Signs You May Have Uterine Fibroids and When to See a Doctor
Heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or persistent pain are often dismissed as normal parts of womanhood. In reality, these concerns may point to uterine fibroids, which are extremely common but far from harmless for many women. While fibroids are benign, the symptoms they create can chip away at your energy, comfort, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the early signs is an important step toward getting the help you need.
Here are the six key symptoms that may indicate the presence of fibroids, along with guidance on when to seek expert care.
1. Understanding What Fibroids Are
Fibroids, also called myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can range from tiny nodules to large masses that distort the uterus. Symptoms depend heavily on location. Fibroids growing into the uterine cavity often cause heavy bleeding, while those pressing outward tend to create pressure or pain. Diagnosis is typically confirmed with an ultrasound or MRI.
2. Heavy or Prolonged Menstruation
Heavy bleeding is the most common reason women seek evaluation.
Typical signs include:
– Periods lasting more than seven days
– Needing to change pads or tampons every hour
– Passing large blood clots
This level of blood loss can lead to anemia and chronic fatigue, often requiring prompt treatment to prevent worsening health.
3. Chronic Pelvic Pain
Fibroids can create persistent discomfort that ranges from mild pressure to severe pain.
This may be caused by the fibroid pressing on pelvic structures or by degeneration, which occurs when the fibroid outgrows its blood supply. Many women describe the sensation as heaviness or fullness in the lower abdomen or back.
4. Urinary Frequency or Difficulty
When fibroids press on the bladder, normal urinary patterns can be disrupted.
Common symptoms include:
– Frequent urination
– Urgency even with a small amount of urine in the bladder
– Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
This is especially common when fibroids grow along the front wall of the uterus.
5. Constipation and Abdominal Pressure
Fibroids growing toward the rectum or colon can interfere with normal bowel movements.
Symptoms often include chronic constipation, straining, and persistent bloating or fullness that doesn’t improve with diet changes. This type of pressure can be especially uncomfortable and difficult to ignore.
6. Pain During Intercourse
Fibroids located near the cervix or deep within the pelvis may cause pain during intercourse.
This can affect both intimacy and emotional well-being. When this symptom develops, a focused evaluation is important, as treatment can often provide significant relief.
7. When to Seek Treatment
If these symptoms are affecting your energy, your daily routine, or your relationships, it is time to speak with a specialist.
A gynecologist or interventional radiologist can confirm the diagnosis and review modern treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Early consultation leads to better outcomes and helps prevent complications such as severe anemia or worsening pelvic pain.
Final Thoughts
Persistent symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pain should never be ignored. Fibroids are treatable, and you do not need to live with discomfort that disrupts your life. By understanding what fibroids are and recognizing their hallmark signs, you can take the first step toward receiving effective care and restoring your well-being. Request an appointment with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many fibroids remain small and cause no issues. Treatment is only needed when symptoms become disruptive or when fibroids grow large enough to affect daily life.
It can be. Some women experience steady pressure or heaviness, while others feel sharp or intense pain when a fibroid undergoes degeneration. Symptoms often worsen around menstruation.
Absolutely not. Many effective, uterus-preserving treatments exist, including myomectomy and minimally invasive options such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which treats the fibroids without major surgery.