Overview
Uterine fibroids are benign growths formed during the reproductive years in the uterine wall. If they grow in size, they can cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure in the pelvic area. It is essential to understand the early uterine fibroid symptoms to receive the right treatment and prevent complications. In this article, we will learn about the early signs of uterine fibroids, the main symptoms, and how uterine fibroids can affect pregnancy.
Introduction
Uterine fibroids are muscular or connective tissue growths in the uterine wall. These are non-cancerous growths that form during the reproductive years. Some women have small fibroids that do not cause symptoms and go unnoticed. But sometimes these fibroids grow larger, causing pain and discomfort. It is essential to know the early signs of uterine fibroids to get timely treatment and reduce the risk of complications. Symptoms vary depending on the number, size, and location. Knowing the symptoms of uterine fibroids can help women detect them early and get the right treatment on time.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Some of the common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids that you need to watch out for are:
- The uterus enlarges due to uncontrolled fibroid growth. The abdomen feels enlarged and distended due to fibroid swelling.
- It is a common experience due to a fibroid in the uterine cavity. Pain occurs due to overgrowth of the uterine wall.
- Heavy bleeding during periods is a common symptom of uterine fibroids. Some women also experience intermittent bleeding during periods.
- Women experience weight gain or abdominal heaviness due to abnormal tissue growth in the uterus.
- Uterine fibroids can also cause pain during intercourse. Women may experience difficulty during sex due to the presence of uterine fibroids.
- Back and leg pain also occur commonly due to the presence of uterine fibroids. It mainly occurs if the fibroid is located in the back wall of the uterus.
- Some women also experience frequent urination if fibroids are located near the bladder. This can cause pressure on the bladder, producing urinary incontinence or frequent urination.
- Digestive complaints such as constipation and bloating can also occur in some women due to heaviness in the abdominal area.
- Infertility may occur in some women due to the presence of uterine fibroids in the endometrial lining.
Symptoms Based on Fibroid Size
Symptoms also vary depending on the size of the fibroid.
If a fibroid size is less than or equal to 3 cm, it is considered to be a small fibroid, which does not cause any discomfort and often remains unnoticed. It is only discovered during a routine ultrasound scan. Some women may experience minor spotting, mild menstrual irregularities, or cramping as 3 cm Uterine fibroid symptoms. These symptoms can be managed without medical treatment until they grow in size.
If a fibroid size is larger than 5 cm, it is considered a big fibroid that may produce symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, urinary problems, and constipation. These large uterine fibroid symptoms are noticeable and should be treated as early as possible to prevent any complications.
Some women may have uterine fibroids during pregnancy, and they may experience symptoms due to their enlarged size. Symptoms such as abdominal pressure, spotting, and discomfort may occur due to uterine fibroids. A doctor should monitor these regularly to ensure maternal and foetal safety.
When to see a doctor?
Consultation with a medical expert should be done if heavy or irregular bleeding, severe abdominal discomfort, abnormal menstrual cycle(s) and/or an occurrence of pain during intercourse is present. In most cases, these symptoms indicate an issue that may be addressed through surgery, medications, or other treatments. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a variety of diagnostic tests to obtain additional information about your condition and assist in developing an accurate diagnosis. It is critical to discuss your symptoms with a medical expert if you are having difficulty conceiving because fibroids negatively affect fertility. If timely intervention occurs, a woman may avoid complications associated with fibroids and have a healthy reproductive life.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are frequently diagnosed during a woman's reproductive years. A uterine fibroid is an abnormal growth of fibrous tissue located in the reproductive tract, particularly the uterus. Fibroids are not cancerous; however, they have the potential to cause a variety of issues such as discomfort, heavy and irregular periods, discomfort during intercourse, discomfort in the back/legs and, in many instances, infertility. Understanding uterine fibroid symptoms will allow for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Contact the best fertility experts at Indira IVF if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms for additional assistance and early medical intervention.
Common Questions Asked
What are the complications of uterine fibroids?
Untreated fibroids can cause complications such as anaemia due to heavy bleeding, swelling in the pelvic area, unbearable pain, and excessive bleeding.
What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?
Women who are overweight, have a family history of fibroids, experience early onset of periods, or late menopause are at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids.
Can I get pregnant if I have uterine fibroids?
Women who have uterine fibroids can get pregnant, but they must work with a healthcare provider to monitor the fibroids during pregnancy. Large fibroids can cause problems during pregnancy, but your healthcare provider can help you manage them.
Can fibroids cause anaemia?
Large fibroids can cause heavy bleeding or intermittent bleeding. Heavy bleeding can lead to anaemia. Therefore, you must consult with a doctor if you experience any symptoms due to anaemia.
What are the causes of uterine fibroids?
The real cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but doctors believe that hormones progesterone and estrogen may play a role because fibroids mostly occur during the reproductive age.
What do fibroids look like?
Fibroids look like smooth, round bumps. Sometimes they may have a thin stem that looks like a mushroom.
What are the early signs of uterine fibroids?
The early signs of uterine fibroids include bloating, mild pelvic pressure, slightly heavier or irregular periods, or both.