Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. While often asymptomatic, these growths can sometimes lead to various symptoms, including constipation.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign growths composed of muscle and fibrous tissue. They can form within the uterine wall (intramural), on its outer surface (subserosal), or inside the uterine cavity (submucosal).
Fibroids are common, affecting a significant portion of women during their reproductive years, with estimates suggesting up to 77% of women may develop them by age 50. These growths vary considerably in size, from a seed to larger than a grapefruit, and a person can have a single fibroid or multiple. The specific location and size of fibroids often influence whether they cause symptoms. While many fibroids remain small and do not require treatment, larger or strategically positioned ones can lead to noticeable issues.
How Fibroids Can Lead to Constipation
Fibroids can contribute to constipation primarily through mechanical pressure on nearby organs. Large fibroids, especially those on the back of the uterus, can press against the rectum or colon, obstructing normal stool passage. This external compression distorts the bowel’s shape, making waste difficult to move through, much like squeezing a tube.
This pressure can result in difficult or infrequent bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, or increased straining. When the large bowel’s internal channel is constricted, it becomes harder for stool to pass, leading to a sensation of rectal fullness. Additionally, fibroids can cause generalized pelvic pressure that might indirectly impact bowel function.
Beyond mechanical obstruction, hormonal influences also play a role. Fibroids are sensitive to estrogen, and elevated estrogen levels can affect gastrointestinal motility. This hormonal imbalance might slow food movement through the digestive tract, contributing to constipation and other digestive discomforts.
Recognizing Other Fibroid Symptoms
Many women with fibroids experience heavy menstrual bleeding, characterized by prolonged periods or excessive blood loss. This heavy bleeding can lead to anemia, causing fatigue and weakness. Fibroids can also cause pelvic pain or a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Depending on their location, they might press on the bladder, leading to frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder. Other common symptoms include backache, leg pain, and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Managing Fibroid-Related Constipation
Addressing constipation linked to uterine fibroids involves symptomatic relief and targeting the fibroids themselves. For immediate symptom management, increase dietary fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying well-hydrated and engaging in regular physical activity can promote regular bowel movements. Over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners may provide temporary relief, but their use should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Treating the underlying fibroids is the most effective way to alleviate fibroid-related constipation. Medical options include hormonal therapies like Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonists, which temporarily shrink fibroids and reduce their impact on bowel function. These medications induce a temporary menopause-like state, reducing estrogen levels that fuel fibroid growth.
Minimally invasive procedures offer alternatives to traditional surgery. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus, performed through hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or open surgery. For severe cases or when childbearing is complete, a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is a definitive solution that prevents fibroid recurrence. Consulting a healthcare professional is important for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.