Uterine fibroids are non cancerous growths of the uterus which occurs as the woman is in her childbearing age. Also called fibromyomas, sometimes a woman may never feel any symptoms at all. It is estimated that 3 out of 4 women have uterine fibroids and medical experts believe that this is not a cause for alarm; it may not even have to require treatment as well.

Uterine fibroid symptoms are almost nonexistent, women who have this condition rarely feel any pain or discomfort at all. Uterine fibroids are often discovered by accident, either during a routine pelvic exam or an ultrasound of the pelvic region. Women who do exhibit uterine fibroid symptoms often develop severe ones like:

  1. Pelvic pain – pain is characterized as a sharp pressure on the pelvic area. Pain may be felt even when the person is relaxed.

  2. Irregular menstrual flow – menstruation is irregular with periods that last for seven days or more. Menstrual flow is also heavy accompanied by pressure on the pelvic area.

  3. Frequent urination – lumps may form on the uterus causing pressure on the bladder itself. This is common in pregnant women when the developing fetus grows inside the uterus causing pressure on the neighboring bladder. A woman with uterine fibroids may have difficulty in emptying her bladder as well.

  4. Leg pain – some women also develop leg pain extending down to the lower legs. Pain is described as numbing to pressure pain which even occurs when the person is at rest.

   5. Back pain – pain on the back may be described as pressure or nagging pain. This is due to the fibroids growing outside the uterus pressing on the sensitive nerves of the spine.  May be difficult to relive with OTC pain killers.

   6. Constipation – may also be present when the uterine fibroids press on to rectum.

A fibroid may just die after it runs out of nutrients from the surrounding tissues or blood supply. Pain is a result of a fibroid degenerating, releasing byproducts into nearby tissue; this causes fever as well. Experts also found that the location of a fibroid may influence your uterine fibroid symptoms. Fibroids that are found growing in the inner cavity of the uterus body is the culprit in irregular but heavy menstrual flow. These fibroids may also impede pregnancy. However, uterine fibroids that are found in the external body of the uterus are the main reason why some women experience frequent urination and inability to empty the bladder as well.

Since most women never experience uterine fibroid symptoms, it is important therefore to consult a doctor on the first sign of any of these symptoms; sharp and chronic pelvic pain, extremely heavy menstrual flow, pain during sexual contact, difficulty in emptying your bladder and chronic constipation. Your doctor can advice diagnosis and ideal treatment for your condition. It is strongly advised for women of childbearing age to have routine or regular pelvic exams until after the menopausal age to screen for uterine fibroids and other conditions of the reproductive cavity.