Signs and symptoms of fibroid

Fibroids are non-cancerous or benign growths that develop within the uterus. As many as 30 percent of women have fibroids. Some women have one fibroid. Other women have many. Fibroids range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a melon. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms and don't need treatment. When symptoms occur, women should seek medical attention.
Symptoms of fibroids may include:
Heavy vaginal bleeding— Some women experience excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Not uncommonly, women describe soaking through sanitary protection in less than an hour, passing blood clots and being unable to leave the house during the heaviest day of flow. As a result of the blood loss, some women develop anemia, or a low blood count, which can cause fatigue or lightheadedness.
Pelvic Pressure or Discomfort — Women with large fibroids may have a sense of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. This discomfort is similar to pregnancy when the enlarging uterus presses against surrounding structures.
Bladder Changes — The most frequent bladder symptom is the need to urinate more frequently. Women may awaken several times during the night in order to urinate. Occasionally, women experience an inability to urinate despite a full bladder. Bladder symptoms are caused by the uterine fibroids pressing against the bladder thereby reducing its capacity for holding urine or allowing urine to pass.
Pelvic Pain — A less common symptom of fibroids is acute, severe pain. This type of pain occurs when a fibroid goes through a process called degeneration, usually because it has outgrown its blood supply. The pain is usually localized to a specific spot and improves on it own within two to four weeks.
Low Back Pain — Fibroids that press against the muscles and nerves of the lower back can cause back pain. It is important to look for other causes of back pain before attributing the pain to the fibroids.
Rectal Pressure — Fibroids also can press against the rectum and cause a sense of rectal fullness, difficulty having a bowel movement or pain with bowel movements. Occasionally, fibroids can lead to the development of a hemorrhoid.