Myoma (Fibroid): Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a myoma (fibroid)?

Fibroids may not produce symptoms. In other cases they may cause abnormal bleeding or discomfort. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.

Common symptoms of fibroids

You may experience fibroid symptoms daily or only occasionally. Any of these symptoms can be severe:

• Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe
• Abdominal pressure
• Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating
• Heavy bleeding during menstrual period (menorrhagia)
• Longer than normal menstrual periods
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Urgent need to urinate
• Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

Rarely, fibroids can be associated with life-threatening symptoms. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have heavy vaginal bleeding associated with any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal, pelvic, or lower back pain that can be severe
• Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Pale skin or pallor
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Uterine Myoma (Fibroid) Symptoms

Many women with uterine myoma (fibroids) have no symptoms and never require treatment. However, 1 out of 4 women of childbearing age do suffer significantly from myoma (fibroid) symptoms. Uterine myoma symptoms may vary depending on the location, size and number of myoma (fibroids). The most common symptom of uterine myoma (fibroids) is: Heavy and prolonged bleedingThis may also involved clotting and pain. Anemia may result from this extensive bleeding. Abnormal bleeding is the primary uterine myoma symptom requiring women to seek medical advice. Other uterine myoma (fibroid) symptoms may include: Pain in the back of legsThis uterine myoma (fibroid) symptom appears as the fibroids press on nerves that extend to the pelvis and legs. An abnormally enlarged abdomen--this may be mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy. Pelvic pain or pressure This symptom may appear as a result of the bulk or weight of the myoma (fibroids) pressing on other structures in the pelvic area. Pressure on the bladderThis uterine myoma (fibroid) symptom can cause frequent urination, urinary incontinence or urine retention. Pressure on the bowelThis can lead to constipation and/or bloating. The constipation may be exacerbated by iron supplements taken for the anemia caused by excessive bleeding. Lower back pain Pain during sexual intercourseReproductive problems can also be another uterine myoma (fibroid) symptom. Infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or premature labor during pregnancy can be caused by uterine myoma. A feeling of pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen See your health care professional for more information about uterine fibroid symptoms.