Learn about Fibroids symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Fibroids

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Fibroids don't usually cause symptoms.

Only about 2 in 10 to 5 in 10 women with fibroids have symptoms.

Source:
Buttram VC, Reiter RC.
Uterine leiomyomata: etiology, symptomatology, and management.
Fertility and Sterility. 1981; 36: 433-445.

¹ But if you do get symptoms, these are the most likely ones:

Source:
Lumsden MA, Wallace EM.
Clinical presentation of uterine fibroids.
Baillieres Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1998; 12: 177-195.

Heavy periods: About one-third of women with fibroids have heavy bleeding during their periods.

Source:
Buttram VC, Reiter RC.
Uterine leiomyomata: etiology, symptomatology, and management.
Fertility and Sterility. 1981; 36: 433-445.

¹ For more, see How can I tell if my periods are heavy?
Painful periods: You may get bad cramps in your

pelvis
Your pelvis is the area between your hips.

pelvis just before or during your periods.
Pain or pressure in your pelvis: About one-third of women with fibroids have a feeling of fullness or discomfort in their pelvis when they're not having their periods.

Source:
Buttram VC, Reiter RC.
Uterine leiomyomata: etiology, symptomatology, and management.
Fertility and Sterility. 1981; 36: 433-445.

¹

Source:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Uterine fibroids.
Available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/fibroids.cfm (accessed on 27 June 2008).

³
Having to pass urine often: If you have to urinate often, your fibroids may be pressing on your

bladder
Your bladder is the hollow organ at the top of your pelvis that stores urine. It is similar to a balloon, only with stronger walls. It fills up with urine until you go to the bathroom.

bladder.

Source:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Uterine fibroids.
Available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/fibroids.cfm (accessed on 27 June 2008).

³
Pain during sex: This can happen if your fibroids are near the neck of your womb (your

cervix
The cervix is a piece of tissue that sits between a woman's womb and her vagina. It has a small opening in it that gets much bigger when a woman is having a baby.

cervix).

How bad your fibroids make you feel depends on:

Source:
Buttram VC, Reiter RC.
Uterine leiomyomata: etiology, symptomatology, and management.
Fertility and Sterility. 1981; 36: 433-445.

How many you have
How big they are
Where they are.

Most women who have fibroids don't get any symptoms.

Many women find out they have fibroids only when they have routine

ultrasound
Ultrasound is a tool doctors use to create images of the inside of your body. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which are directed at an area of your body through a device such as a probe. The waves reflect off parts of your body to create a picture. Ultrasound is often used to see a developing baby inside a woman's womb.

ultrasound scans because they're pregnant. If you don't have any symptoms, you probably don't need treatment.

Sources for the information on this page:

Buttram VC, Reiter RC.Uterine leiomyomata: etiology, symptomatology, and management.Fertility and Sterility. 1981; 36: 433-445.

Lumsden MA, Wallace EM.Clinical presentation of uterine fibroids.Baillieres Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1998; 12: 177-195.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Uterine fibroids.Available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/fibroids.cfm (accessed on 27 June 2008).

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.