As an obstetrician-gynecologist at Temple Health, I’ve helped many patients with uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in the uterus that are made of muscle and tissue.
Uterine fibroids are extremely common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. You can have just one fibroid or many, which can be tiny or as big as a basketball.
The good news? If fibroids are causing you discomfort, some treatments can help.
7 signs you could have fibroids
Many people with fibroids have no symptoms. Sometimes, we find them when we perform a routine pelvic exam. On the other hand, many of my patients with fibroids do experience pain or other problems that have the potential to disrupt their daily lives.
If you have uterine fibroids, the first step to finding relief is getting the right diagnosis. However fibroid symptoms can be subtle. My patients often know there is a problem, but they may suspect another medical condition as the cause. Others wonder if their discomfort is normal, which can lead to delays in getting the right care.
That’s why I want everyone to know about these seven signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids:
1. Heavy menstrual bleeding
Fibroids can cause your periods to be very heavy, irregular, painful, or long-lasting. For example, the bleeding can last for more than a week. Bleeding related to uterine fibroids can also occur in between your periods.
2. Pain
In addition to menstrual cramps, fibroids sometimes cause pain during sex or pain in the abdomen or lower back. On occasion, a fibroid may grow in a way that cuts off its blood supply, causing sudden and severe pelvic pain. If you experience severe pain in your pelvis or belly, seek medical help right away.
3. Pressure
Some people with fibroids feel fullness, pressure, or bloating in their pelvis or lower abdomen.
4. Frequent urination
If your fibroids press against your urinary tract, you might have difficulty urinating or urinate more often—and more urgently—than you usually do.
5. Anemia
Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia — having too little iron in your blood. Anemia can make you feel very tired and weak.
6. Constipation
Fibroids can cause constipation due to the pressure in the pelvis and rectal area.
7. A growing belly
Fibroids that grow very large can push against the abdomen, causing the belly to bulge. This sign — called abdominal distention — can cause you to look pregnant.
When to see your doctor
It’s important to tell your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above or any unusual menstrual bleeding or different from your regular periods.
Sometimes, these symptoms can be caused by another health condition, including some gynecologic cancers. Getting them checked is important for your well-being and can bring you peace of mind.
Treatment: Know your options
When I see a patient with fibroids, I start by listening. What my patients tell me about their symptoms helps me better understand how their fibroids affect them and what solutions may be right for them.
Not all fibroids require treatment. For example, if we find a small fibroid during a routine exam or a test done for other reasons and it’s not causing you any problems, I may recommend simply monitoring it over time.
If your fibroids are causing pain or other symptoms, various options are available. Choosing the right one depends on factors such as the size, location, and number of fibroids you have, your symptoms, and your preferences.
Treatment options may include:
Medications and iron supplements
I sometimes recommend medication such as:
- Over-the-counter and prescription medications to help ease fibroid pain.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to shrink fibroids.
- Birth-control pills, injections, or intrauterine devices to reduce heavy bleeding and menstrual cramps.
- Iron supplements to help with anemia caused by very heavy periods.
Surgery and procedures
In some instances, surgery may be an option to treat uterine fibroids. As I tell my patients, there are different types of procedures, and the choice depends on many factors, including whether you may want to become pregnant later on after your treatment.
It’s also worth noting that minimally invasive surgery is often an option. Minimally invasive fibroid surgery is done through small incisions or through the vagina, which allows a person to recover more quickly than with a traditional abdominal incision.
Options for treating fibroids with surgery include:
- Myomectomy. This surgery removes only the fibroids, leaving the healthy uterus in place. This may be a good option if you hope to become pregnant or want to keep your uterus for other reasons. However, new fibroids may grow after myomectomy so a person may need additional surgery later.
- Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. This procedure injects tiny plastic or gel particles into the blood vessels that feed the fibroid.
- Hysterectomy. This surgery removes the uterus (and sometimes the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes). Hysterectomy is the only definite cure for fibroids. But it isn’t possible to become pregnant after a hysterectomy.
Get back to living your life
You don’t have to endure fibroid pain or discomfort. Temple's gynecologists use the latest techniques to diagnose and treat uterine fibroids. When surgery is an appropriate option, our surgeons may use minimally invasive techniques that can shorten your recovery time.
To make an appointment with a Temple gynecologist, call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or schedule an appointment online.
Helpful Resources
Looking for more information?