According to a NewsVista health reporter, fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus, often during a woman’s childbearing years. While they rarely turn cancerous, fibroids can grow large enough to cause discomfort, heavy bleeding, or other serious health problems.
Many women don’t even know they have fibroids until a doctor finds them during a routine pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. However, some symptoms should not be ignored.
7 Signs You May Have Fibroids
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Heavy or prolonged periods — Bleeding that lasts longer than normal, sometimes more than a week.
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Pelvic pressure or pain — A constant feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
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Frequent urination — Large fibroids can press against the bladder.
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Difficulty urinating — In some cases, fibroids make it hard to fully empty the bladder.
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Constipation or indigestion — Pressure from fibroids may affect the intestines.
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Lower back or leg pain — When fibroids grow large, they may put pressure on surrounding nerves.
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Sudden severe pelvic pain — This can happen when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and begins to degenerate.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you experience:
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Extremely heavy or painful periods
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Bleeding between cycles
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Persistent pelvic pain
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Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder
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Unexplained anemia (low red blood cells)
In emergency situations — such as very heavy bleeding or sharp, unbearable pelvic pain — get medical help immediately.
What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause is unknown, but research suggests:
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Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone can fuel fibroid growth.
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Genetic changes: Fibroid tissue often shows differences compared to normal uterine cells.
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Growth factors: Substances that help tissues repair may also contribute to fibroid growth.
After menopause, when hormone levels drop, fibroids often shrink naturally.
