Symptoms of fibroids

June 17, 2004

Fibroids & Endometriosis

Symptoms of Fibroids

Though many women never have symptoms from

fibroids, 50 percent of the women with fibroids require medical

intervention. Depending on the size and location, fibroids can cause

a variety of symptoms; the most common include bleeding, pain, and

infertility.

Bleeding. Approximately one-third

of women with fibroids suffer from abnormal uterine bleeding. Many

women develop heavier menstrual flow that lasts more days than normal.

Some develop irregular bleeding between periods. If not treated,

heavy bleeding can cause significant health problems such as weakness,

fatigue, and shortness of breath on exertion.

Pain. Many women with fibroids experience

symptoms of pressure and pain, sometimes feeling a sense of progressive

pelvic fullness or a dragging sensation of their pelvic organs.

This is most commonly due to slowly enlarging fibroids. Pain occurs

when the fibroids put pressure on other pelvic structures. This

may also affect bladder and bowel function. For example, if the

fibroid presses on the bladder, it can reduce the bladder’s capacity,

resulting in the need to urinate frequently.

Infertility. Fibroids may be the cause in

as many as 5 to 10 percent of infertility cases. They can inhibit

implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine lining by altering

transport of the sperm, compressing the fallopian tube, or disrupting

the lining of the uterus. In addition, fibroids can cause spontaneous

abortion during the first three months of pregnancy, either by distorting

the uterine cavity or by altering the blood flow that would normally

be needed to nourish the growing fetus.

Read More on Fibroids & Endometriosis:

Getting Started

What Are Fibroids?

Symptoms of Fibroids

Checklist of Risk Factors and Symptoms

for Fibroids

What is Endometriosis?

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Keep it SIMPLE tip — Herbal Tea for Fibroids and

Endometriosis

Nutritional Therapies

Diet for Fibroids and Endometriosis

Supplements and Herbs for Fibroids and Endometriosis

Complementary Therapies

Healing Meditation

Affirmations for Healing