Uterine fibroids are a very common gynecological condition that can cause pelvic pain and heavy menstrual periods.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the walls of the uterus (womb).
Fibroid pain feels like pressure, heaviness, or a dull pain in your pelvis.
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Where you feel fibroid pain depends on the location of the fibroid, its size, and your anatomy.
A very large fibroid can also cause low back pain, bladder and bowel problems, and painful intercourse.
This article discusses fibroid pain and other symptoms.
It also explains how fibroids are diagnosed and treated.
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What Are Fibroids?
They can appear as a single tumor, or you’re able to have multiple fibroids at once.
Fibroids, also called myomas orleiomyomas, commonly develop on the inside of the uterus.
They can also grow on the outer uterus, known aspedunculated fibroids, which are attached by a stalk.
Fibroids can be as small as a grain of rice or bigger than a baseball.
Fibroids can besymptomaticor cause no symptoms (asymptomatic).
Each fibroid has a unique life cycle.
Some fibroids develop slowly, while others grow rapidly.
Fibroids typically break down (degenerate) on their own over time, but new ones often develop.
Whos at Risk for Fibroids?
A fibroid’s size and location can affect how much pain it causes.
Researchers estimate only about 30% of people with leiomyomas will seek treatment for fibroid pain and other symptoms.
Fibroid pain can be cyclical (worsening during your menstrual period) or occur all month.
Other characteristics of fibroid pelvic pain include:
Can Fibroids Cause Sharp Pelvic Pain?
Fibroids can also cause sharp, acute pain as they degenerate.
In rare cases, a spontaneous hemorrhagic infarction (blockage of blood supply) of a fibroid can occur.
Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding is a common problem with fibroids, even small ones.
Discomfort During Sex
Depending on their location, fibroids can also lead to painful intercourse.
This is more common with large fibroids in the lower part of the uterus.
Do Fibroids Impact Fertility?
This, in theory, could affect embryo implantation or trigger uterine contractions.
However, a high-quality study published in 2017 put that old wives' tale to rest.
It found the presence of fibroids did not increase the chance of miscarriage.
They will need to rule out otherpossible conditionsthat could be causing your pain, such as endometriosis andadenomyosis.
They might use imaging tests, such as a transabdominal ortransvaginal ultrasound, as well.
How Is Fibroid Pain Treated?
Pain sparked by fibroids can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about medical treatment for fibroids.
The only way to completely remove a fibroid is with surgery.
There are a few surgeries and procedures that your doctor may recommend.
You will need to consider your fertility goals when choosing a fibroid treatment.
A myomectomy is the preferred surgical procedure to remove fibroids among those who wish to preserve their fertility.
Summary
Fibroids are the most common gynecological disorder.
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