Signs and Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors

Uterine fibroids (also known simply as "fibroids") are non-cancerous tumors that form along the muscle tissue of the uterus. Affecting as many as 40% of women 35 and older, there has developed a distinct list of signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors. What follows is a list of those signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors. Please remember, however, that these signs may also be symptomatic of ailments other than fibroids. This list is meant only as a guide. Only a physician can make an official diagnosis.

Contact your physician if you are experiencing any of the following potential common signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors:

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Bleeding that causes your period to increase in intensity and/or duration is perhaps the most common of uterine fibroid symptoms.
  
  
• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. The presence of clots or other items/patterns that you would consider abnormal to your body's menstrual normalcy is also common among signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors.
  
  
• Anemia. Often related to heavy menstrual or abnormal uterine bleeding, anemia can result from a loss of red blood cells and lead to excessive fatigue and a general sense of tiredness.
  
  
• Pelvic Pain & Pressure. As fibroids grow in size, they can put pressure against glands, organs, and/or tissues in the pelvic area. This can lead to a feeling of pressure and, in some cases, pain.
  
  
• Frequent Urination or Incontinence. The growth of fibroids, and the pressure they exert on the bladder may lead to frequent trips to the restroom or a diminished capacity to control bladder function.
  
  
• Pain in the Back of the Legs. Again the growth of fibroids can exert pressure in nerves that reach to the back of the legs. If you are experiencing pain in the backs of your legs, and have exerted no physical effort that might warrant such pain, this could be one of the signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors.
  
  
• Pain During Intercourse. If you notice increasing discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, this may be related fibroids pressing against nerves that are affected by intercourse.
  
  
• Constipation and/or Bloating. As fibroids grow and expand, they may interfere with the body's normal elimination capability, causing constipation or bloating to occur.
  
  
• Abdomen Enlargement. The location of uterine fibroids allows for their growth to give the appearance of weight gain or pregnancy as they force expansion of the lower abdominal area.

Uterine Fibroid Symptoms & Treatment

For more information relating to the above-mentioned symptoms of fibroids please contact your physician. If you need to locate a physician who specializes in uterine fibroids and fibroid tumor treatment options, such as uterine fibroid embolization, please use our convenient physician locator.

If you have specific questions relating to signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors, you can also communicate with a professional or request an information packet with the tools one the right side of this page.