Symptoms of Uterine Fibroid Tumors
Quite often, patients with fibroids show no symptoms at all - their doctor discovers the tumors during a routine examination. Common symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding and discomfort. You may also see large clots in your menstrual flow.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Pelvic and back pain. The growth may be irritating a nerve or pressing on the urinary bladder or rectum.
- Bladder Pressure. You may feel like you need to urinate when you do not or much more frequent than usual.
- Infertility. The inner wall of the uterus may be distorted, making implantation of the embryo difficult. There may also be damage to the nutritive lining of the uterus.
- Miscarriage.
- Premature labor and birth.
- Anemia (weakness, fatigue, and paleness).
- Painful sexual intercourse or bleeding after intercourse.
For each symptom or set of symptoms, you have different options. A hysterectomy is the last option to consider. A total hysterectomy is not necessary.
If you do have a fibroid, your symptoms may be similar to your best friend's. But they will not be exactly the same because there is no other person exactly like you. It follows that your treatment options will also be unique. If you suspect you have fibroids, call your doctor, and request a thorough examination.