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At UT Southwestern, we customize treatment to each patients needs, including offering medication or minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. This allows patients to avoid undergoing open surgeries, which are more extensive and require longer recovery times.

Women shouldnt hesitate to visit a doctor if they experience abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. Fighting through symptoms is unnecessary especially with the wide variety of ways to diagnose and treat the conditions. To find out what treatment is best for you, call or request an appointment online.

Symptoms To Identify Uterine Polyps

• Unusual and heavy bleeding from the uterus
• Irregular menstruation
• Unexpected bleeding from vagina even after menopause
• Inability to conceive
• Light spotting in between periods
• Pain in the back and the lower abdomen

Without consulting a gynecologist, you cannot confirm whether you are troubled by uterine polyps or fibroids. So, if you ever find yourself dealing with these symptoms, just get in touch with a specialist doctor.

What Are The Symptoms Of Uterine Polyps

The symptoms of uterine polyps include the following:

• Unusually heavy flow during menstrual periods
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding after menopause
• Infertility

The most common symptom of uterine polyps is irregular or unpredictable menstrual periods. Most women have periods that last four to seven days. A woman’s period usually occurs every 28 days, but normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days. Approximately half of women with uterine polyps have irregular periods.

Other symptoms include prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding , bleeding between periods, and bleeding after menopause or sexual intercourse. Uterine polyps are the cause of abnormal bleeding in about 25 percent of these cases.

The inability to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term may also be signs that uterine polyps are present.

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Medical Treatment For Uterine Polyps

The doctor usually first requires an ultrasound of the pelvis. If the results of the ultrasound are unclear then the doctor asks for hysteroscopy. For the proper diagnostic purpose, the doctor will use a device called a hysteroscope to identify the location of the polyps. Hysteroscope is a device that has a camera, it is inserted into the uterus to enable the doctor to get a clear view of the uterus. Based on proper diagnosis only, your gynecologist will confirm if you need the surgery or medications. If you require to undergo any surgical procedure, the doctors require you to carry out a few blood tests to check if you are fit for the surgery.

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What Is The Treatment For Fibroids And Polyps

If uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms, no treatment is needed. Fibroids may go away on their own if estrogen levels in the body decrease. This usually happens during menopause, but certain medications, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or antagonists, may also cause a reduction in estrogen levels.

Treatment for uterine fibroids that cause problematic symptoms includes medications or surgery.

Medications used to treat uterine fibroids include:

• Iron and vitamins for women who are anemic due to heavy periods
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for menstrual cramps

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Can Fibroids Cause Varicose Veins

Large fibroids can make the uterus big, leading to lower back pain or pelvic discomfort. Some women with fibroids experience a dull ache in their thighs or develop varicose veins in their legs. This can happen when fibroids become so large that they begin to press on nerves and blood vessels that extend to the legs, causing immense pain and discomfort in the legs. Results and experiences differ from woman to woman however, it is important to note that if one experiences a sudden change in cycle, pain measure, or if there is a presence of abnormal symptoms, consulting a physician or Ob-gyn is advisable.

Why Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Back Pain

One common question that pops up in the minds of many people is how and why uterine fibroids cause back pain? Lets get clarity about this discomforting symptom of uterine fibroids.

There are different kinds of fibroids that can grow in the uterus. The fibroids that can grow in the wall of the uterus are called intramural fibroids, whereas the ones growing in the outside lining of the uterus are called subserosal fibroids. It is the subserosal fibroids that can lead to back pain. The back pain due to uterine fibroids can range from mild to severe. The intensity of the pain entirely depends upon the size, location, and a number of these subserosal fibroids.

Sometimes, these fibroids growing outside the uterus can grow so large that they protrude from the uterus to the spine. This condition, of course, creates unbearable back pain, so much so that even standing and walking can seem difficult. Immediate medical consultation is highly recommended in such cases of uterine fibroids.

In case a female is suffering from fibroids that only grow in the uterine cavity, she may not face the problem of back pain. Thus, back pain is a common symptom but does not surface in each and every case of uterine fibroids.

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Do You Have Symptoms For Fibroids

If you are showing signs of fibroid symptoms and think you have fibroids, schedule an appointment for a professional diagnosis. One of our fibroid surgeons will talk to you about your symptoms and perform a pelvic exam. We may order further testing including an imaging procedure such as an ultrasound. If fibroids are diagnosed we will discuss the best fibroid treatment for you. Here at the Fibroid Treatment Collective, we offer free consultationsin-office or over the phone. Feel free to contact us for more information. To learn more about fibroids, visit our homepage.

Whats Going On With My Uterus 3 Conditions Related To Pelvic Pain And Bleeding

Too many times Ive seen women ignore abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain because they think its normal. In reality, these symptoms can be signs of abnormal cell growth in the uterus, also known as the womb, a major female reproductive organ.

The uterus contains various types of cells to help women carry a baby. When cells grow abnormally, three common and sometimes painful conditions can arise:

Each condition causes symptoms that can negatively impact womens quality of life, such as pain, abnormal bleeding, and fertility issues. However, treatment is available through medication or surgery, depending on a womans specific needs.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Fibroids

Its possible to have more than one type of fibroid, just like it is possible to have more than one fibroid. These growths can cause a range of debilitating symptoms, the most common being heavy, prolonged, or painful periods and moderate to severe menstrual cramps.

Other symptoms include:

• Pain during sex and loss of libido
• Pelvic pressure, distended and bloated abdomen
• Pelvic pain, lower back pain, and pain in the back of the legs
• Anemia can lead to a lack of energy and fatigue
• Weak bladder control, frequent urination because of bladder pressure
• Constipation
• Infertility

While up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50, many women go through life never realizing they have fibroids. Only symptomatic fibroids are recognized as a health condition that requires treatment. Fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy in the U.S. However, this benign condition is treatable through non-surgical alternatives. A recent study suggests that nearly 1 in 5 women who undergo a hysterectomy for a benign condition may not need it.

Fibroids disproportionately affects African-American women, who are threetimes more likely to develop fibroids. Additionally, family history of uterine fibroids and environmental factors such as obesity, onset of menstruation at an early age, use of birth control, and a deficiency in vitamin D are also known risk factors. A womans fertility may be impacted by fibroids, and 1 in 4 women who have endometriosis are also diagnosed with fibroids.

Uterine Polyp Removal Experience

As a woman, your uterus is probably the essential part of your reproductive system, and this is one of the reasons that you need to know how to get uterine polyps removed. Polyps from inside your uterus when you do not have enough estrogen in your body.

These polyps are a little like tumours that can cause problems with your menstrual flow or with your overall health, and they can even become cancerous in some cases.

Many women dont realize that these polyps exist, and the great thing is that they dont pose a significant threat to your life.

But if you want to prevent your uterus from getting any larger, then you need to learn how to get uterine polyps removed for good.

Uterine polyps from inside of your uterus because you have too much estrogen in your body. As you age, the level of estrogen that is in your body is lower, but it is not too late for you to prevent your polyps from forming.

The good news is that it is straightforward for you to get uterine polyps removed. You need to go to the doctor and have them removed through an endoscopy.

During this procedure, a small camera inserts into your uterus, doctor will be able to view the inside of your uterus.

If the doctor thinks that you have a polyp growing in there, then they will be able to remove it with a small scalpel. This is very effective because it will get rid of the polyp in just a few days, rather than having to wait for weeks to have it removed.

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Main Symptoms Of Womb Cancer

Main symptoms of womb cancer can include:

• bleeding or spotting from the vagina after the menopause
• heavy periods from your vagina that is unusual for you
• vaginal bleeding between your periods
• a change to your vaginal discharge

Other symptoms of womb cancer can include:

• a lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones
• pain in your lower back or between your hip bones
• pain during sex

Characteristics Of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding unrelated to a normal menstrual cycle is considered abnormal. Be suspicious of endometrial polyps if your vaginal bleeding is different from your regular pattern. For example, abnormal patterns of vaginal bleeding include bleeding that is:

• Lighter or heavier than normal
• At an unexpected time
• At an unexpected phase of life: This is if bleeding occurs a time in your life when it is not expected such as before puberty, during pregnancy, or after menopause .

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Size Location And Diagnosis

Endometrial polyps can range in size from millimeters to centimeters . They also range in number women can have one or many endometrial polyps. These polyps usually stay within the uterus but can sometimes grow into the cervix and protrude into the vagina.

These endometrial polyps can often look like tumors but are usually, but not always, noncancerous . However, sometimes these polyps can become cancerous, and thus are known as precancerous polyps.

How Are Uterine Polyps Diagnosed

Your doctor will ask you about your menstrual history, including how long your periods last and how often you have them. You should mention any unusual symptoms that you are experiencing, such as excessive bleeding or spotting between periods. The doctor will also ask whether you have had any difficulty becoming pregnant.

The doctor will also perform a gynecological exam and may order additional tests or procedures. Ask your doctor if any treatments such as antibiotics, pain medications, or medication to ease dilation of the cervix are recommended before the procedure.

These tests may include the following:

• Endometrial biopsy: the doctor uses a soft plastic instrument to collect tissue from the inner walls of the uterus. The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing to determine if any abnormalities are present.
• Curettage: done in an operating room, this procedure can both diagnose and treat polyps. The doctor uses a long metal instrument called a curette to collect tissue from the inner walls of the uterus. The curette has a small loop on the end that allows the doctor to scrape tissue or polyps. The tissue or polyps that are removed may be sent to the laboratory for testing to determine if cancer cells are present.

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Definition Prevalence And Causes

Adenomyosis is a benign disease of the uterus in which tissues that are usually limited to the endometrium are found within the myometrium . Adenomyosis most commonly affects women between the ages of 40 and 50 years and is associated with a past history of childbirth. Approximately 80 percent of women with this disorder have given birth.

Adenomyosis is also associated with other uterine disorders. More than 80 percent of women with adenomyosis have another abnormal condition in the uterus 50 percent of patients have associated fibroids , approximately 11 percent have endometriosis , and seven percent have endometrial polyps . The symptoms of these associated conditions often make it difficult diagnose adenomyosis.

How Are Uterine Polyps Treated

Treatment may not be necessary if the polyps do not cause any symptoms. However, polyps should be treated if they cause heavy bleeding during menstrual periods, or if they are suspected to be precancerous or cancerous. They should be removed if they cause problems during pregnancy, such as a miscarriage, or result in infertility in women who want to become pregnant. If a polyp is discovered after menopause, it should be removed.

Methods of treatment include the following:

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Diagnosing Cancer And Back Pain

A doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history when diagnosing potential lower back pain causes. Its important to include if you have a history of cancer or a family history of cancer.

Because cancer is a rare cause of lower back pain in those who dont already have cancer, a doctor may recommend other treatments before doing a full cancer work-up.

However, if pain persists after physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications, a doctor may order imaging studies and blood testing. These tests can help identify if there are potential cancer markers that are causing the lower back pain.

Complications Of Uterine Polyps

Most uterine polyps arenât cancer. But some might turn into cancer later on. The chances of that happening are higher if youâve gone through menopause.

Polyps can also cause problems with fertility. They may keep you from getting pregnant or make you more likely to miscarry. Thatâs because they can keep a fertilized egg from attaching to your uterus or block your fallopian tubes or cervix.

Some studies have found that removing polyps can help women get pregnant. But thereâs no clear proof that it works for everyone.

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The Female Reproductive System

The primary structures in the reproductive system include:

• The uterus is a pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and lower intestine. It consists of two parts, the body and the cervix.
• When a woman is not pregnant the body of the uterus is about the size of a fist, with its walls pressed against each other. During pregnancy the walls of the uterus are pushed apart as the fetus grows.
• The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It has a canal opening into the vagina with an opening called the os, which allows menstrual blood to flow out of the uterus into the vagina. It is the os that dilates allowing birth of a child.
• Leading off each side of the body of the uterus are two tubes known as the fallopian tubes. Near the end of each tube is an ovary.
• Ovaries are egg-producing organs that hold 200,000 to 400,000 follicles . These cellular sacks contain the materials needed to produce ripened eggs, or ova.

The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. During pregnancy this inner lining thickens and becomes enriched with blood vessels to house and support the growing fetus. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is shed as part of the menstrual flow. Menstrual flow also consists of blood and mucus from the cervix and vagina.

Reproductive Hormones

In women, six key hormones serve as chemical messengers that regulate the reproductive system:

What Happens At The Gp Appointment

You will be asked some questions about your health, family medical history, medical conditions and your symptoms.

Tell the GP if you or your family have any history of cancer or Lynch syndrome.

You may be asked to be examined, you can ask for a female doctor or nurse.

You’ll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You’ll be given a sheet to put over you.

Then the GP may:

• feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy
• feel inside your bottom
• gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool into your vagina to check your cervix, like they do during cervical screening

The GP may ask to check inside your vagina like they do during a cervical screening.

They may also ask to check your tummy area and inside your bottom to feel for any lumps or changes in size or shape.

Before starting these checks, they should explain what will happen during them and answer any questions you have.

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Diagnosis Of Endometrial Polyps

We still dont know exactly what causes endometrial polyps, but hormone levels may play a part in how they develop. During your menstrual cycle, the level of estrogen in your body rises and falls and this is what causes the lining of your womb to develop in preparation for a fertilized egg.

Overactivity in the development of the lining results in a uterine polyp. Most commonly they affect women right before and during menopause. This means that you are more likely to be diagnosed with polyps in your 40s and 50s when estrogen levels in your body are fluctuating. In some cases, younger women can also develop polyps.

Uterine polyps may cause no symptoms, particularly if there is a single polyp or if they are small. The most common sign is bleeding but you may notice any combination of these other symptoms:

• irregular periods that vary in their timing and heaviness
• heavy periods
• bleeding or spotting between periods
• bleeding after menopause
• difficulty getting pregnant

The symptoms of uterine polyps can be identical to those of uterine cancer even though most cases are benign, its important to take the condition seriously. Polyps are more likely to be a precursor to cancer in women who are postmenopausal.

Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding but are also associated with symptoms like pain, constipation, and difficulty urinating. Fibroids can be investigated using the same methods as those that are used for endometrial polyps.