6 Common Signs of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on your uterus. They’re common — affecting up to 77% of women by age 50. Even so, they’re not always easy to identify.

Some fibroids are small and cause no symptoms, which means you could have fibroids without knowing it. For others, fibroids can cause disruptive changes in your menstrual cycle, pelvic discomfort, and interfere with your overall quality of life.

Recognizing the signs of fibroids is the first step toward getting the care you need. 

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, we offer uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This safe, minimally invasive treatment can shrink fibroids and relieve symptoms without surgery. 

Here are six common symptoms to watch for:

1. Heavy or long periods

One of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding. If you find yourself soaking through pads or tampons within about one hour, needing double protection, or bleeding for more than seven days each cycle, fibroids could be to blame. 

This type of heavy blood loss can also lead to other symptoms like anemia and fatigue.

2. Pelvic pain or pressure

Depending on their size and location, fibroids can create a constant feeling of pressure or heaviness in your lower abdomen or pelvis. 

Some women describe it as a dull ache, while others feel sharp pain, especially during their periods or intercourse. Large fibroids can even press on surrounding organs, intensifying the discomfort.

3. Frequent urination

Fibroids located near your bladder can press against it and make you feel like you need to urinate more often. If you’re making frequent bathroom trips — especially if it disrupts your sleep — it could be due to uterine fibroids rather than a urinary condition.

4. Constipation

Just as fibroids can put pressure on your bladder, they can also affect your bowel. If you’re experiencing persistent constipation or trouble with bowel movements without other clear causes, fibroids might be a factor.

5. Back or leg pain

Sometimes, fibroids can press on the nerves of your lower back or pelvis and cause pain that radiates into your back or legs. 

This symptom is more common with larger or more deeply embedded fibroids, and it can be difficult to pinpoint because the pain sensations are so far from the source.

6. Difficulty getting pregnant

While many women with fibroids can conceive successfully and carry healthy pregnancies, certain types of fibroids can interfere with fertility. Fibroids that are large or distort the shape of the uterus may make it more challenging to get pregnant or lead to complications during pregnancy.

How uterine fibroid embolization can help

If you’re dealing with uncomfortable fibroid symptoms, relief is possible — and it doesn’t always require major surgery. We specialize in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids to stop symptoms.

During UFE, our interventional radiologists inject small particles into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. These particles cut off blood flow to the fibroids, making them shrink over time.

UFE is minimally invasive, which means it offers faster recovery, fewer risks, and no need for general anesthesia compared to traditional surgery like hysterectomy. Plus, most people notice significant symptom relief within a few months. 

Ready to find out if UFE is right for you? Contact Vascular & Interventional Specialists online or call our Miami, Florida, office at 305-230-4664 to take the first step toward a life with less pelvic discomfort.