Even if fibroids are not cancerous, they can affect many parts of life: physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning.
Health & Physical Impacts
- Anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding, leading to tiredness, weakness.
- Pain: pelvic pain, backache, painful sex, cramps.
- Pressure symptoms: frequent urination, constipation, feeling full or swollen in lower abdomen.
- Potential complications in pregnancy: miscarriage, preterm birth, growth restriction of baby, placental problems.
Emotional, Social, & Quality of Life Impacts
- Stress, anxiety, and frustration over symptoms (pain, bleeding).
- Body image issues: bloating, swelling in abdomen, feeling different or “abnormal.”
- Disruption to daily life: missing school/work, limiting physical activities, avoiding social situations.
- Fear or worry about fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
Economic & Practical Effects
- Cost of treatments, frequent doctor visits, medicines, possibly surgery.
- Cost and inconvenience of managing heavy bleeding (sanitary products, time off work/school).
- Impact on relationships: intimacy may be painful; emotional strain.
f Not Managed Well, Risks Increase
- Symptoms can worsen over time (more pain, more bleeding).
- More serious health consequences like severe anemia.
- Greater likelihood of needing more invasive treatment later.