What are Fibroids?
Fibroids (uterine fibroids or leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus. They vary in size and number. Many people have small fibroids that cause no symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Heavy or long menstrual periods; sometimes with blood clots.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Feeling of fullness, pressure, or bloating in the lower belly.
- Frequent urination (when the fibroid presses on the bladder).
- Pain during intercourse; pelvic or lower back pain.
- Constipation or pressure on bowel if fibroids press on rectum.
- Signs of anemia if bleeding is heavy: fatigue, weakness, paleness.
How Fibroids Are Diagnosed
- Medical history & symptoms: what you feel/experience, how bleeding, pain, pressure present.
- Physical pelvic exam: doctor checks for enlarged uterus or masses.
- Ultrasound imaging: usually the first imaging test, transvaginal or abdominal.
- MRI: for more detailed imaging, especially if planning surgery or when ultrasound results are unclear.
- Additional tests: blood tests (e.g. complete blood count to check for anemia), possibly specialized scans or procedures (like hysteroscopy) depending on location.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how bad symptoms are, how large or where the fibroids are, whether future fertility matters, and overall health.