Fibroids Symptoms
Fibroids RESOURCES
→ Fibroids Symptoms
Fibroids are the most common benign tumours in women and are almost always limited to the uterus. Depending on age, it is estimated that around two thirds of Australian women and mainly during their reproductive years, are affected by fibroids at some stage in their life. Fibroids most commonly develop between the ages of 25-50 and they tend to shrink in women after menopause.
The symptoms of uterine fibroids are as variable as the condition itself, meaning that fibromas vary in quantity, location within the uterus as well as their size. Often the symptoms depend on these factors as well as the type of fibroids.
Unless specifically examined by a gynaecologist, many women are unaware of their fibroid occurrence because they do not experience the common symptoms, ignore the signs or associate it with something else.
About half of all women with myomas don’t experience any discomfort from the condition and are not required to undergo treatment. Women that do experience symptoms most often complain about menstrual bleeding disorders, such as extended and painful periods as well as spotting and pain in between periods.
Other symptoms as listed in the table below often occur when the growth of fibroid nodules put pressure on neighbouring organs or nerves.
While fibroids are benign and not life-threatening, the discomfort they cause can have a very significant impact on quality of life.
Snapshot of Fibroids Symptoms
| Pain Symptoms | Irregular Bleeding Symptoms | Bowel & Bladder Symptoms | Other Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menstrual pain (Dysmenorrhoea) | Excessive menstrual bleeding | Need to urinate more often | Difficulty of falling pregnant and/or recurrent miscarriages |
| Abdominal / pelvic pain | Bleeding between periods | A feeling of pressure on the bladder, bowel and back | Complications during pregnancy or labor |
| Pain in the lower back | Longer than usual periods | A feeling of being full or bloated | Anaemia / Iron deficiency |
| Uncomfortable intercourse |
| Pain Symptoms |
|---|
| Menstrual pain |
| Abdominal / pelvic pain |
| Pain in the lower back |
| Uncomfortable intercourse |
| Irregular Bleeding Symptoms |
| Excessive menstrual bleeding |
| Bleeding between periods |
| Longer periods |
| Bowel & Bladder Symptoms |
| Need to urinate more often |
| A feeling of pressure on the bladder, bowel and back |
| A feeling of being full or bloated |
| Other Symptoms |
| Difficulty of falling pregnant and/or recurrent miscarriages |
| Complications during pregnancy or labour |
| Anaemia / Iron deficiency |
The symptoms of fibroids can be similar to other conditions, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and pelvic infection. It’s advisable to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and/or gynaecologist who will perform an examination and recommend further investigations.
Frequently Asked Fibroids Symptoms Questions
I have fibroids and never had symptoms. I now have this terrible pain. What is happening?
In some cases fibroids can suffer degeneration or necrosis. This usually happens when the fibroid grows too quickly and the blood supply doesn't form at the same speed. Without enough blood to nourish and support the fibroid cells some of them die. This is a rare situation, but can be very acute and very painful. One should look for prompt medical attention. It is somewhat more frequent during pregnancy as some fibroids can experience significant growth stimulated by the pregnancy hormones.