Uterine Fibroid Symptoms:
Pelvic Pain and Pressure

Uterine fibroid tumors tend to be hormonally sensitive, meaning that with the release of estrogen from a woman's body, the fibroid tumors increase in size. This is also the reason that symptoms often occur cyclically much like the menstruation cycle. As the fibroids grow they can put additional pressure on the surrounding organs, which can be extremely painful. This growth of the fibroids can cause consistent lower abdominal pain, as well as swelling which is sometimes mistaken as weight gain or pregnancy. If you are experiencing pelvic pain and pressure a full gynecological exam should be done immediately to determine the cause.

Pelvic pain and pressure can be caused not only by the size of a uterine fibroid tumor, but the location as well. Depending on the severity and location of a fibroid tumor, additional conditions can accompany the uterine fibroid tumor, such as adenomyosis and endometriosis.

Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that lines the outer uterine wall (endometrium) grows within the middle layer of the uterine wall and supportive vascular tissue (myometrium). Typically the outer uterine lining prevents adhesions from occurring. However, when uterine fibroids develop and begin to grow, the possibility for adhesions also grows, something that can also cause a great deal of pain.

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue is found on the outside of the uterus, and can be another painful and uncomfortable symptom of uterine fibroids. Again, in order to properly diagnose uterine fibroid tumors and effectively determine the cause of these symptoms, a full gynecological exam should be performed.

If you are experiencing any pelvic pain and pressure, or other symptoms of fibroids and would like more information regarding uterine fibroid treatment options and hysterectomy alternatives, please utilize the physician locator to find an OB/Gyn or an interventional radiologist (IR) in your area.

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