Experiencing symptoms of fibroids can indeed lead to emotional stress in some women. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around a woman’s uterus. For those who experience fibroid symptoms, ask a common question: ‘Are fibroid symptoms causing you emotional stress?’ The answer to this question is yet to be known. The researchers, however, believe there might be a connection because women who suffer from fibroid and experience its symptoms will have a painful experience that can potentially detract them from living a quality life.
Fibroid symptoms
While not all individuals with fibroids experience noticeable symptoms, some may encounter discomfort or complications that can impact their emotional well-being. The common symptoms that can lead to fibroids are:
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Fibroids can cause heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, which may lead to anxiety and distress due to the inconvenience and potential impact on daily activities.
Pelvic Pain
Fibroids can lead to pelvic pain or discomfort ranging from mild to severe. Persistent pain can be emotionally distressing and affect one’s quality of life.
Pressure or Fullness
Large fibroids can feel pressure in the abdomen, pelvic region, and lower back, further contributing to emotional discomfort.
Urinary problems: Fibroids sometimes get pressed against the bladder, which leads to increased urgency and frequency of urination. This can be both emotionally distressing and physically uncomfortable.
Bowel Symptoms: In some cases, fibroids can exert pressure on the rectum, leading to constipation or discomfort during bowel movements.
Infertility Concerns: Depending on their size and location, fibroids might contribute to fertility issues or complications during pregnancy, which can be emotionally overwhelming for those hoping to conceive.
Body Image Concerns: Large fibroids that cause visible abdominal bloating or swelling might lead to body image concerns and a sense of self-consciousness.
Impact on Sexual Function: Fibroids can affect sexual comfort and function, potentially leading to stress and strain in intimate relationships.
Uncertainty and Fear: A diagnosis of fibroids and concerns about their potential growth or complications can trigger feelings of uncertainty and fear about the future.
Chronic Nature: Fibroids are often chronic, meaning individuals might experience ongoing symptoms, leading to prolonged emotional stress. Hence, fibroids can take an emotional toll apart from the painful physical symptoms.
Coping with stress: Ways to cope with stress can vary from woman to woman, depending on their unique responses to the symptoms and anxiety. However, if you are unsure how to get started, you should follow some stress relief techniques.
Techniques
Prepare in advance
The worry of bleeding and getting your clothes stained in public can be catered for by planning and being ready for your period. Keep all your period essentials with you, especially near your period dates.
Exercise
Find an exercise that relaxes your body; it can be yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, etc These will help to loosen the muscular tension and bring your stress to an average level. You can find a low-impact exercise even if you don’t want to overwork yourself.
Keep your mind busy
Distracting your mind and keeping it occupied with reading, writing, watching a show, listening to music, talking to someone, taking a walk, etc., will help you shift your focus away from the symptoms you are experiencing.
Communicate
Leaning on someone and talking to someone will help to release your stress. A friend or a family member who is a good listener will be a great help for you in times like these. Letting out your frustration to someone close helps to decrease the stress. You can also talk to your doctor and discuss some effective stress management techniques.
Eat healthy
A healthy diet is essential for fibroid. Increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits and decreasing the intake of heavy carbohydrates and sugar will help to keep the blood sugar level regular and so the emotions. If you are experiencing extreme symptoms, you should not delay your treatment and should contact an experienced and known fibroid specialist.
