EDUCATION

Many fibroids do not cause symptoms. If a fibroid does cause symptoms, it may be because of the size or location of the fibroid.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. Large fibroids can produce symptoms, such as:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Low back or leg pain
  • Feeling of pelvic pressure
  • Pain during sex
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Enlarged uterus, giving the appearance of pregnancy
  • Infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes

Bleeding symptoms include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Clots in your menstrual flow
  • Long periods
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Increased cramping during periods
  • Miscarriage

If heavy bleeding continues for a period of time, iron-deficiency anemia may develop. Symptoms of anemia include:

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Lightheadedness
REFERENCES:

Uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nuff.org/health_uterinefibroids.htm. Accessed December 7, 2017.

Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Updated February 6, 2017. Accessed December 7, 2017.

Uterine leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115612/Uterine-leiomyoma. Updated April 15, 2016. Accessed December 7, 2017.

Last reviewed November 2018 by Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG  Last Updated: 12/20/2014