Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Not all women with fibroids experience symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during menstruation, which may include passing large clots.
• Pelvic Pain or Pressure: Discomfort or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis, which can vary from mild to severe.

• Frequent Urination: Increased frequency of urination or difficulty emptying the bladder completely, due to pressure on the urinary tract.
• Painful Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, often caused by the presence of fibroids.
• Backache or Leg Pain: Pain radiating to the lower back or legs, particularly if the fibroids are large or pressing on nerves.
• Abdominal Swelling: A noticeable bulge or swelling in the abdomen, which may be due to the presence of large fibroids.

Risk Factors and Causes

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not well understood, but several factors may increase the risk of developing them:

• Hormonal Factors: Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, may stimulate the growth of fibroids.
• Genetics: A family history of fibroids may increase the likelihood of developing them.
• Age: Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s and often shrink after menopause.
• Race: African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids and experience more severe symptoms compared to women of other races.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of fibroids.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Accurate diagnosis of uterine fibroids involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. At City Hospital, our diagnostic approach includes:

• Pelvic Examination: A physical examination to detect abnormalities in the size or shape of the uterus.
• Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the uterus and identify the size, number, and location of fibroids.
• MRI: A detailed imaging technique that provides a clearer view of the fibroids and their impact on surrounding tissues.
• Hysteroscopy: A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera (hysteroscope) is inserted into the uterus to visualize and potentially biopsy fibroids.