Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Many, if not most, fibroids cause no symptoms. The ones that cause symptoms do so either because they are large or because of their location.

Symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the size and location of the growths. Large fibroids can produce symptoms such as:

Pelvic pain
Low back or leg pain
Feeling of pelvic pressure
Pain during sex
Frequent need to urinate
Constipation
Bloating
Enlarged uterus, giving the appearance of pregnancy
Infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes

Bleeding symptoms include:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Clots in your menstrual flow
Long periods
Bleeding between periods
Increased cramping during periods
Miscarriage

If heavy bleeding continues for a period of time, iron-deficiency anemia may develop. Symptoms of anemia include:

Weakness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Lightheadedness

References:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm . Accessed June, 30, 2008.

The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nuff.org/ .

National Women’s Health Information Center website. Available at: http://www.4women.gov/ .

Last reviewed June 2008 by ]]>Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.