Understanding Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

Nearly 70% of women will experience fibroids at some point in their lifetime. Of those, about half experience symptoms that can disrupt their daily lives.

Ranging from mild to severe, uterine fibroid symptoms may require treatment to mitigate pain and eliminate heavy and prolonged periods.

At Houston Fibroids, we understand that fibroids can affect so much more than just your physical health, especially if they alter your appearance or have a negative impact on your health.

The good news is that there are advanced uterine fibroids treatment options to end symptoms without requiring invasive surgeries or extended hospital stays.

As experts in fibroid care, we take a full-body approach to uterine care– fibroid symptoms included.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have recently been diagnosed with fibroids, our team is here to help.

Let’s discuss fibroid symptoms in more detail.

Common Fibroid Symptoms

Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous tumors found on or in the uterus.

They can vary in size from as small as a grape to as large as a cantaloupe and can measure between 1 mm to over 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.

They can appear on the inside or outside of the uterus and can cause mild to severe symptoms that, when left untreated, can continue to grow and impact daily life.

It is important to note that uterine fibroids do not increase your risk of uterine cancer but can be detrimental to your day-to-day routine based on the symptoms they can cause.

Fibroid Symptoms

Most women with fibroids experience symptoms. Ranging from mild to severe, they can impact daily life and health, especially if they continue to grow in size or number.

While symptoms can differ from person to person, nine symptoms seem to be most prevalent amongst women living with fibroids.

Explore common symptoms below in more detail.

Heavy Bleeding

Also known as menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids.

Abnormal uterine bleeding that is prolonged can have serious side effects over time.

Pain During Sex

Fibroids are often the culprit of pain during sex due to:

Proximity to the cervix
Pressure placed on the fibroids during intercourse
Sexual positioning
Irregular contractions during orgasm

Frequent Urination

One of the organs commonly affected during the growth of fibroid tumors is the bladder.

As added pressure is applied to this organ, the risk of frequent urination and sometimes urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control increases.

Not only can this cause pain and discomfort, but it can become a hindrance in your everyday activities.

Severe Menstrual Cramps

During your period, your uterus contracts. Hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins are involved in the pain and inflammation triggered during uterine muscle contractions.

Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with fibroids and cause more severe and prolonged cramping,

Enlarged Abdomen and Uterus

Although most women with an enlarged uterus don’t realize it until they have a pelvic exam, some may notice a change in the size of their abdomen that could mimic signs of bloating.

Based on the size and location of fibroids, they could cause an enlarged uterus and protruding abdomen.

Weight Gain

Depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids you have, weight gain may be a symptom you experience.

Increased fibroid weight translates into a weight gain in the affected woman.

Pelvic Pain

As fibroids grow in size, they can put additional pressure on the surrounding organs, which can be extremely painful.

In addition, the growth of fibroids can cause pelvic pain and pressure, which is sometimes mistaken as weight gain or pregnancy.

Pelvic pain and pressure can be caused not only by the size of a uterine fibroid tumor but the location as well.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough red blood cells and hemoglobin to properly transport oxygen to your body’s tissues.

Anemia can be a symptom of fibroids due to the excessive blood loss you live with during menstruation.

When fibroids grow within the uterine cavity, the growth can interrupt the ability of a fertilized egg to implant into the uterine lining. Moreover, fibroids can inhibit the blood supply to the embryo, often causing pregnancy loss.

Back Pain

symptom of fibroids, particularly if they are large or located in the back of the uterus. The pressure from fibroids can cause discomfort or pain in the lower back, which may radiate through the hips and legs, leading to sciatica issues. Explore treatment options for back pain caused by fibroids here.

Other symptoms may include:

Pain in the back of the legs
Bloating
Constipation
Prolonged periods
Passing clots during menstruation

While most women experience symptoms, a small number of those diagnosed with fibroids may not realize they have them until they receive an ultrasound examination.

Dr. Valenson - Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Minimally Invasive Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Texas

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above that are impacting your daily activities and quality of life, you should consider uterine fibroids treatment right away.

Many minimally-invasive options, including uterine fibroid embolization, are available to help you effectively eliminate symptoms.