Uterine Fibroids Symptoms

Take Risk Assessment Now

What are the signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Most women with uterine fibroids don’t have symptoms or need medical treatment. However, if symptoms do occur, they can greatly impact your quality of life and long-term health. The severity of these symptoms is influenced by the fibroids’ location, size, and number. If you suspect you have fibroids, it’s crucial to book a consultation with our doctors at various Fibroid Clinics for a precise diagnosis. Upon confirmation, our team will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

If your bleeding or pain disrupts work, school, travel, or relationships, it’s time to speak with a fibroid expert

Abnormal Bleeding

Fibroids attract blood vessels and draw blood from circulation, like a sponge soaking up water. During menstruation, this blood is released, causing heavy bleeding that can last over 7 days and require frequent pad or tampon changes. This is hard to manage, leading some women to avoid going out due to fear of leaks. Fibroids near the uterine cavity are especially linked to excessive bleeding. If the uterus doesn’t contract properly, it may struggle to stop bleeding.

View Abnormal Bleeding Symptoms

Anemia

Some women experience heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids, which can lead to anemia—a condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells. This can result in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Certain types and locations of fibroids are more likely to trigger bleeding. The good news is that both fibroids and anemia are treatable. With the right care, treatment can relieve symptoms and improve your energy levels and overall quality of life.

View Anemia Symptoms

Abdominal Discomfort

Many women often mistake fibroid pain for regular menstrual cramps. This pain is usually found in women with large uterine fibroids. Some experience persistent abdominal pain from their fibroids, which can make movement and everyday activities challenging. Additionally, you might feel a heavy or pressured sensation in your lower abdomen, which is more uncomfortable than painful. The large fibroids can press on surrounding organs, leading to back pain, frequent urination, pain during sex, and constipation.

Frequent Urination

A prevalent bladder symptom caused by uterine fibroids is frequent urination. As fibroids enlarge, they can expand the uterus, putting added pressure on the bladder and reducing its overall capacity. This can lead to a stressful and uncomfortable sensation, making you constantly search for a nearby restroom, wake up repeatedly during the night, or alter your daily plans and schedule to accommodate your physical needs and discomfort.

View Frequent Urination Symptoms

Pain During Intercourse

Uterine fibroids can cause discomfort or pain during sex, which may vary depending on the fibroid’s size and location. This pain might occur only in certain positions or during specific times in the menstrual cycle, such as before or during your period. In addition to affecting physical well-being, it can impact emotional intimacy and strain relationships. If your doctor doesn’t mention this symptom during your visit, it’s important to bring it up for proper evaluation and support.

View Painful Intercourse Symptoms

Severe Menstrual Cramps

Fibroids can cause painful cramping in the abdomen and back, along with heavy, irregular bleeding. Uterine contractions during menstruation are triggered by prostaglandins—chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Fibroids often raise prostaglandin levels, leading to more intense cramps. In some cases, menstrual blood flows backward into the abdominal cavity (retrograde menstruation), irritating surrounding tissues and worsening the pain.

View Menstrual Cramp Symptoms

Stories & Scenarios:

Rupal (Age 34) discovered that her fatigue was due to anemia from undiagnosed fibroids. Maya experienced night-time trips to the bathroom for years before her interventional radiologist found the cause.

Do You Experience Symptoms of Fibroids?

Take Risk Assessment Now

Understanding Your Symptoms

Fibroid symptoms aren’t always obvious. Some women suffer in silence, assuming heavy periods or pelvic pain are normal.

Detailed Symptom List:

Fibroids can cause a range of symptoms depending on their size, number, and location. Larger fibroids may result in pelvic discomfort, frequent urination, and pain during intercourse, among other issues. Fibroids that grow quickly or begin to break down can also be painful. Advanced symptoms of fibroids may include:

Menstrual Bleeding: Frequency, duration, clot size, need for double protection
Pain: Severity, impact on daily function, radiating pain to back or legs
Pressure Effects: Bladder, bowel, or reproduction
Emotional impact: Mood changes, social withdrawal, anxiety
Fertility: Trouble conceiving, recurrent pregnancy loss

Fibroid FAQ

Can fibroids develop into cancer?

Uterine fibroids are generally non-cancerous, with cancerous ones being extremely rare, occurring in fewer than one in 1,000 cases. The rare cancerous fibroid is called uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS). Most women with fibroids do not show symptoms, and only a small fraction will need medical intervention. Having uterine fibroids does not raise your risk of developing a cancerous fibroid or other uterine cancers.

In what ways can fibroids impact pregnancy?

Small to medium-sized fibroids that don’t cause symptoms typically won’t impact your ability to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy. However, fibroids can enlarge during pregnancy due to higher hormone levels and increased blood flow to the uterus. If they do grow, it’s usually within the first trimester. Generally, surgery is not required or done during this period. If you have fibroids and become pregnant, consult your doctor.

Can fibroids reappear after undergoing Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

UFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment designed to obstruct blood flow to the fibroids in your uterus, leading to their gradual shrinkage. The effectiveness of UFE can differ based on factors like the fibroids’ location and number, as well as your general health. If the fibroids do recur, they typically grow at a slow rate. Nevertheless, research indicates that most women find their fibroids do not return after this procedure.