How to deal with uterine fibroids | members only

Fibroids are affected by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which mostly go unnoticed when they are at normal levels. Liu adds that typically in menopause, when those hormone levels are

low, fibroids will decrease in size or stay stable, but will never go away. DETECTION METHODS. Ob-gyn Maureen Slattery, who is associated with Rochester Regional Health in New York, says

most uterine fibroids are found “incidentally” when a woman is examined by ultrasound for some other reason, like heavy vaginal bleeding. MRIs and CAT scans can also be used, she says, but

the go-to diagnostic tool is ultrasound. ABOUT THAT PAIN DURING SEX… If the fibroids are large and in the back of the uterus, closer to the cervix or vagina, penetrative sex can be painful

due to the friction and motion created by the penis during intercourse, says Liu, an associate professor at the George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences. CHANGE UP SEX

POSITIONS. One possible remedy is to try different positions to see if the pain diminishes, says Boston Medical Center ob-gyn Matilde V. Hoffman, who is also an assistant professor of

obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University. “Figure out: Is there one position that’s more uncomfortable than another?” Hoffman says to communicate with your partner and help them

understand exactly where it hurts — and to make adjustments accordingly. The questions you might discuss include: Is it painful at entry? With deep penetration? With foreplay — meaning any

stimulation of the clitoris, labia, vulva or perineum? And what about pain when you use a vibrator? One other tip: Use lubrication. “An important aspect of feeling more comfortable with sex

can include the use of lubrication so that there’s less friction with the movement of the penis,” Hoffman says. CONSULT A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. Anyone experiencing painful intercourse — with

fibroids or not — should consult a gynecologist who has sexual health or pelvic pain expertise, Slattery says. “Our intimate life, with or without a partner, is important to discuss,” adds

Hoffman.