Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms. Around one woman in three with fibroids experiences some symptoms.
If your fibroids do cause symptoms, you may experience one or more of the problems outlined below. In very rare cases further complications caused by fibroids can affect pregnancy or cause infertility.
Heavy or painful periods
Fibroids do not disrupt the normal menstrual cycle (periods), but they can cause heavy or painful bleeding.
If you have heavy periods (menorrhagia), it does not necessarily mean that there is anything seriously wrong. However, it can have a significant impact on your everyday life and lead to anxiety and depression.
In some cases, heavy periods can cause iron-deficiency anaemia, resulting in symptoms such as tiredness, lethargy and shortness of breath (dyspnoea).
Abdominal pain
If you have fibroids, particularly if you have large ones, you may experience discomfort or bloating (swelling) in your stomach. You may also experience pain in your lower back and legs.
Frequent urination and constipation
If your fibroids press on your bladder, you may need to urinate frequently. Fibroids can also press on your rectum (large intestine), which can cause constipation.
Pain or discomfort during sex
If you have fibroids growing near to your vagina or cervix (neck of the womb) you may experience pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).