Fibroid Symptoms

Fibroid Symptoms

Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous tumors found on or in the uterus. According to data published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, approximately 26 million women in the United States under the age of 50 have uterine fibroids. Of those, more than half experience symptoms.

Fibroids can appear on the inside or outside of the uterus and often cause mild to severe symptoms. When fibroids are left untreated, they can continue to grow, which can increase symptom severity.

Uterine fibroids do not increase your risk of cancer. However, they can cause challenging symptoms that can compromise your daily quality of life.  

At Texas Endovascular, we understand how symptomatic fibroids can dramatically affect your physical and emotional comfort, your health, and even your appearance. If you have symptoms suggestive of fibroids or were diagnosed with fibroids, our expert team can help.

Symptom Guides

Most women with fibroids experience symptoms. Ranging from mild to severe, they can impact daily life and health, especially if they continue to grow in size or number.

While symptoms can differ from person to person, the following nine symptoms are prevalent amongst women living with fibroids.

Anemia

Anemia, a condition where you lack enough red blood cells and hemoglobin to properly transport oxygen to your body’s tissues, can be a symptom of fibroids due to excessive menstrual blood loss.

Back Pain

The pressure from fibroids can cause discomfort or pain in the lower back, which may radiate through the hips and legs, leading to sciatica issues.

Enlarged Uterus

Fibroids can cause an enlarged uterus by growing within the uterine wall, leading to discomfort, pressure, and noticeable abdominal swelling.

Frequent Urination

When fibroids become very large or numerous, they can encroach upon other organs, most commonly the bladder, causing frequent urination and sometimes urinary incontinence.

Heavy Bleeding

Also known as menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids and can have serious side effects over time.

Infertility

When fibroids grow within the uterine cavity, the growth can interrupt the ability of a fertilized egg to implant into the uterine lining. Moreover, fibroids can inhibit the blood supply to the embryo, potentially causing pregnancy loss.

Menstrual Cramps

Fibroids cause the body to increase the production of prostaglandins – hormones that regulate uterine contractions during menstruation – causing more severe cramping.

Pain During Sex

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

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

Pelvic Pain

As fibroids grow in size, they can put additional pressure on the surrounding organs, sometimes causing pain and pressure in the pelvic region. In rare cases, extreme fibroid growth can be mistaken for pregnancy due to abdominal growth and symptom presentation.

Weight Gain

Fibroids might contribute to weight gain for several reasons, including hormone fluctuations, abdominal distention, or lowered physical activity.

When to See a Doctor

If fibroids cause persistent symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure, it could be time to seek medical attention. Symptoms such as frequent urination, constipation, or fertility challenges also warrant evaluation. At Texas Endovascular, our team is here to provide expert care and support. Contact us at one of our convenient locations to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options tailored to your needs.