Fibroids are among the most common benign growths in women of reproductive age. According to clinical observations, a significant proportion of patients over the age of 30 are affected, although the symptoms of uterine fibroids may be completely absent in the early stages. The disease develops gradually, without disrupting the usual rhythm of life, so it is often discovered by chance – during a preventive ultrasound examination, when the woman does not report any complaints.
This is where the main difficulty lies: as long as uterine fibroids do not directly affect well-being, it is easy to ignore them. Meanwhile, the first changes often affect the menstrual cycle – its duration, blood loss, and pain. Paying close attention to such signals helps to detect the pathology earlier, avoid complications and choose a more gentle treatment strategy.
What are uterine fibroids and why do they occur?
A uterine fibroid is a benign growth that forms from the muscle tissue of the uterus. This is not a cancerous disease: fibroid nodes are not cancerous and in most cases grow slowly. This diagnosis often causes anxiety, but with proper monitoring and treatment, it is well controlled and does not pose a threat to life.
The disease develops under the influence of hormonal factors, primarily an excess of oestrogen. Heredity also plays an important role – the risk is higher if fibroids have been diagnosed in the mother or close relatives. Additional factors include late first birth or no birth, as well as chronic inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, which can go on for a long time without any obvious symptoms.
In the early stages, uterine fibroids symptoms cause do not always. The nodes can exist for years without causing pain or menstrual irregularities. That is why regular check-ups with a gynaecologist and monitoring of your condition allow you to identify the disease before complications arise and choose the optimal treatment strategy.
Menstrual cycle disorders – the first sign
Menstrual cycle disorders are the most common and earliest sign of uterine fibroids symptoms. In many cases, the cycle remains regular, but the menstruation itself changes. Bleeding becomes more intense, lasts longer than usual, and is accompanied by severe pain. Such changes are often perceived as “age-related” or stress-related, so a visit to the doctor is postponed. Symptoms of uterine fibroids associated with menstruation usually include several characteristic features that are worth paying attention to:
- heavy periods requiring frequent changes of sanitary pads or tampons;
- menstruation lasting more than 7 days;
- the appearance of blood clots during bleeding;
- increased pain in the first days of the cycle.
Constant blood loss over time leads to a decrease in haemoglobin levels. Anaemia develops, manifesting itself in weakness, pale skin, dizziness and decreased performance. Often, women treat these conditions for years by taking iron supplements, unaware that the cause lies in a gynaecological disease and requires a comprehensive approach.
Pain syndrome and physical discomfort
Pain syndrome is one of those symptoms that significantly affect quality of life. With a disease such as uterine fibroids, the pain is often aching or nagging in nature and is localised in the lower abdomen. The discomfort may radiate to the lower back and intensify before menstruation or after physical activity, even that which is normal for everyday life. The most common types of pain associated with uterine fibroids symptoms include the following:
- Pulling pains in the lower abdomen without a clear connection to the cycle.
- Discomfort or pain in the lumbar region.
- Increased pain before the onset of menstruation.
- Pain after physical activity.
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
Painful sensations during intimate contact deserve special attention. Women often do not mention this symptom during appointments, considering it embarrassing or insignificant. However, it is precisely this symptom that can indicate the location of myomatous nodes and help the doctor to assess the situation more accurately and select the optimal treatment.
“Hidden” symptoms of myomatous node growth
As the nodes grow, uterine fibroids begin to manifest themselves not only in the reproductive system. Large formations put pressure on the neighbouring organs of the small pelvis, causing the so-called compression syndrome. These signs develop gradually and are often perceived as problems with the bladder or intestines, which is why the connection with gynaecology remains unnoticed. The characteristic manifestations that are included in the uterine fibroids symptoms when the nodes increase in size include the following conditions:
- frequent urination without signs of inflammation, caused by pressure on the bladder;
- feeling of incomplete bladder emptying;
- chronic constipation due to compression of the intestines;
- a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the lower abdomen;
- an increase in abdominal volume without overall weight gain.
Special attention should be paid to abdominal enlargement, often referred to as “false pregnancy syndrome.” A woman notices changes in her figure, although her diet and weight remain the same. This symptom often causes confusion and anxiety, but it may indicate significant growth of myomatous nodes and the need for timely diagnosis.
When should you make an urgent appointment with a gynaecologist?
Some symptoms cannot be ignored, and a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. With a disease such as uterine fibroids, there are conditions that require urgent medical evaluation. They may indicate complications and pose a health risk, even if the disease has previously been relatively mild. The following “red flags” are among the alarming signs associated with symptoms uterine fibroids:
- Sharp, sudden pain in the lower abdomen, resembling acute abdominal pain.
- Increased pain that is not relieved by usual painkillers.
- Heavy uterine bleeding outside the menstrual cycle.
- Severe weakness, dizziness, fainting.
- Rapid deterioration in general well-being.
Acute pain may indicate torsion of the myomatous node or disruption of its blood supply — conditions that require urgent medical attention. Intermenstrual bleeding is also a reason to see a gynaecologist immediately, as without timely intervention it can lead to serious blood loss and other complications.
Diagnosis and treatment of fibroids at the Avicenna Med clinic
At our Avicenna Med clinic, the examination begins with a face-to-face consultation with a gynaecologist and a detailed analysis of your symptoms. The doctor clarifies the symptoms of uterine fibroids, assesses the characteristics of the menstrual cycle and the general state of health . A key stage in the diagnosis is an ultrasound examination, which is the gold standard for the initial detection of myomatous nodes, allowing their size, number and location to be determined.
If necessary, the diagnosis is expanded. Hysteroscopy helps to assess the condition of the uterine cavity and identify nodes that may be the cause of bleeding or infertility. In complex clinical cases, MRI is used to plan treatment as accurately as possible. This approach is especially important when uterine fibroids are atypically located or accompanied by pronounced symptoms.
At Avicenna Med, priority is given to organ-preserving methods that eliminate the problem and preserve reproductive function. This is crucial for women planning to become pregnant. Our clinic offers modern minimally invasive solutions, including laparoscopic techniques and hysteroresectoscopy. Once all the necessary tests and indications are available, Avicenna Med specialists recommend removal of uterine fibroids – a gentle and effective method that allows patients to return to an active life in a short period of time and maintain their reproductive health.
Conclusion
A diagnosis of fibroids does not mean losing control of your health. Uterine fibroids symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways or remain asymptomatic for a long time, so it is especially important to listen to your body and not ignore even minor changes in your well-being. Timely consultation with a doctor allows the disease to be detected at a stage when treatment is as gentle as possible.
Regular preventive examinations by a gynaecologist at Avicenna Med once a year and scheduled ultrasounds help to keep the situation under control. Symptoms of uterine fibroids detected in time make it possible to avoid complications and complex operations. A conscious attitude towards your health and no fear of consulting a specialist are the key to maintaining your quality of life and reproductive health.
FAQ
- Can uterine fibroids be asymptomatic?
Yes, this is common. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. The nodes are discovered by chance during a preventive ultrasound scan. This is why regular check-ups with a gynaecologist are important, even if you feel well.
- Does pain always indicate fibroids?
No. Lower abdominal pain can also be associated with other gynaecological problems. However, pulling pains that intensify before menstruation or are accompanied by heavy periods may indicate uterine fibroids.
- Can fibroids cause anaemia?
Yes. Heavy and prolonged menstruation is a common symptom. Constant blood loss leads to a decrease in haemoglobin levels. Because of this, many women with fibroids experience anaemia.
- Should fibroids be removed immediately after detection?
Not always. The approach depends on the size of the nodes, symptoms, and reproductive plans. In some cases, observation is sufficient. The decision is made by the doctor after diagnosis.
- Is it possible to preserve the ability to become pregnant when treating fibroids?
In most cases, yes. The modern organ-preserving treatment methods used at Avicenna Med allow the nodes to be removed while preserving the uterus, which is important for planning a pregnancy.
