Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that are found in 3 out of 4 women in their childbearing years. Most women don't even know that they may have any uterine fibroids because most of the time they exhibit no physical symptoms to speak of. However, if a uterine fibroid grows rather large or there are several of them present at once, there may be some symptoms of uterine fibroids.

One of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding that can last for over 5-7 days. This type of menstrual bleeding is more than the common occurrence and can even last up to two weeks or more if the fibroids have grown large or have severely irritated the uterine tissue.

Other common symptoms of uterine fibroids consist of pelvic pain or pressure as well as lower back pain that may radiate into the legs. Some women with uterine fibroids will suffer from the inability to completely empty the bladder while others may suffer from frequent urination. With fibroid tumors, a woman may also notice that she is constipated more than usual as the uterine fibroids may make the uterus enlarged causing bowel problems.

The location of the fibroid tumor in the uterus affects what symptoms a woman may suffer from. Submucosal fibroids, which grow in the inner cavity of the uterus, often cause the prolonged and heavy menstrual periods that are associated with uterine fibroids. These types of fibroid tumors in the uterus can be a problem for women who are trying to conceive. Many times a doctor will recommend that these types of fibroids be removed or shrunken down so that a woman can successfully become pregnant.

On the other hand, subserosal fibroids, which grow in the outer cavity of the uterus, usually have more of an effect on the bowel and bladder functions. These types of uterine fibroids can press on the bladder or rectum causing constipation or frequent urination. This type of fibroid tumor is not as troubling when it comes trying to conceive. There have been many women who have actually successfully carried a baby for 9 months and had a subserosal fibroid at the same time.

Although most uterine fibroids are not a cause for concern and don't require immediate attention, there are some times when a woman needs to call her doctor as soon as possible. If you experience any sharp pelvic pains that won't go away or your menstrual period is abnormally long and heavy, you will want to call your doctor to get the fibroid tumors checked out. Also, if you experience problems with your bladder or have any type of pain during intercourse, those are also reasons to call your doctor.

Most women will never even know when they have a uterine fibroid, but there are instances when symptoms of uterine fibroids are present. Fortunately, these fibroid tumors can be removed and shrunken down to get rid of any painful or annoying symptoms that may go along with them.

Source: www.womenshealth.gov