Identifying Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Approximately 70% of women will develop uterine fibroids at some stage in their lives. In about half of those cases, the fibroids will cause symptoms that interfere with their ability to perform normal activities.

Depending on severity, symptoms of uterine fibroids could require medical intervention to reduce pain and alleviate irregular and heavy periods.

At Dallas Fibroid Center, we recognize that fibroids can impact a great deal more than your physical comfort, particularly if the fibroids distort your body or negatively affect your overall health.

Fortunately, Dallas Fibroid Center offers next-generation treatment for symptomatic or advanced uterine fibroids that minimizes and even eliminates symptoms without invasive surgery and hospitalization.

As specialists in non-surgical fibroid treatment, we take a comprehensive approach to symptomatic uterine fibroid care and management.

If you have symptoms suggestive of fibroids or were diagnosed with fibroids, our expert team can help.

Let's take a closer look at fibroid symptoms.

Fibroid Symptoms

Uterine fibroids, also called myomas or leiomyomas, are benign growths found in or around the uterus. While the majority of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime, they won't necessarily require medical intervention or cause noticeable symptoms.

Fibroids can be as small as a pencil eraser or as large as a grapefruit. While small fibroids aren't often symptomatic, the larger and more numerous they become, the more likely they are to cause medical issues, menstrual irregularities, and discomfort.

It should be noted that uterine fibroids do not pose a uterine cancer risk. However, they can inhibit fertility and cause painful symptoms that make performing normal daily activities difficult.

Different women experience different fibroid symptoms. However, the following nine symptoms are the most common.

Below are some common symptoms explained more closely.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is a typical symptom of uterine fibroids.

Long-term abnormal uterine bleeding can have adverse effects.

Pain During Sex

Fibroids are often the culprit of pain during sex due to:

Proximity to the cervix
Pressure placed on the fibroids during intercourse
Sexual positioning
Irregular contractions during orgasm

Frequent Urination

As fibroid tumors grow, the bladder is frequently affected.

Additional pressure on the bladder increases the need to urinate, occasionally leading to bladder leakage or urinary incontinence. This symptom can be uncomfortable and painful, significantly affecting normal daily life.

Intense Menstrual Cramps

The uterus tightens during a menstrual period. The contraction of uterine muscles triggers pain and inflammation caused by hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins.

Fibroids cause severe and prolonged cramping due to high levels of prostaglandins.

Abdominal and Uterine Enlargement

While the majority of women experiencing uterine enlargement are unaware of it unless they have a pelvic examination, others may notice that their abdomens are larger, mimicking bloating.

A protruding abdomen and an enlarged uterus can be caused by fibroids depending on their size and location.

Weight Gain

Weight gain can signify fibroids based on size, placement, and quantity. The weight of the enlarged fibroids can seem like overall weight gain.

Pelvic Pain

When uterine fibroids become large or numerous, they can place pressure on the bladder and bowels, causing discomfort and pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal areas.

Anemia

Anemia is caused by insufficient hemoglobin and red blood cells to deliver oxygen to organs and tissues, which can be triggered by fibroid-related heavy menstruation.

Infertility

While it is possible for women suffering from fibroids to achieve a healthy pregnancy, large or numerous fibroids can inhibit fertility.

Back Pain

Back pain is a common symptom associated with fibroids, particularly when they are of significant size or located in the posterior region of the uterus. The pressure exerted by fibroids can lead to discomfort or pain in the lower back, which may extend through the hips and legs, potentially resulting in sciatica-related issues. Explore treatment options for managing back pain caused by fibroids.

The following symptoms may also occur:

Bloating
Constipation
Extended menstrual periods
Leg pain
Menstrual clots

Many women with fibroids experience symptoms but are unaware that they are fibroid-related until they undergo an ultrasound.

Dr. Carlson - What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Non-Surgical Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Dallas, Texas

There is no need to continue enduring the pain and discomfort of uterine fibroids. If you have the above symptoms, please contact our team of specialists to schedule an evaluation today.

At Dallas Fibroid Center, we offer a wide range of treatment options, such as uterine fibroid embolization, which can significantly reduce and even eliminate fibroid symptoms.