380 Cancer and Growths
Problems of
the Womb
535
pelvic exam
172
anemia
244
D and C
Common growths of the womb
Fibroid tumors
Fibroids are growths of the womb.They fibroids
can cause abnormal bleeding from
the vagina, pain in the lower belly,
and repeated miscarriage (losing a
pregnancy).They are almost never cancer.
Signs:
• heavy monthly bleeding or bleeding at
unusual times of the month
• pain or a heavy feeling in the lower belly
• deep pain during sex
womb
Finding and treating fibroids
Fibroids are usually found during a
pelvic exam. The womb will feel too
large or be the wrong shape. A test
called an ultrasound, if it is available, can
show how large the fibroids are.
If fibroids cause problems, they can
be removed with surgery. Sometimes
the whole womb is removed. But
most of the time, surgery is not
necessary because fibroids usually
An ultrasound test can show
how large fibroids are.
become smaller after menopause and stop causing problems.
If monthly bleeding is heavy because of fibroids, anemia may
develop. Try to eat foods rich in iron.
Polyps
Polyps are dark red growths that
can grow inside the womb or at
the cervix. They are rarely cancer.
Signs:
• bleeding after sex
• heavy monthly bleeding or bleeding at
unusual times of the month
polyps
Finding and treating polyps
Polyps at the cervix can be seen and removed easily and
painlessly during a pelvic exam by someone who has been
trained. To find polyps inside the womb, the inside of the
womb must be scraped out (this is called a D and C). The
D and C also removes the polyps. The growth is sent to a
laboratory to make sure there is no cancer. Once polyps are
removed, they usually do not grow back.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012