Uterine fibroids are benign growths on the wall of the uterus. Risk factors for women include age and a family history of fibroids. Up to 40 percent of women older than the age of 40 have uterine fibroids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The size of a fibroid ranges from smaller than an inch to larger than 8 inches, and can occur alone or in clusters. Symptoms vary depending on the size and location. Some uterus fibroids may not produce any symptoms.
Menstrual Changes
Women with fibroids may experience changes in menstrual bleeding. The bleeding may become severe enough to cause anemia due to the loss of iron. Heavy menstrual bleeding includes bleeding that soaks a tampon or a pad in 30 minutes to an hour for at least three to four hours, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Menstrual periods can occur more frequently and may last for seven or more days. Women may also experience bleeding between periods. Post-menopausal women may begin to bleed again.
Pain and Pressure
Pain due to uterine fibroids may occur in several areas. Women can experience a dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or in the lower back. Sharp pain from a fibroid indicates strangulation to the fibroid tissue due to twisting of the stalk upon which it grows. The lower abdomen can feel heavy and full because of large fibroids. The fullness also occurs due to the enlargement of the uterus and swelling in the abdomen as the fibroids grow.
The increase in the uterus can put pressure on the other organs in the pelvis. This pressure includes causing discomfort to the rectum, which may result in constipation. The fibroids may place pressure on the urinary system causing frequent and painful urination.
During Pregnancy
Women with fibroids may experience fertility issues due to the fibroid tumor blocking the fallopian tube or from a misshapen uterus. Other women become pregnant without problems, but may begin to experience symptoms after the pregnancy occurs. Some symptoms include miscarriage, premature labor and an abnormal position of the baby, according to the Merck Manuals. Women also have an increased risk of excessive bleeding following delivery.
