Can Uterine Fibroids Affect Your Sex Life?

Can Uterine Fibroids Affect Your Sex Life?

Perhaps you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Your mind may be racing with questions. What does this mean? How will this affect my overall health? What impact can this have on my sex life?

The important thing is to first relax and take a breath. Uterine fibroids are nothing more than benign tumors that grow on the uterus of many women, usually during childbearing years.

Though some women experience little to no symptoms, many others have debilitating symptoms that can affect several aspects of their lives. Common symptoms include: discomfort, pelvic pain, and increased menstrual bleeding, which may interfere with your sex life.

Decreased Sex Drive

Loss of libido (sex drive) may also be a common symptom of uterine fibroids. If sex is painful, this can cause your body and mind to want to avoid/reject it. One factor that can influence pain during sex is the size of the fibroids. Larger fibroids tend to produce pressure in the uterus which can cause pain during sexual intercourse. Also, the area where fibroids grow can also influence pain. If fibroids grow around your cervix, at the end of the vaginal tract, sex can become very uncomfortable during penetration.

Another factor related to fibroids that can affect your sex life is hormones. Smaller fibroids tend to cause a hormonal imbalance between progesterone and estrogen, which can create a loss of interest in sexual activity.   

These factors can influence a women’s ability to enjoy sexual relations. However, don’t be alarmed. There is a very effective and minimally invasive treatment option available, which is generally covered by your insurance, known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Though you may hear about some drastic treatment methods such as a hysterectomy (surgical removal of uterus) or myomectomy (surgical removal of uterus), a newer, less invasive option has become the preferred treatment method of many women. During a Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) a special doctor known as an Interventional Radiologist uses a catheter to deliver tiny particles made of plastic or gelatin, which are carried by the blood flow to block blood supply to the uterine fibroids. By shrinking the fibroids, patients can see a drastic reduction in their symptoms.

To request more information on Uterine Fibroid Embolization or to request an appointment, call us at (305) 907-6191

The majority of women that undergo a UFE are able to return to normal activities within a few days.

If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and would like to learn more about this minimally invasive treatment option, feel free to give us a call at: (305) 907-6191 so we can schedule a consultation or live video chat with one of our doctors.