Dealing with Painful Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus that can be very painful.

The cause of the pain is often tumors grow so large they press on other organs of the body, or they are so big they outgrow their blood supply and break down on their own, which can be painful.

According to Mercy gynecologist Latasha Murphy, M.D., there are ways to alleviate the pain.

"The most common thing that women will do is use warm compresses or non-steroidal medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen," Dr. Murphy said. "I think if fibroids are causing pain, you should immediately see your health care provider to evaluate your options."

Possibilities could mean reducing the size of the tumors or removing them altogether through surgery.

Dr. Murphy noted that uterine fibroid symptoms by black women are often brushed off as something else by their provider.

In that case, she said women need to be their own advocate and seek another provider.

View Dr. Murphy’s interview about uterine fibroids.