Fibroids are muscular growths in the uterus. Some remain small and go unnoticed. They often cause no symptoms. Routine ultrasounds during pregnancy or checkups reveal them. In many cases, nothing needs to be done. But that changes when they grow larger or affect daily life. Not every fibroid is harmless.
It becomes a concern when periods start lasting longer than usual or grow noticeably heavier
A key warning sign is heavy bleeding. If you soak through pads quickly, it matters. Bleeding that lasts over a week shouldn’t be ignored. Blood clots during menstruation may also appear. Some women think it’s normal. It isn’t. Fibroids can enlarge the uterine lining and increase blood volume. That triggers fatigue, anemia, and low iron levels over time.
Pain that doesn’t respond to standard medications might be linked to an enlarging fibroid mass
Cramps aren’t unusual, but fibroid-related pain feels different. It often spreads to the back. Some experience stabbing sensations low in the pelvis. Over-the-counter painkillers may stop helping. Pressure builds as fibroids grow, especially those near nerves or organs. The pain can mimic endometriosis or ovarian cysts. But an ultrasound tells the difference.
Bloating or feeling “full” in the abdomen may have nothing to do with digestion
Large fibroids press against surrounding organs. That includes the bladder, colon, and stomach. You might eat less but feel full faster. Pants may stop fitting despite no weight gain. The lower belly appears rounded or firm. Some confuse this with weight gain or gas. But bloating that lingers needs checking.
Frequent urination can happen when fibroids lean on the bladder wall
If you’re running to the bathroom often, that’s a red flag. Fibroids can shrink bladder space. You might feel urgency even with a small amount of urine. At night, the problem worsens. Sleep gets disrupted by multiple trips to the bathroom. In extreme cases, urinary retention develops. That’s more serious.
Constipation or pressure while passing stool is sometimes traced back to uterine fibroids
Fibroids behind the uterus may compress the colon. That slows down digestion and bowel movements. Some women strain without success. Others feel an incomplete evacuation. Diet changes don’t always help. Laxatives might offer temporary relief. But if symptoms persist, imaging is required. Pelvic congestion from fibroids creates lasting problems.
Difficulty getting pregnant may be caused by where a fibroid is located
Not all fibroids affect fertility. But location matters. If one sits near the fallopian tubes, it blocks passage. Inside the uterine cavity, it can interfere with embryo implantation. Recurrent miscarriages sometimes relate to fibroid growth. IVF success drops if fibroids distort the uterus. Fertility clinics check for them early in treatment.
Fibroids can grow fast during pregnancy because of hormone surges
Estrogen and progesterone levels rise sharply during pregnancy. These hormones feed fibroids. Some double in size within weeks. This causes pain, pressure, and sometimes preterm labor. The risk of cesarean increases. Placenta position may be affected too. Still, many women carry safely with close monitoring. Regular scans are necessary.
Severe lower back pain could signal fibroids pushing into pelvic nerves
Not all back pain is from bad posture. Fibroids near the back of the uterus apply pressure on nerves. This pain radiates down the thighs. Sometimes it mimics sciatica. Anti-inflammatory drugs offer little help. Physical therapy doesn’t improve it. In these cases, MRI helps clarify the real cause.
When fibroids grow past a certain size, the uterus may stretch abnormally
An enlarged uterus changes the body’s center of gravity. Posture shifts. Clothes fit differently. Lower back tension increases. Fibroids larger than a grapefruit distort pelvic shape. Some women look pregnant despite not being. This isn’t just cosmetic. It affects muscle support, balance, and mobility over time.
Anemia from prolonged bleeding can cause fatigue, breathlessness, and paleness
Fibroid-related bleeding isn’t just inconvenient. It depletes iron reserves. That leads to anemia. Symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Hair may thin. Nails turn brittle. Energy drops. It’s often misattributed to stress or overwork. But if blood loss continues, it requires urgent correction.
Uterine fibroids rarely turn into cancer, but monitoring still matters
Most fibroids are benign. However, rapid growth in postmenopausal women raises concern. A rare type called leiomyosarcoma mimics fibroids early on. Biopsy confirms diagnosis. This is uncommon but serious. Sudden enlargement after menopause should not be ignored. Imaging helps track size changes over time.
Birth control pills can sometimes help control symptoms, but not always reduce the size
Hormonal therapy manages bleeding and pain. Pills, patches, or IUDs may be prescribed. They regulate menstrual cycles. In some, symptoms improve. But the fibroid remains. It may grow slowly despite hormonal control. Medication is often a temporary measure. Eventually, surgical evaluation becomes necessary.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound is a newer option for treating some types of fibroids
This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue. It’s done without incisions. Not all fibroids qualify. Location and size determine eligibility. Some clinics offer it as an outpatient service. Recovery is faster than surgery. However, fertility outcomes remain under study.
Uterine artery embolization blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink
This procedure inserts particles into the uterine arteries. Fibroids lose their blood supply and die off gradually. It helps reduce bleeding and pressure symptoms. Recovery takes days to weeks. Pregnancy is not recommended afterward. The uterus remains, but menstrual flow lightens significantly.
Surgical options vary from removing the fibroid to removing the entire uterus
Myomectomy removes fibroids and leaves the uterus intact. It’s preferred for those planning children. Hysterectomy removes the uterus completely. It’s final but effective. Laparoscopic methods reduce recovery time. The choice depends on age, symptoms, and reproductive goals. No one-size-fits-all answer exists.
Fibroids often recur even after removal, especially in younger women
Removing fibroids doesn’t stop new ones from forming. Recurrence rates are high in women under 40. Regular monitoring continues post-surgery. Lifestyle factors like weight and hormone balance play a role. Managing recurrence often involves more than one approach. Early detection helps limit repeat surgeries.
Pain during sex may be caused by fibroids pressing into the vaginal wall
Some fibroids alter the position of the uterus. Intercourse becomes painful. Deep penetration causes discomfort or cramping. Emotional intimacy suffers. Communication with a gynecologist is vital. Imaging clarifies the cause. Treatment relieves both physical and emotional strain.
Source: Gynecology in Dubai / Gynecology in Abu Dhabi