Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterus. According to experts at Cedars-Sinai, 20 to 40 percent of women over age 35 have fibroid tumors. Many women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms at all. Among those who do, the severity of those symptoms generally depends upon the location and size of the fibroids.
Common Symptoms
Uterine fibroids cause a number of common symptoms that, according to health experts at Cedars-Sinai, some women may underestimate as they get used to dealing with the discomfort. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for a complete examination. Signs of fibroids may include an enlarged abdomen (which can be mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy), pelvic pain or pressure, painful sexual intercourse and pain in the back of the legs. Some fibroids may put pressure on the bladder, causing a persistent feeling of needing to urinate or making it hard to control urination. Similarly, fibroids can put pressure on the bowel, causing constipation or bloating. Certain types of fibroids--especially submucosal fibroids that grow under the lining of the uterus--can cause particularly heavy menstrual bleeding (that sometimes contains blood clots) and longer than usual monthly periods. Other types of fibroids--namely subserosal fibroids that grow on the outer portion of the uterus--do not generally affect menstrual flow or cause unusual bleeding.
Less Common Symptoms
In rare cases, uterine fibroids can cause symptoms related to potentially serious complications. Women with heavy bleeding may potentially lose enough blood to cause anemia (deficiency in red blood cell count) and severe fatigue. Those whose bladders are affected may develop urinary tract infections as a result of impaired urination. Severe pain or excessively heavy bleeding may require emergency medical attention or surgery. Pedunculated fibroids (a type of uterine fibroid that grows on the stalk or stem on the uterus) can become twisted, cutting off blood vessels and causing pain, nausea and a fever, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Serious Symptoms
Although rare, uterine fibroids can cause complications in women who are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant. According to the National Institutes of Health, if the fibroid is so large that it takes up too much room in the uterus, it may lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. Fibroids that block the vaginal canal or interfere with normal positioning of the fetus may increase the likelihood of cesarean section births. Fibroids can also cause abnormally heavy bleeding after birth. Some women may experience cancerous changes to their fibroids, leading to the development of leiomyosarcoma (cancer of the smooth muscle tissue) in the uterus. If you have or suspect you may have uterine fibroids, you should undergo regular checkups with your healthcare provider so that any growth or abnormal change in your fibroids can be detected early.
