SYMPTOMS

Many women are unaware that they have fibroids, because they have no symptoms. If the fibroids do cause symptoms, you may experience one or more of the following:

Heavy or painful periods

Fibroids can cause heavy or painful bleeding. Heavy bleeding can sometimes cause anaemia (a reduction of oxygen-carrying red blood cells).

Abdominal pain

If a woman has fibroids, particularly large ones, she may experience discomfort or bloating (swelling) in the stomach. She may also experience pain in her back and legs.

Frequent urination and constipation

If the fibroids press on the woman's bladder, she may need to urinate frequently. Fibroids can also press on the rectum (large intestine), causing constipation.

Pain or discomfort during sex

If fibroids are growing near to the vagina, or cervix (neck of the uterus), pain or discomfort may be experienced during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).

External links

• Fibroid Trust
• NICE: heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic Pain Support Network
• Wikipedia: fibroids
• BBC - Women's Health