Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that are more common than you might think. Many women have fibroids at some point in their life, but not everyone realizes it—because sometimes, the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues.
If left untreated, fibroids can interfere with your daily life, cause discomfort, and even affect fertility.
Here are the top 5 signs you might have fibroids:
1. Heavy or Prolonged Periods
One of the most common signs of fibroids is unusually heavy or long periods.
If you find yourself:
- Changing pads or tampons more frequently than usual
- Experiencing periods that last more than 7 days
- Passing large blood clots during menstruation
These could be signs of fibroids causing the uterine lining to bleed excessively.
2. Pelvic Pain or Pressure
Fibroids can grow large enough to create a feeling of pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen. You might experience:
- Bloating without eating much
- A sense of heaviness in the pelvis
- Mild to severe pelvic pain
This constant discomfort often gets dismissed as “normal,” but it could be a symptom of fibroids.
3. Frequent Urination
Fibroids can press against the bladder, leading to frequent urges to urinate—even if your bladder isn’t full. You may also feel like you can’t empty your bladder completely.
This symptom is especially common when fibroids are located on the front wall of the uterus.
4. Lower Back or Leg Pain
Fibroids can press on the nerves in your lower back or pelvis, causing:
- Backaches
- Pain that radiates down to your legs
- Discomfort when standing or walking for long periods
This is often mistaken for muscle strain or sciatica but can actually be fibroid-related.
5. Difficulty Getting Pregnant
In some cases, fibroids can interfere with fertility by:
- Blocking the fallopian tubes
- Changing the shape of the uterus
- Increasing the risk of miscarriage
If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it’s worth checking for fibroids as a possible cause.
What Should You Do Next?
If you recognize any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis is key.
The good news? You don’t always need surgery.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that can shrink fibroids, relieve symptoms, and help you get back to your life faster—with no major cuts or stitches.
Comments are closed