Is Sex Painful? It Could Be Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are extremely common. In fact, roughly 40% of women 35 and over have at least one fibroid. By the time they turn 50, as many as 80% of women will have a fibroid. In many cases, the fibroid stays so small that you never even know you have this growth on your uterus. And because fibroids are typically benign, they don’t pose a problem.

But when a fibroid grows larger, it can cause a number of problematic symptoms, including painful sex. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort during intercourse, don’t hesitate to talk to our team of expert providers at Vascular & Interventional Associates in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. We offer fibroid treatment to women throughout northern Kentucky and in Cincinnati, Ohio. And our treatment doesn’t require a hysterectomy or another surgery with a lengthy recovery period.

Before exploring fibroid treatment, though, let’s cover how you might know if these growths could be the cause of your pain during sex.

Fibroids and uncomfortable intercourse

Fibroids are growths that develop on your uterus. They’re usually noncancerous. While they rarely present a direct health danger, however, their size and location can cause unwelcome symptoms for you.

Specifically, if your fibroid is located near your uterus, the pressure and friction caused during sex can make it painful. You might also experience bleeding after sex. 

But many things can contribute to painful intercourse. If you’re experiencing new discomfort during sex, how do you know if it’s a fibroid? There are a couple of ways you can check at home. 

First, try adjusting your position. If changing things up allows you to make sex less uncomfortable, it could be a sign that a fibroid in a certain spot is to blame for your pain.

Second, look for the other symptoms of uterine fibroids. These include:

• Heavy, painful periods
• Bloating or swelling in your abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Constipation

If you think you might have a fibroid that’s causing your discomfort during intercourse, don’t hesitate to visit our team. We can diagnose your fibroid here at our office and explore your treatment options with you.

Treating fibroids

Historically, doctors often recommended a hysterectomy — or the removal of your uterus — to get rid of problematic fibroids. Fortunately, that’s no longer your only option.

At Vascular & Interventional Associates, we offer a minimally invasive treatment: uterine fibroid embolization. We cut off the blood supply to the fibroid, getting rid of it, while keeping your uterus intact. Plus, we can perform this entire procedure through a small incision in your thigh, minimizing your risk of complications and downtime afterward. 

If you think a fibroid might the reason for your pain during sex, don’t hesitate to call Vascular & Interventional Associates, or book your appointment with us online today.