12 Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids Every Woman Should Know

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. While many women with fibroids don’t experience symptoms, others may suffer from disruptive, sometimes debilitating, signs that affect their daily life and overall well-being. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you take control of your health and seek treatment before the condition worsens. Here are the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids that every woman should know:

1. Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

One of the main signs of uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding, usually so intense it disrupts your daily life. This might look like soaking through sanitary products in under an hour, needing to double up on protection, or passing large blood clots during your period.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If your periods last longer than 7 days or you experience fatigue and signs of anemia (dizziness or shortness of breath), it’s time to see a doctor. Chronic blood loss from fibroids can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which requires treatment.

2. Pelvic Pain or Pressure

Fibroids can create a constant sensation of pressure in the pelvic area, similar to the feeling of menstrual cramps, but it doesn’t go away. You might also feel a dull ache or sharp pains in your lower abdomen. 

When It’s a Red Flag:

Persistent or worsening pelvic pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep should be checked out. Large fibroids can press against organs, nerves, or tissues, contributing to discomfort.

3. Frequent Urination

Are you constantly running to the bathroom, even when you haven’t had much to drink? Fibroids that grow on the outer wall of the uterus can press against the bladder, reducing its capacity and causing frequent urination.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If you notice an increase in how often you urinate, particularly if it wakes you up at night, it could be more than just drinking too much water. It’s especially concerning if this symptom is paired with pelvic pressure or abdominal bloating.

4. Difficulty Emptying Bladder

In some cases, fibroids not only increase urinary frequency but also interfere with your ability to empty the bladder completely. Not being able to empty your bladder can lead to discomfort and increase your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

When It’s a Red Flag:

If you feel like you still need to urinate even after using the bathroom, or you experience frequent UTIs, consult your healthcare provider. 

5. Constipation or Bowel Issues

Just as fibroids can press on the bladder, they can also put pressure on the rectum, making bowel movements more difficult. Some women feel blocked up or bloated for days.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If you’re experiencing chronic constipation, straining bowel movements, or rectal discomfort, it could be due to fibroids pressing on your colon. Don’t ignore ongoing digestive changes.

6. Lower Back or Leg Pain

Large fibroids, especially those growing on the back side of the uterus, can press on the nerves of the lower back or even the sciatic nerve, causing radiating pain in the back, hips, or legs.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If you’re dealing with chronic back or leg pain not explained by injury or activity, fibroids might be to blame, particularly if the pain happens with other fibroids symptoms.

7. Pain During Intercourse

Also known as dyspareunia, pain during sex can be a distressing symptom for women with fibroids, especially those located near the cervix or lower part of the uterus. This pain may be deep, sharp, or cramp-like and can persist after intercourse.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If sexual activity becomes painful or uncomfortable and is affecting your intimacy or relationship, don’t suffer in silence – this is a treatable condition.

8. Abdominal Swelling or Bloating

Fibroids can grow to the size of a grapefruit – or even larger – causing your abdomen to swell or stick out. Many women describe looking several months pregnant despite not being pregnant at all. 

When It’s a Red Flag:

If your clothes suddenly feel tight around the waist or you notice unexplained abdominal growth, especially alongside menstrual or urinary changes, fibroids could be the cause.

9. Fatigue or Low Energy

Heavy periods caused by fibroids can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which brings symptoms like chronic fatigue, weakness, headaches, and shortness of breath. You may feel drained even after a full night’s sleep.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If your fatigue is persistent and unrelieved by rest, and especially if it’s accompanied by heavy periods, ask your doctor for a blood test to check your iron levels.

10. Reproductive Challenges

While many women with fibroids can get pregnant and have healthy pregnancies, some fibroids can affect fertility or cause complications such as miscarriage, preterm labor, or a need for a C-section delivery.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success or have experienced repeated miscarriages, fibroids might be a contributing factor. It’s worth getting evaluated by a fertility specialist.

11. Changes in Menstrual Cycle

Friboids can also cause irregular periods – you may notice spotting between periods, unpredictable cycle lengths, or changes in flow volume.

When It’s a Red Flag:

If your cycles have suddenly become unpredictable or you experience bleeding outside of your regular period, this should be checked out. While fibroids are a common cause, abnormal bleeding could also be a sign of other conditions. 

12. An Enlarged Uterus Noticed During a Pelvic Exam

Sometimes fibroids are discovered during a routine pelvic exam, when your doctor notes an abnormally enlarged or irregularly shaped uterus. You may not have noticed any symptoms yourself.

When It’s a Red Flag:

Even if you feel fine, a significantly enlarged uterus due to fibroids could lead to complications down the line, including increased risk of heavy bleeding and organ compression. Monitoring or treatment may be recommended based on size and location.

When to See a Fibroid Specialist

Uterine fibroids are common, especially among women in their 30s and 40s, and usually become smaller after menopause. However, you shouldn’t ignore symptoms that disrupt your daily life and affect your reproductive health. Fortunately, treatment options have expanded in recent years. From non-surgical procedures like uterine fibroids embolization (UFE) to surgical options such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, women have choices catered to their health goals and lifestyles.
At American Fibroid Centers, we specialize in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of uterine fibroids. Our team of experts performs UFE, which shrinks fibroids and relieves symptoms without removing the uterus. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in improving your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our affiliated fibroid centers in New York and explore your treatment options.