Uterine fibroids, or fibroid tumors as they are sometimes called, are benign growths found in or on the uterus. This means that, although they are called tumors, they are not cancerous nor do they cause cancer. According to MayoClinic.com, up to 75 percent of women may have fibroids at some time in their lives, but many never know it because they are often asymptomatic. However, though not common and generally not dangerous, complications occasionally do arise from uterine fibroids.
Pregnancy
Because fibroids grow during a woman's childbearing years, much research has been done to determine the effect of these growths on pregnancy. According to the National Library of Medicine's online MedlinePlus encyclopedia, it is unusual for uterine fibroids to cause complications more serious than pain during pregnancy or heavier bleeding following delivery. It does sometimes happen, though, that a fibroid takes up too much space in the uterus, so a baby has to be delivered prematurely. If a fibroid tumor blocks the birth canal, the baby may need to be delivered via cesarean section. MayoClinic.com points out that fibroid tumors may occasionally affect a woman's ability to become pregnant, either through blockages that prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg or by distorting the fallopian tubes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that other causes should be ruled out before considering fibroids as the cause of infertility, and also notes that when this is the cause, it is usually treatable.
Heavy Bleeding and Anemia
The most common complication from a uterine fibroid tumor, or leiomyoma as it is sometimes called, is heavy or frequent bleeding, even at times other than during the usual menstrual period. Periods may be longer, with more severe cramping, too. If the bleeding is severe enough, and medications don't help, a gynecologist may recommend surgery to prevent fibroid growth or remove the fibroids, or possibly even to remove the uterus.
One serious effect of heavy bleeding due to fibroids is anemia, as the blood loss means less iron is available for use by red blood cells to help carry oxygen throughout the body. Physicians may recommend iron supplements for women with fibroids who are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding.
Urinary Tract Infections
One common symptom of fibroids, especially if they are of appreciable size, is the sensation of bladder fullness or feeling the need to urinate frequently. This is due to the pressure of the uterine fibroid on the bladder, making it difficult to get the bladder completely emptied. The inability to completely empty the bladder sometimes leads to urinary tract infections. Extremely large fibroids may also make it difficult to have a complete pelvic exam, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Pedunculated Fibroids
Some uterine fibroid tumors are attached either to the outside or inside of the uterus by a stalk. This type of leiomyoma is called a pedunculated fibroid, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Occasionally, the stalk becomes twisted or kinked, causing blood flow blockage, which may be accompanied by a sudden, severe, sharp pain in the lower abdomen. If that happens, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible, as surgery may be called for to remove the fibroid.
Other Rare Complications
According to the National Women's Health Information Center, less than 1 in 1,000 fibroids will occur with a type of cancer called leiomyosarcoma. The Center emphasizes that cancer does not develop in pre-existing fibroids and that fibroids do not increase the risk of developing cancer.
