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What are the Different Uterine Fibroids Symptoms?
Fibroids in the uterus are benign tumors that usually grow in clusters, and they can range from microscopic to weighing several pounds. Many common uterine fibroids symptoms could be indicative of other conditions, which is why this problem often goes undiagnosed. Some symptoms may even go unnoticed completely, or brushed off as normal, and some women get no symptoms of this condition at all. Some of the most common signs of this condition include long, heavy menstrual periods, frequent urination, and lower abdomen pressure, to name a few.
One of the first indicators of uterine fibroids is menstrual period abnormality. Periods that last for more than a week are typically not normal, especially if the flow seems particularly heavy. The presence of blood clots and bleeding in between periods can also be worrisome, especially when this occurs repeatedly. Though some women deal with heavy periods their whole lives, it is not always normal, especially if the issue appears suddenly and continues for months. This condition can eventually lead to anemia, so it is important to get it checked out.
Another common symptom is an increase in urinary frequency. Though of course this symptom could be a sign of one of many problems, when combined with heavy menstrual periods, it should be considered one of the typical uterine fibroids symptoms. Additionally, this condition can make it difficult or painful to empty the bladder, which likely leads to the urinary frequency experienced by most patients. Constipation, or trouble emptying the bowels, can also be one of the uterine fibroids symptoms experienced along with urinary frequency, leading to increased discomfort.
Many women who suffer from this condition report pressure or even pain in their lower abdominal region. This feeling of fullness may be felt all the time, or it could worsen with periods or sexual intercourse. Either way, this feeling is abnormal for most healthy people, and should be reason enough to go to a doctor.
Pain in the pelvis is not the only concern for most patients with uterine fibroids symptoms. Unfortunately, the pain can often radiate to the legs and back, causing general discomfort for most women. This pain might not seem related to fibroids, and can have many other causes, which is why many patients do not report it or consider it important enough to get checked out. If this symptom shows up suddenly with no other explanation, or is combined with the above uterine fibroids symptoms, it is important to report it to a doctor.
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![Uterine fibroids can cause a woman to have prolonged menstruation that lasts more than a week.]()
By: Africa StudioUterine fibroids can cause a woman to have prolonged menstruation that lasts more than a week. -
![Pain in the pelvis is not the only concern for most patients with uterine fibroids symptoms.]()
By: designuaPain in the pelvis is not the only concern for most patients with uterine fibroids symptoms. -
![Pelvic pain and cramping are common symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors.]()
By: michaeljungPelvic pain and cramping are common symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors. -
![Abnormal vaginal bleeding may be a sign of uterine fibroids.]()
By: Dragos IliescuAbnormal vaginal bleeding may be a sign of uterine fibroids. -
![If uterine fibroids are not dealt with appropriately, the condition can lead to anemia.]()
By: joshyaIf uterine fibroids are not dealt with appropriately, the condition can lead to anemia. -
![Women suffering from uterine fibroids may experience discomfort during sexual intercourse.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiWomen suffering from uterine fibroids may experience discomfort during sexual intercourse. -
![MRI scans can be used to diagnose and monitor uterine fibroids.]()
By: DragutaMRI scans can be used to diagnose and monitor uterine fibroids. -
![Heavy menstrual flow may be indicative of a uterine fibroid.]()
By: MediablitzImagesHeavy menstrual flow may be indicative of a uterine fibroid.
Discussion Comments
I heard that if you are close to menopause, it might be best not to have any surgery. The reason for this is because many times after menopause, the fibroids shrink and disappear.
I have some typical uterine fibroid tumors symptoms, but the pain is not that bad, and I have always been used to heavier periods.
I am pretty close to menopause, and don't really want to go through surgery if these are going to disappear in a year or so.
Has anybody else had this kind of experience with uterine fibroids?
@honeybees - One good thing about uterine fibroids is that there is only a minimal chance they will ever turn in to cancer.
The only symptoms of uterine a fibroid I was having was abnormal bleeding between my periods. This wasn't heavy bleeding, but just very annoying over a period of about 6 months.
I went through a few tests, and my doctor recommended I have surgery to remove them. This is a simple surgery and even though I was put out, the surgery only lasted 20 minutes.
The next day I was feeling really good and had very little pain or down time from the surgery. The abnormal bleeding stopped and I haven't had any problems since.
My doctor only removed the fibroids and left everything else intact. There are always risks with any kind of surgery, but I am glad I had this done and had such good results.
Is surgery to remove uterine fibroids common? If they do surgery, do they just remove the fibroids or also remove your uterus?
At my last female exam, my doctor said it felt like I had some fibroids, so they did an ultrasound.
This showed I had a few small fibroids, and since I was having quite a bit of pelvic pain and heavier periods than normal, he told me I might want to consider surgery.
Right now I am giving it a few more months to see if my symptoms get any better. The thought of any kind of surgery scares me, and I would rather not have this done if I don't have to.
@manykitties2 - Although uterine fibroids are common, they are not normal. The strange thing about these kind of fibroids, is they can be the cause for several uncomfortable symptoms, or you might not even know you have them.
When I was younger, before my first pregnancy, I was told that I had fibroids. As long as they didn't grow and cause me a lot of problems, they did not recommend any kind of uterine fibroid surgery.
I never even knew I had them because I was not showing any of the typical symptoms of uterine fibroids. These did not cause any problems with infertility for me. I was able to have three healthy kids after I was told I had fibroids.
Come to find out, this is something that both my mom and grandma had as well, so then it was no surprise that I had them too.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids in younger women? Do you always need a heavy period, or is the feeling of pressure in your lower areas enough to point to fibroids?
Recently I have been having a really strange pressure feeling in my lower abdomen and it is quite uncomfortable. I have been looking at the symptoms of uterine fibroids and it seems like I may have one of the larger ones, but I don't know for sure. I am feeling a bit worried that it might be something serious as it seems like the signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids only occur when they are larger than norma. Perhaps I am mistaken though.
@manykitties2 - Unfortunately uterine fibroids are quite common in women and can be as tiny as a watermelon seed or as large as an apple. They generally start to sprout up as women age and those that are overweight tend to get them more frequently. You're in luck though as fibroids are usually harmless and if your nurse told you not to worry I wouldn't be concerned. Just keep getting your regular pelvic exams to keep an eye on things down there.
One thing you can do if you are feeling that you must do something is eat more green vegetables. Believe it or not, science has shown that eating more leafy greens can rid yourself of these. Hopefully you never get any fibroid symptoms and they remain unobtrusive in your life.
Are small uterus fibroids normal and is there any fibroids treatment available if you are worried about them?
I recently had a pelvic exam done and my nurse told me that I had some small fibroids, though I haven't showed any of the uterine fibroid symptoms. She told me not to worry about the fibroids but I am a bit concerned that I have something growing inside me that shouldn't be there. It kind of freaks me out a bit.
I am hoping that there is a simple solution to get rid of the fibroids. I am really worried that they are going to grow big or damage my fertility. That would be a worst case scenario.
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