AI Summary Overview
Quick Glance: Common Uterine Fibroids Symptoms
Common uterine fibroids symptoms can include:
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Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
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Painful periods or abdominal cramping
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Pelvic pain, pressure or a feeling of fullness
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Lower back pain
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Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
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Constipation or painful bowel movements
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Pain or discomfort during sex
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Tiredness or weakness related to iron-deficiency anaemia caused by heavy bleeding
Some people with uterine fibroids do not experience any symptoms at all. Symptoms are more likely to develop when fibroids affect the uterine cavity or press on nearby organs.
Uterine Fibroids Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Persistent or worsening symptoms of uterine fibroids should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly when they affect daily activities or quality of life. The table below highlights symptoms that may require medical evaluation and what they may indicate.:
| Symptom | What It May Indicate |
| Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding | Fibroids affecting the uterine cavity or increasing the amount of menstrual bleeding |
| Bleeding between periods | Fibroids affecting the uterine cavity, although other causes of abnormal bleeding should also be considered |
| Persistent pelvic pain or pressure | A fibroid affecting the uterus or pressing on nearby structures |
| Tiredness, weakness or shortness of breath | Possible iron-deficiency anaemia resulting from heavy menstrual bleeding |
| Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder | A fibroid pressing on the bladder or nearby urinary structures |
| Constipation or painful bowel movements | A fibroid pressing on the bowel or rectum |
| Pain or discomfort during sex | Fibroids or an enlarged uterus contributing to pelvic discomfort |
| Difficulty getting pregnant | Fibroids in certain locations, particularly those affecting the uterine cavity, may affect fertility |
Why Do Uterine Fibroids Symptoms Occur?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can influence their growth. Uterine fibroids develop from the smooth muscle of the uterus and can vary in size, number and location.
Fibroids can change the size or shape of the uterus and, depending on their location, may affect the uterine cavity. This can contribute to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Continued heavy bleeding may reduce the body's iron levels and lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, which can cause tiredness, weakness or shortness of breath.
Larger fibroids can also press against nearby organs. Pressure on the bladder may cause frequent urination or difficulty emptying it, while pressure on the bowel or rectum may contribute to constipation or painful bowel movements.
Uterine Fibroids Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention
Most uterine fibroid symptoms are not emergencies. However, urgent medical assessment is needed if you experience:
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Very heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by dizziness, severe weakness, light-headedness or fainting
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Sudden or severe pelvic or abdominal pain
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Severe pelvic or abdominal pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
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Severe pain that develops suddenly, particularly if you have a known pedunculated fibroid
These symptoms can have several possible causes and should not automatically be assumed to be caused by uterine fibroids. Severe bleeding or sudden severe pelvic pain requires prompt medical assessment.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids Based on Type
The table below presents the symptoms of different types of uterine fibroids:
| Type | Common Symptoms |
| Intramural fibroids | Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, painful periods, pelvic pain or pressure, and pressure-related urinary or bowel symptoms when large |
| Submucosal fibroids | Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods and possible fertility problems |
| Subserosal fibroids | Pelvic pressure or pain and pressure-related symptoms such as frequent urination or constipation, particularly when large |
| Pedunculated fibroids | Pelvic pressure or pain; sudden, severe pain can occur if the stalk becomes twisted |
Can You Have Uterine Fibroids Without Symptoms?
Yes. Uterine fibroids do not always cause noticeable symptoms and may be discovered during a routine pelvic examination, an ultrasound or scan performed for another reason.
The absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean that the uterine fibroids are small. Their location, number and effect on the uterus or nearby organs can influence whether symptoms develop.
When Can Uterine Fibroids Symptoms Become Life-Threatening?
Uterine fibroids are usually non-cancerous, and most of their symptoms are not life-threatening. However, very heavy bleeding can occasionally result in significant blood loss and severe anaemia. Sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain requires urgent assessment because it can have causes other than uterine fibroids.
The table below explains the situations associated with uterine fibroids symptoms that may require urgent or emergency medical attention:
| Emergency | Why It Is Serious |
| Very heavy vaginal bleeding | Significant blood loss can cause severe anaemia and requires urgent medical assessment |
| Severe anaemia | A major reduction in red blood cells can reduce the body's oxygen-carrying capacity and cause weakness, dizziness or shortness of breath |
| Sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain | May occur with complications involving a pedunculated fibroid, although other urgent causes of pelvic pain must also be ruled out |
| Fainting, severe dizziness or marked weakness with bleeding | May indicate significant blood loss and requires urgent assessment |
If heavy vaginal bleeding causes fainting, severe dizziness or marked weakness, or if pelvic or abdominal pain is sudden and severe, seek urgent medical care.
How are Uterine Fibroids Symptoms Diagnosed?
Doctors assess symptoms, menstrual history and physical examination findings to decide which investigations are appropriate for uterine fibroids. An ultrasound is commonly used to identify uterine fibroids and assess their number, size and location.
The table below explains the main examinations and investigations that may be used when evaluating possible uterine fibroids:
| Diagnostic Test | Purpose |
| Medical and menstrual history | Assesses bleeding patterns, pain, pressure symptoms and their effect on daily activities |
| Pelvic examination | Checks for changes in the size or shape of the uterus that may suggest uterine fibroids |
| Pelvic ultrasound | Detects uterine fibroids and assesses their size, number and location |
| Transvaginal ultrasound | Provides detailed images of the uterus and is commonly used to assess uterine fibroids |
| Sonohysterography | Uses fluid within the uterus during ultrasound to provide a clearer view of the uterine cavity, including possible submucosal fibroids |
| Hysteroscopy | Allows a doctor to examine the inside of the uterus and identify fibroids projecting into the uterine cavity |
| MRI | Provides detailed images when further information about the size or location of uterine fibroids is needed |
| Blood tests | Checks for anaemia when heavy menstrual bleeding is present |
Ultrasound is generally the first imaging test used when uterine fibroids are suspected. Other investigations are selected according to the person's symptoms and the information needed for diagnosis.
FAQs
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Q1. What is usually the first symptom of uterine fibroids?
Ans: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is one of the most common uterine fibroids symptoms. Other symptoms can include painful periods, pelvic pressure, lower back pain and pressure-related urinary or bowel problems. -
Q2. Can uterine fibroids develop without noticeable symptoms?
Ans: Yes. Uterine fibroids can cause no noticeable symptoms and may be discovered during a routine examination, an ultrasound or a scan performed for another reason. The absence of uterine fibroids symptoms does not necessarily mean that the fibroids are small. -
Q3. Which uterine fibroids symptoms should not be ignored?
Ans: Uterine fibroids symptoms, such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, persistent pelvic pain or pressure, symptoms of possible anaemia, and urinary or bowel problems, should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Difficulty getting pregnant should also be evaluated because uterine fibroids in certain locations may affect fertility.
