Many women with fibroids may not experience any symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, they may include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods: Fibroids can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which may lead to anemia or fatigue.
- Painful periods: Fibroids can cause pain during menstruation, which may be severe in some cases.
- Menstrual clots: Menstrual clots can be a sign of fibroids, especially if they are larger than a quarter or occur frequently.
- Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen: Larger fibroids can cause the uterus to expand, which can lead to swelling or enlargement of the abdomen. This may be visible as a bulge or protrusion in the lower abdomen.
- Pelvic pain or pressure: Fibroids can cause a sense of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area, and in some cases, this may be accompanied by pain or discomfort.
- Frequent urination: Fibroids can put pressure on the bladder, causing a need to urinate more frequently.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder: Large fibroids can put pressure on the bladder or urethra, making it difficult to fully empty the bladder.
- Constipation: Fibroids can put pressure on the rectum, causing constipation or difficulty passing stools.
- Lower back pain: Fibroids can cause lower back pain or discomfort.
- Pain during intercourse: Fibroids that are located near the cervix or inside the uterus can cause pain or discomfort during intercourse.
Rarely, a fibroid can cause acute pain when it outgrows its blood supply, and begins to die.
See your doctor if you have:
- Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away
- Overly heavy, prolonged or painful periods
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Unexplained low red blood cell count (anemia)
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all women with fibroids will experience symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about fibroids, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider, who can perform a physical examination, imaging tests, and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.