How do the Symptoms of Fibroids Affect Women at Work?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are common among women of reproductive age and can cause a range of symptoms, some of which can have a significant impact on a woman’s work life. Now that many people have returned to the workplace from remote work, these symptoms could interfere with that return to an office or other work environment.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

One of the most common symptoms of fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding. This can make it difficult for women to attend work, as they may experience fatigue, weakness, and anemia, which can make it difficult to perform their job duties. Women may also need to take time off work to manage the bleeding, which can impact their work schedule and productivity. This can be especially challenging for women who work in physically demanding jobs or those who have strict attendance policies.

Pelvic Pain

Another common symptom of fibroids is pelvic pain. This can be debilitating and can make it difficult for women to concentrate and perform their job duties. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it interferes with a woman’s ability to work. Women who work in physically demanding jobs may find it particularly difficult to manage this symptom, as the pain can make it difficult to move around and perform their job duties.

Bloating

Fibroids can also cause bloating, which can make women feel uncomfortable and self-conscious at work. This can lead to a lack of confidence and can impact a woman’s ability to perform her job duties effectively. Women who work in customer-facing roles may find this especially challenging, as they may feel self-conscious about their appearance and may not want to interact with customers.

Stress

In addition to the physical symptoms, fibroids can also cause emotional symptoms, such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety. These emotional symptoms can have a negative impact on a woman’s work life, as they can make it difficult for her to focus and be productive. Women may also feel stressed and overwhelmed, which can further impact their work performance.

Symptom Management

There are steps that women can take to manage the symptoms of fibroids and maintain their work performance. One option is to speak with their doctor about hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), which can help to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding. Women can also discuss pain management options with their doctor, such as over-the-counter pain medication, heat therapy, or physical therapy.

Home Remedies for Fibroid Symptoms

It’s also important for women to take care of themselves outside of work. This can include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. Women can also consider stress-reducing activities, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These activities can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, which can have a positive impact on a woman’s work life.

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Fibroids

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroids in the uterus. It is performed by an interventional radiologist and involves the injection of small particles into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids, blocking the flow of blood to the fibroids and causing them to shrink. During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the groin or wrist and guided to the blood vessels that supply the fibroids. Once the catheter is in place, the interventional radiologist uses imaging guidance to inject the embolic material into the blood vessels, effectively blocking the flow of blood to the fibroids. UFE is a safe and effective alternative to surgery for women who want to avoid the risks and side effects associated with more invasive procedures. It typically results in a significant reduction in fibroid size and a significant improvement in symptoms, including heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. Fibroids can have a significant impact on a woman’s work life. Symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, and emotional symptoms can all make it difficult for women to perform their job duties effectively. However, there are a variety of options for treatment. We have been providing the Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure (UFE) for women in Georgia for years. Reach out to us today for a consultation to see if the UFE is right for you.