Is It OK to Have Untreated Fibroids? Here’s What to Know

Uterine fibroids affect up to 80% of women by age 50. While some women experience no symptoms, others face intrusive issues like heavy bleeding, painful sex, and chronic pelvic pain.

If you or someone you love has fibroids, you may wonder whether leaving them untreated is a safe option. Understanding the potential risks and treatment choices can help you make an informed decision about your health.

At Dallas Fibroid Center, we help women navigate their fibroid diagnosis and explore all available treatment options, from watchful waiting to minimally invasive procedures. To learn more, contact our team or continue reading below.

Fibroids Classification and Growth Patterns

Fibroids are classified based on their location:

• Subserosal Fibroids – Grow outside the uterus and may cause pressure on surrounding organs.
• Intramural Fibroids – Develop within the uterine wall and can enlarge the uterus.
• Submucosal Fibroids – Form beneath the uterine lining, often leading to heavy bleeding.
• Pedunculated Fibroids – Grow on a stalk-like structure, which can twist and cause pain.
• Calcified Fibroids – Harden over time due to calcium deposits, making them difficult to remove.

The size and location of fibroids influence symptom severity and treatment decisions.

What Happens if Fibroids Are Left Untreated?

The effects of untreated fibroids vary from woman to woman. Some fibroids remain stable in size and do not cause significant symptoms.

However, in other cases, fibroids can grow larger or multiply, leading to worsening symptoms, such as:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Increased pelvic pain and pressure
• Frequent urination due to bladder compression
• Constipation or bowel discomfort
• Infertility or pregnancy complications
• Anemia due to excessive blood loss

While fibroids are non-cancerous, their growth and associated symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.

Why Do Some Fibroids Keep Growing?

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone influence fibroid growth. During reproductive years, these hormones stimulate fibroid growth.

For some women, fibroids may shrink naturally after menopause when hormone levels decline. However, others may continue experiencing fibroid symptoms even after menopause, especially if they use hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Are Untreated Fibroids a Health Risk?

In most cases, untreated fibroids are not life-threatening. However, they can lead to complications such as:

• Anemia – Excessive blood loss from heavy periods can cause fatigue, dizziness, and other health concerns.
• Infertility – Large or multiple fibroids can interfere with conception or pregnancy.
• Severe Pain – Fibroids can cause increasing discomfort over time, affecting daily activities and well-being.

Because of these risks, many women choose to explore treatment options before symptoms worsen.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

If you have fibroids, you can choose from several treatment approaches:

• Watchful Waiting – If fibroids are small and asymptomatic, monitoring their growth may be an option.
• Medications – Hormonal birth control or other medications may help manage symptoms but do not eliminate fibroids.
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) – A minimally invasive procedure that cuts off blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
• Myomectomy – Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.
• Hysterectomy – Complete removal of the uterus, typically considered a last resort.

For many women, UFE offers a practical, non-surgical alternative to fibroid removal, allowing them to avoid more invasive procedures.

Find the Right Fibroid Treatment for You

Discussing your symptoms and options with a specialist can provide clarity if you're uncertain whether to treat fibroids.

At Dallas Fibroid Center, we offer personalized evaluations to help determine the best approach for your unique needs.

Schedule an appointment today or call 469-341-5997 to explore your fibroid treatment options.