Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean I Have Cancer?
No one wants to hear that the results of a Pap smear are abnormal, but most of the time, there’s no need to worry. Here’s what to know about Pap smears and their results.
Do you always feel swollen and heavy in your pelvic region? Uterine fibroids can give you heavy periods, constipation, lower back pain, and other symptoms. If you are one of the women affected by this common condition, you may have found that your life is extremely disrupted by fibroid related symptoms.
At the Association for Women’s Health Care locations in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois, our team of obstetricians and gynecological specialists can help diagnose and treat uterine fibroids, relieving symptoms and giving you your life back.
Unfortunately, the average woman will suffer for three years or more before seeking fibroid treatment, often because she hasn’t been told about fibroids or is afraid that seeking help may mean a hysterectomy. Here’s the lowdown on uterine fibroids so you can make an informed decision.
Up to 80 percent of women will have uterine fibroids by age 50. One fourth to one-third of cases cause symptoms that require treatment. You could find out you have fibroids during a routine medical exam for a completely unrelated reason.
Fibroids can make your periods heavier and you’ll lose more blood. This can lead to anemia. Check with your doctor to see if an iron supplement should be part of your daily routine.
Uterine fibroids can interfere with conception, and make it hard to get pregnant. They can also cause problems during labor and delivery and can make you six times more likely to require a c-section.
What causes fibroids to begin to grow isn’t clear, but women of color, women who have a familial history of fibroids, women over 40, women who started their period very young, and women who are obese are more likely to have uterine fibroids.
Your age, overall health, severity of symptoms, size and location of your fibroids, and family planning will all be considered as we work out the best treatment plan for you. We may prescribe a variety of medications to help relieve pain, reduce heavy periods, or help shrink your fibroids. Surgery to remove fibroids is also an option. Only when there is no other option do we perform a hysterectomy to remove the uterus, so don’t hesitate to seek treatment.
If you have fibroid symptoms, please schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations by phone or by booking online.
