Uterine leiomyomas, or non-cancerous cysts, often cause serious symptoms that can affect a woman's quality of life. In the February 2009 issue of "Fertility and Sterility," Dr. David Lee wrote that 42 percent of women with fibroid cysts required surgery and medication. In the U.S., fibroid cysts are the number one cause of hysterectomy, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Approximately 20 to 50 percent of women will develop fibroids by age 50.
Cervical Pain and Pressure
Uterine leiomyomas can often be completely asymptomatic, but they can cause also cause uncomfortable cervical pressure or severe abdominal cramping, particularly during menstruation. The pressure and pain is caused by the tumors pressing against the bowels. The pressure is similar to that a pregnant woman experiences as her uterus expands with a growing fetus. Most fibroid cysts grow along the lining of the uterine walls, although rarely they can protrude outside the uterine cavity. Protruded, or subserosal fibroids, can twist and cause severe pain.
Bladder Problems
Fibroids can sometimes press against the bladder, resulting in frequent urination. The pressure can also cause incontinence. Sometimes, a woman with fibroids will feel pressure signaling the need to urinate but be unable to do so. On rare occasions, fibroids can be large enough to restrict the flow of urine entirely, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Heavy Bleeding
Women with fibroid cysts can experience heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between menstrual periods. A woman with uterine fibroids may pass blood clots and be unable to leave home during the heaviest days of her menstrual cycle. The blood loss can be so heavy it causes anemia or dizziness.
Enlarged Uterus
A fibroid tumor can be as small as a pea or as large as a cantaloupe. A woman may develop one fibroid or many. Depending on the number and size of the tumors, uterine fibroids can result in an enlarged or misshapen uterus. Although not life threatening, an enlarged uterus may require surgery or a complete hysterectomy.
References
- "Fertility and Sterility"; Uterine Fibroid Treatment Patterns in a Population of Insured Women; David W. Lee, Ph.D.; February 2009
- National Women's Health Information Center: Uterine Fibroids
