nickynicole

So I think I might have one, and since the research I've come across says that about 25% of women have them, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with or any information about them.

Is it something that I HAVE to go to the doctor before, as I don't currently have insurance?

maleficent

try 75 percent of all women.. though most don't ever show symptoms

symptoms of fibroids:
* Abnormal menstrual bleeding. Up to 30% of women with fibroids have menstrual period changes, such as:1, 4
o Heavier, prolonged periods (menorrhagia) that may cause anemia.
o Painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
o Spotting before or after periods.
o Bleeding between periods.
* Pelvic pain and pressure, such as:
o Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or low back.
o Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
o Bloating and feelings of abdominal pressure.
* Urinary problems, such as:
o Frequent urination.
o Urinary tract infection.
o Leakage of urine (urinary incontinence).
o Kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
o Bladder infection (cystitis).
* Other symptoms, such as:
o Constipation.
o Infertility. Experts disagree about whether or not uterine fibroids cause infertility.
o Problems with pregnancy, such as placental abruption and premature labor.
o Miscarriage.

When you should call a doctor:
http://my.webmd.com/hw/uterine_fibroids/hw183527.asp
* You have new
* severe menstrual bleeding. Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful over the past 3 to 6 months.
* You have frequent painful urination, blood in the urine, or an inability to control the flow of urine.
* The length of your menstrual cycles has changed over 3 to 6 menstrual cycles.
* You have new persistent pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

Watchful Waiting

Regular health professional examinations are all that is needed for most uterine fibroids unless severe symptoms develop or become bothersome.


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That was from webmd - however, since you are over age 18 -- you should be going to a gynocologist yearly anyhow, especially if you are sexually active. Doing a little research and diagnosing yourself doesn't mean you have fibroids (and you'd generally have more than just one) If theres something amiss, you should go to a doctor for a diagnosis.

What symptoms are you experiencing that leads you to beleive you have them?

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Starlight4

Nickynicole, what are the symptoms to lead you to think that you might have fibroids? The only reason why I'm asking is because if you're showing symptoms, you definitely should go see a doctor. I know that it's tough when you don't have insurance, but it's better to catch things earlier than later (I'm sorry, I don't mean to scare you at all). It's just that I've had a lot of health problems (I'm 23 years old) and they became worse because I didn't see the doctor and it became more expensive in the end because it was more severe.

Anyway, I'm voting that you go see a doctor so that at least your mind can be at rest. Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you and let us know how things go.

KinkyKiwi

i thought it was something that like every woman got eventually...*shrug* i know plenty of people who have them and have seen doctors and none have had any serious issues with them..i figured they were just something like celulite..might bother you to know its there but doesnt do any harm..guess you learn something new every day *starts panicking and making doctor appointments!*

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sapphire

I recommend going to a doctor becuase you never know what it could be, and self-diagnosis is probably not the best idea. Also have the doctor look into Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it has some of the same symptoms. Im currently being tested for this, and have found that a lot of women dont even know they have it. Like Starlight said its better not to wait. Try not to worry to much until you see the doctor.

Manuel Hong

Planned Parenthood is a good and inexpensive option if you have no insurance. At our local branch, there is an MD who voluteers there once a month, so if the nurse practitioners feel it's something that needs futher examination, you can make an appointment to see him.

www.plannedparenthood.org

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lurkette

I have one medium-sized one (about the size of one of my ovaries) and it had to be confirmed by ultrasound. It's a good idea to see a doctor, as the symptoms of fibroids could also be symptoms of other, more serious disorders. For me, the most significant impact of it has been horribly painful periods. If I ever decided to have children it might keep me from conceiving or carrying to term, but that's not really an issue right now.

Best of luck - probably a good idea to get it checked out soon.

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ironmaiden7o7

I don't think I have any but I know many women with them. My aunt recently had surgery because she had one that was 4 lbs! I remember how painful it was for her, she used to bleed a lot during her periods,but since she removed it, she's been a lot better. It's something that should be taken cared of sooner than later, especially if you are planning to become pregnant, this could cause bleeding during pregnancy I heard. Definitely go and see a doctor, even if you don't have insurance, I know that many clinics would see you and then bill you later. Good luck with this.