Uterine Fibroids - 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.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids -- the Basics
The uterus is a muscular, hollow, pear-shaped organ in the pelvis. It is positioned behind the bladder and in front of the rectum. The lower portion narrows into the cervix, which opens to the vagina. Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors, or growths of the muscle and connective tissue of the uterus. They usually grow slowly and may occur inside the uterine cavity, within the uterine wall, or on the outside surface of the uterus. They occur in 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age...
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Uterine fibroid symptoms and problems include:
-
Abnormal menstrual bleeding. Up to 30% of women with fibroids have menstrual period
changes, such as:1
- 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.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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