Can Fibroids Cause Your Stomach To Swell

Youre Not Alone If You Have Fibroids

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 80% of all women will develop uterine fibroids at some point during their lives. Because many women dont experience any symptoms, its possible the incidence of uterine fibroids is even higher. Fibroids are considered benign or noncancerous, but can make life painful.

How Do Fibroids And Weight Gain Relate

The most likely cause of weight gain and abdominal bloating with fibroids is the growth of the fibroids themselves. For example, a very tiny fibroid might begin to grow in the presence of estrogen surges .

As that fibroid grows, it takes up more space, and becomes heavier. As a result, you experience weight gain and bloating as your body adjusts to the presence of the mass within you.

Multiple and large fibroids jutting out of the uterus can cause the abdomen to appear swollen or larger in size.

Since people are more likely to associate a large abdomen with weight gain, it is one of the most misunderstood and ignored symptoms of a fibroid-growth.

A majority of 300 multi-ethnic women with genetic uterine fibroids reported abdominal swelling, according to a 2005 study published in Human Reproduction.

If you have noticed your belly sticking out and youve been blaming it on your poor diet, its time to reconsider. Consult your gynecologist.

Where Do Fibroids Grow

There are several places both inside and outside of your uterus where fibroids can grow. The location and size of your fibroids is important for your treatment. Where your fibroids are growing, how big they are and how many of them you have will determine which type of treatment will work best for you or if treatment is even necessary.

There are different names given for the places your fibroids are located in and on the uterus. These names describe not only where the fibroid is, but how its attached. Specific locations where you can have uterine fibroids include:

• Submucosal fibroids: In this case, the fibroids are growing inside the uterine space where a baby grows during pregnancy. Think of the growths extending down into the empty space in the middle of the uterus.
• Intramural fibroids: These fibroids are embedded into the wall of the uterus itself. Picture the sides of the uterus like walls of a house. The fibroids are growing inside this muscular wall.
• Subserosal fibroids: Located on the outside of the uterus this time, these fibroids are connected closely to the outside wall of the uterus.
• Pedunculated fibroids: The least common type, these fibroids are also located on the outside of the uterus. However, pedunculated fibroids are connected to the uterus with a thin stem. Theyre often described as mushroom-like because they have a stalk and then a much wider top.

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Exercise Wont Help Fibroids

You cant use exercise to shrink a belly that has a uterus bloated with large fibroids. If thats the cause of your swollen tum, only a doctors intervention can help.

Microscopic fibroids wont stop you from losing weight, however. If your stomach is large because of excessive weight resulting from an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle, you can certainly lose fat and tone your tummy with exercise.

To reach this goal:

• Do at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio every week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous cardio activity to maintain your weight, or more if you want to lose weight says the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

• Perform resistance-training exercises for every major muscle grouptwice per week for at least 20 minutes

  using a weight that feels heavy by the last couple of efforts for eight to 12 repetitions

• Do ab-specific exercises, such as crunches and twists, to build abdominal muscles so youll reveal definition when you drop pounds

• Eat a portion-controlled, mostly whole foods diet that contains lean protein, fresh vegetables, healthy unsaturated fats and occasional whole grains and fruits.

Exercise can also be helpful in relieving symptoms related to fibroids, along with diet and possible iron supplements and medication. Again, only your doctor can help you with knowing when such treatments may help.

Your Stomach Bulge Might Be An Enlarged Uterus A Symptom Of Fibroids

We encourage you to visit your doctor at the appearance of any new, unexplained abdominal bulge. As discussed above, a swollen stomach may indicate an enlarged uterus, which is a common fibroid symptom.

If you believe your stomach swelling or bloating may be due to fibroids, make sure to keep an eye out for additional fibroid symptoms:

• Heavy and prolonged menstruation between or during your periods
• Anemia, which can lead to fatigue
• Pain in your pelvis or lower back
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Frequent urination
• Constipation and/or bloating

If you notice any of the above issues, please contact your doctor as soon as possible. You should be aware that not all women with fibroids experience symptoms. You should also know that the size, location, and number of fibroids can determine your overall symptom severity.

Still not sure whether fibroids are a possibility? Explore our online symptoms checker. In general, we recommend that when fibroid symptoms affect your career, social life, self-esteem, or relationships, it is probably time to look into treatment.

TAKE THE SYMPTOM QUIZ!

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Do Fibroids Cause Pain

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow on the walls or lining of the uterus. Many women will have uterine fibroids at some point, but most women dont know they have them since they typically dont have symptoms.

For some women, the pain from fibroids can be severe. Apart from heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods, fibroids can cause:

• pain with periods or sex

They can even make you feel like you need to urinate frequently.

The pain may come and go or occur only during sex or menstruation. It may be sharp or a dull ache. Symptoms can also vary depending on the location, size, and number of fibroids you have.

The symptoms of fibroids may be similar to other pelvic disorders, such as:

If you have pelvic pain that wont go away, heavy and long periods, and problems with urinating, its important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis.

You Think You Dont Deserve To Be Fibroid Free

That being said, having to walk around with lumps in my stomach that change the shape of my body to something that is considered not attractive is very unpleasant for me. Being someone who has always had a heightened level of image consciousness, its very difficult to live in this altered body that I have acquired due to uterine fibroids.

When I first found out I had them I didnt hesitate to start making plans for a hysterectomy because there was no way I was going to live with a protruding stomach, but then I got scared when the doctor told me that, even though cases of women dying during hysterectomy surgery are rare, dying was a possibility. I decided to hold off and give things some thought and here I am several years later having lost the opportunity to get the hysterectomy. Vocational Rehab was going to cover the surgery then. Now I have no coverage options and I have no money so even if I wanted to get the hysterectomy, which I still dont, I couldnt get one.

I am sitting here right now with my shirt up over my stomach. Sometimes I get uncomfortable and I have to bare my stomach and sit back and just let it all hang out. Its embarrassing to live with a big stomach that I cant do anything about unless I get my uterus taken out or unless miraculously I find some natural remedy to try that completely dissolves the fibroids.

Im not in the worse place that Ive been with the fibroids but Im still fed up and frustrated.

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You Actually Can’t Peeor Poop

On the flip side, a fibroid can actually make it harder to use the bathroom, too. If youre accommodating urinary frequency and your body gets used to that, after a while, your anatomy changes so much that the urethra, the tube that leads from the bladder out, becomes so kinked or bent you have difficulty urinating, says Acholonu. Some people will actually have to lift up on the fibroid or lift up on their uterus to straighten out the urethra enough to allow themselves to void.

Its the same effect with constipationif the fibroid is in the back of the uterus, it going to push on your rectum, which can limit bowel movements, says Shirazian.

Constipation happens to everyone from time to time, but if it doesn’t clear up in a couple of days or you are experiencing difficulty urinating, you need to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

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Pelvic Exam And Medical History

Doctors can detect some fibroids as masses during a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, the doctor will check for pregnancy-related conditions and other conditions, such as ovarian cysts. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, particularly as it relates to menstrual bleeding patterns. Other causes of abnormal uterine bleeding must also be considered.

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Diagnosis: Exam And Imaging

Your doctor may feel moderate and large uterine fibroids during a routine pelvic exam. Tests, such as an ultrasound, can show information about size and location of other fibroids. For women with fibroids who are trying to get pregnant, a test called a hysterosalpingogram will show an outline of the uterus and fallopian tubes and may detect abnormalities. Other procedures to visualize the inside of the uterus or abdomen also may be needed.

Fibroids And Stomach Swelling

In some cases, fibroids can lead to fertility issues including difficult pregnancies, increased chances of needing a cesarean delivery, as well as problems conceiving naturally. Here are some early signs of fibroids: 1. Enlarged Uterus. Fibroids can cause swelling in the abdomen, making your stomach large and distended.

5 operations you dont want to get and what to do instead Surgery is a trauma, and the body responds as such with major blood loss and swelling, and all manner.

vaginal bleeding or to remove benign fibroids and painful endometriosis tissue.

removing fibroids through open abdominal surgery Endometrial ablation. Destroys the lining of the uterus using some form of energy, such as heat. Uterine artery embolization. Decreases the blood.

But, in the later stages, there can be various signs of abdominal discomfort, swelling, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Is There Any Connection Between Ovarian Cancer And Fibroids Or Ovarian.

May 06, 2021 · This is caused by a reflux of stomach acid and food into the esophagus . . Additional signs that you have heartburn or indigestion include fullness and discomfort after eating and/or a burning sensation below the breastbone generally after eating. See if you have any sensitivity after eating certain foods,

Fibroid metaplasia, on the other hand.

A minimum data base should be the first diagnostic step. Survey spinal.

Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids.

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Noticing A Stomach Bulge You May Have Fibroids

Details

by: Leah Johnson

If you are experiencing bloating, unexplained weight gain, or pain in your abdomen, you may be suffering from an enlarged uterus. The uterus is designed to expand from the size of your fist to the size of a watermelon to accommodate a growing baby. However, if your uterus is expanding and youre not expecting, you need to see your doctor to make a diagnosis. Many times, an enlarged uterus is not a cause for alarm. However, there are some conditions that will need medical intervention.

The Weight Gain And Fibroid Cycle

A woman with fibroids may have long menstrual cycles with excessive bleeding. Losing an inordinate amount of blood can trigger anemia, resulting in fatigue from the iron deficiency.

The excess weight, combined with anxiety, discomfort, and fatigue may cause a woman to begin a cycle of:

• Overeating and craving foods with higher calorie content
• Reducing the amount of exercise she normally performs
• This combination can turn into even more added pounds without the woman even realizing what is happening

If you are experiencing unexpected weight gain, it could be due to fibroids. Consider whether you have any of the standard symptoms of fibroids, and then evaluate if you have changed what you eat or how much, and if you are being consistent with your exercise routine.

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Your Symptoms May Go Away

When a fibroid degenerates, it shrinks. Once it has reduced to a size that can once again be supported by its blood supply, it can stop degenerating. This often causes the pain to decrease or subside.

Though symptoms may have gone away, it is still important to see a healthcare professional and address the problem. Fibroids will begin to grow again once they start receiving adequate blood supply, and will eventually reach the point they start degenerating again, causing a painful cycle.

Can Fibroids Make Your Stomach Bulge

Uterine fibroids cause bulging stomach. The size of bulging depends upon the size of fibroids. In most of the cases, the bulging is not visible due to the presence of very small fibroids. But in some cases, the growth of fibroid is rapidly leading the development of large fibroid in a very short period causing bulging in the stomach. Few cases progress to increase the size of the stomach similar to the advanced pregnancy4. Women with a high level of the female dominating hormone are at increased risk of developing large fibroids. The female dominating hormones are estrogen and progesterone. After menopause, when the concentration of these hormones reduces, fibroids shrink.

Uterine fibroid is not the only disease in the uterus that leads to the enlarged uterus. Adenomyosis is the condition which is characterized by the swelling of the uterine wall. In this condition, the uterine lining gets fused with the muscular wall of the uterus. Polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometrial cancer also cause enlargement of the uterus5. Surgical intervention is often required if the enlargement of the abdomen or uterus cause severe discomfort to the patient or is a threat to the life of the patient.

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What Can I Do About My Stomach Swelling Due To Fibroids On My Uterus

• #1 05-18-2009 01:52 AM by elegantjadewhat can I do about my stomach swelling due to fibroids on my uterus
• #2 05-18-2009 05:01 PM by Pickle EyesRe: what can I do about my stomach swelling due to fibroids on my uterusHave you visited your doctor? Do you know how large your fibroid are? Your doctor should offer several options for treatment. Some of your options depend upon your age, the size of the fibroid, your desire to have children in the future, etc.
• #3 05-23-2009 03:45 AM by Audrey-BRe: what can I do about my stomach swelling due to fibroids on my uterusIf they are that large that they are responsbile for your stomach swelling then usually they would remove the fibroid/s.Have you had your hormones checked as fibroids love an excess estrogen environment. I’m seeing a naturopath who has helped regulate my menstrual cycles and she is also using herbs to reduce my fibroid. I only have one fibroid and it’s 17mm in size, but large enough to cause issues. The herbs appear to be helping as i’ve not got the particular pains i was having before.See your doctor about the fibroid/s, but also find out what your estrogen/progestrone levels are doing. You don’t want fibroids reoccuring again at a later stage.

Does Losing Weight Help Prevent Fibroids

Its commonly recommended to fibroid patients to try to lose weight because it can help to prevent further fibroid growth. Fat cells make more estrogen, and sudden changes in hormones can lead to fibroid growth. Having a healthy weight, good diet and regular exercise routine can help prevent them. In addition, avoiding chemicals that can affect hormones, such as pesticides and paints, can help.

While fibroids and weight loss might not seem to go hand in hand, it is possible and helpful to reduce ones weight.

These are some basic tips for dealing with this combo:

• Be aware of the iron deficiency and use vitamins or diet to correct it.
• Eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
• Eat foods high in fiber, such as cruciferous vegetables or oats.
• Get enough vitamin D, which can lower your risk of uterine fibroids .
• Avoid foods that affect estrogen, like soy, tofu and red meat.
• Avoid sugary foods and refined carbs.

When you have fibroids, weight gain is not an inevitability!

If your symptoms are affecting your daily life or if youre observing a bulge in your lower abdomen, its best to check in with a doctor to check on the growth. Fibroids have symptoms in common with more serious diseases, so its best to keep a close and careful eye while attempting to lose weight.

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Are There Any Risks Related To Fibroid Treatments

There can be risks to any treatment. Medications can have side effects and some may not be a good fit for you. Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications you may be taking for other medical conditions and your complete medical history before starting a new medication. If you experience side effects after starting a new medication, call your provider to discuss your options.

There are also always risks involved in surgical treatment of fibroids. Any surgery places you at risk of infection, bleeding, and any inherent risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. An additional risk of fibroid removal surgery can involve future pregnancies. Some surgical options can prevent future pregnancies. Myomectomy is a procedure that only removes the fibroids, allowing for future pregnancies. However, women who have had a myomectomy may need to deliver future babies via Caesarean section .