated with Uterine Fibroid Embolization, experience a decrease in fibroid symptoms.

Wow. That’s a lot of women.

So you might be asking yourself, ” Am I a good candidate for UFE?”

That’s a great question and one that can best be answered by scheduling a consultation to find out more about UFE and if it can benefit you.

However, in the meantime, we will try and answer it in a general way here.

Most women with symptomatic fibroids are good candidates for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure. This includes women who experience any of the following fibroid symptoms:

  • Heavy Bleeding – This may be characterized by prolonged periods, very heavy bleeding, or irregular bleeding.
  • Pain – Pain can arise from the position of the fibroids within the uterus as well as compression on the other organs in the area. It can also be related to fibroid size.
  • Pressure Symptoms – If a fibroid pushes up against another organ, such as the bladder, it can cause problems, such as frequent urination. A large fibroid can also push against the rectum, creating problems with having a bowel movement.

So who isn’t a good candidate for UFE?

As with any medical procedure, there are contraindications or reasons that the UFE procedure may not be right for everyone.

Sometimes the reasons are absolute, meaning that under no circumstances should the procedure be performed. An example of an absolute contraindication to UFE is pregnancy.

It is not advisable to x-ray a pregnant uterus or to administer anything that will block the flow of blood to the uterus while a woman is pregnant. Therefore it’s important to share with your doctor if you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant anytime soon, as this could affect the time frame in which UFE can be performed.

Other reasons that someone might not be a candidate for UFE are:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease – The contrast dye can be harmful to someone with poorly functioning kidneys. The decision to give contrast dye to a person with chronic kidney disease is made on an individual basis.
  • Uncertain Pelvic Mass – If there is any question if the mass is something other than a fibroid, then UFE is not the appropriate procedure.
  • Any Active Infection – Any procedure not related to treating the infection should be avoided, as the infection could worsen or spread. It may be possible to reconsider UFE after the infection has resolved.
  • Asymptomatic Fibroids – UFE should not be performed unless the fibroids are causing symptoms that would indicate surgery.

When it comes to determining if someone is a good candidate for UFE it really comes down to working with a medical expert to access your particular fibroid symptoms and all other variables at play.

An excellent way to begin this process is to schedule a consultation by calling MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional at 301-622-5360 today.