Uterine fibroids might not be ideal shop talk when it comes to conversing with neighbors and coworkers, but when you’re attempting to manage a flurry of painful symptoms under the radar, you might begin to wonder exactly how normal those feelings of discomfort are.
Conjuring up potential dangers, especially when it comes to your health, only feels more justified after scouring the web in an attempt to determine fact from fiction.
Nonetheless, while symptoms of uterine fibroids, such as troubles with sex drive, can feel like a taboo topic, knowing the truth about diagnosis and treatment options can allow you to get the help you’re seeking without unnecessary stress. Thus, we’ve collected some common myths regarding sex and fibroids so you don’t have to be left in the dark any longer.
- Painful sex is always a symptom of uterine fibroids
While pain during sex is a common symptom of uterine fibroids, the belief that patients living with fibroids always endure discomfort is inaccurate. Depending on the size and location of the growths, some women may not even be aware they have fibroids until an ultrasound is completed and specific types of fibroids, such as submucosal fibroids, may not produce any symptoms at all. That’s why talking to your doctor about the risk factors for fibroids may help you become more aware of potential symptoms that could arise.
- Fibroid growth is the only factor hindering your sex life
For some, painful intercourse might be the primary culprit interfering with their sex life, but for others, significantly lowered libido could be due to symptomatic anemia. When fibroids are accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding, a woman is likely to experience a loss of blood that not only results in iron deficiency anemia but might also lead to extreme fatigue, thereby impeding a woman’s sex drive. In addition, weight gain and/or bloating might make patients feel insecure or self-conscious, making it harder to open up to their partner in bed.
- A hysterectomy is the only way to stop painful sex due to fibroids
Considering that one in nine women will undergo a hysterectomy in their lifetime, it may seem like the best option for patients dealing with fibroid symptoms. However, a hysterectomy, which involves removing parts or all of a woman’s reproductive system, eliminates her ability to become pregnant and therefore is not a good option for fertile women looking to have children. The surgery is also very invasive and is often only used as a last resort. On the other hand, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally-invasive procedure that does not require surgery or uterus removal.
- You can’t get pregnant after UFE
While it is true that once a hysterectomy is complete, you cannot get pregnant, the same does not go for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Rather than remove the uterus or womb, UFE utilizes small particles to block blood flow to the growth(s) and eliminate subsequent symptoms. Thus, the procedure leaves a woman’s entire reproductive system intact and does not negatively impact her chances of conceiving.
- Sex drive and functions will worsen after UFE
Maybe you’re worried that there is no end in sight to your sex life struggles; however, the good news is that UFE is a safe and minimally-invasive option for eliminating symptoms resulting from uterine fibroids. By cutting off blood flow to fibroids, the growths will begin to shrink, thereby reducing accompanying symptoms such as loss of blood, lowered libido, and painful sex.
Additionally, UFE has over a 90% clinical success rate making it safe and highly effective!
Are you ready to regain control of your sex life? Here at Duval Vascular & Fibroid Center, we specialize in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) so that you can experience relief without limiting your reproductive options. Call 904-423-6017 to schedule your appointment and put an end to your troublesome fibroid symptoms today!
