Orris

Signs and symptoms of fibroid

Reading File
Finding Sources
Searching the Web

signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids

Finding Sources
Finding Sources
Let me pull the "Uterine Fibroids" section from Berek & Novak's Gynecology and the Textbook of Family Medicine, which should have detailed clinical presentation.
Reading File
Reading File

Quick answer

Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Many fibroids are asymptomatic and found incidentally on pelvic exam or imaging, but when symptomatic, presentation depends heavily on the fibroid's size, number, and location (submucosal, intramural, or subserosal).
Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) - the most common symptom, especially with submucosal or intramural fibroids that distort the endometrial cavity
  • Prolonged periods (bleeding lasting more than 7 days)
  • Bleeding between periods (intermenstrual spotting)
  • Chronic heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath
Pelvic pain and pressure
  • A constant dull ache or sensation of pelvic pressure/fullness
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
  • Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
  • Acute, sharp pain can occur if a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and undergoes degeneration ("red degeneration"), which can be sudden and severe
  • Low back pain, particularly with large or posterior fibroids
Pressure effects on adjacent organs
  • Frequent urination or urinary urgency (bladder compression)
  • Difficulty fully emptying the bladder, or urinary retention in some cases
  • Constipation or dyschezia (painful defecation) from rectal compression
  • A palpable pelvic/abdominal mass or noticeable enlargement of the lower abdomen ("growing stomach area") in large fibroids
Reproductive and obstetric effects
  • Infertility or subfertility (particularly submucosal fibroids distorting the cavity)
  • Recurrent miscarriage
  • Obstetric complications: malpresentation, increased likelihood of cesarean section, preterm labor
Examination findings
  • Pelvic exam may reveal an enlarged, irregularly shaped, firm, mobile uterus
  • A fixed or retroverted uterus with associated dyspareunia and low back pain can suggest a differential diagnosis worth distinguishing (e.g., endometriosis)
When it's urgent Severe vaginal bleeding or sudden sharp pelvic pain warrants prompt medical evaluation, as this can indicate acute degeneration or another emergent cause.
It's worth remembering that many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, and fibroid burden (size/number) doesn't always correlate with symptom severity - a small submucosal fibroid can cause more bleeding than a large subserosal one.
Sources consulted: Berek & Novak's Gynecology; Textbook of Family Medicine 9e; general clinical references (Mayo Clinic, NICHD).
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.