Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
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
Leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 22, 2012. Accessed August 16, 2012.
Uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nuff.org/health%5Futerinefibroids.htm . Accessed August 16, 2012.
Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Womens Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/uterine-fibroids.cfm . Updated May 13, 2008. Accessed August 16, 2012.