Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms

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Symptoms

Uterine fibroid symptoms can develop slowly over several years or rapidly over several months. Most women with uterine fibroids have mild symptoms or none at all and never need treatment.

For some women, uterine fibroid symptoms become a problem. Pain and heavy menstrual bleeding are the most common symptoms. In some cases, difficulty becoming pregnant is the first sign of fibroids.

Uterine fibroid symptoms and problems include:

• Abnormal menstrual bleeding. Up to 30% of women with fibroids have menstrual period changes, such as:^{2 3}
  • Heavier, prolonged periods that can cause anemia.
  • Painful periods.
  • Spotting before or after periods.
  • Bleeding between periods.
• Pelvic pain and pressure, such as:
  • Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or low back.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Bloating and feelings of abdominal pressure.
• Urinary problems, such as:
  • Frequent urination.
  • Leakage of urine (urinary incontinence).
  • Kidney blockage following ureter blockage (rare).
• Other symptoms, such as:
  • Difficulty or pain with bowel movements.
  • Infertility. Sometimes, fibroids make it difficult to become pregnant.
  • Problems with pregnancy, such as placental abruption and premature labor.
  • Miscarriage.

Last updated:	August 16, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC