What Do Uterine Fibroids Feel Like, and Do They Go Away?

What Do Uterine Fibroids Feel Like, and Do They Go Away?

Uterine fibroids are a common condition that many people with periods experience. These noncancerous growths in the uterus can vary greatly in size and symptoms, leaving some unaware of their presence while others struggle with significant discomfort. Here, we explore what uterine fibroids feel like, their symptoms, and whether they can go away on their own.


What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are growths made of smooth muscle tissue that develop in and around the uterus. Despite the term “tumor,” fibroids are not cancerous, and their presence doesn’t increase the risk of uterine cancer.

Fibroids can grow alone or in clusters and range from as small as a seed to as large as a watermelon. There are three main types of fibroids:

  1. Intramural fibroids: The most common type, these grow within the muscle wall of the uterus.
  2. Subserosal fibroids: These grow on the outside of the uterus and can become quite large.
  3. Submucosal fibroids: These develop in the muscle layer beneath the uterus lining.
    • Both subserosal and submucosal fibroids can sometimes be pedunculated, meaning they grow on a stalk or stem attached to the uterus.

How Common Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are extremely common, affecting up to 70% of women at some point in their reproductive years (16–49 years old). Many people with fibroids remain asymptomatic and may never know they have them unless discovered during a routine pelvic exam or imaging test.


Do Fibroids Go Away on Their Own?

Fibroids can shrink naturally over time, particularly after menopause when hormone levels decline. According to research, around 7% of fibroids shrink on their own, although this is not guaranteed. If a fibroid shrinks, its symptoms may also improve or disappear entirely.


Who Is at Risk for Fibroids?

Fibroids are influenced by reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing fibroids:

  • Genetics: A family history of fibroids raises your risk.
  • Lifestyle: Obesity, high blood pressure, and low vitamin D levels are linked to higher risk.
  • Early menstruation: Starting your period before age 10 increases your chances of fibroids.
  • Ancestry: African American women are more likely to develop fibroids and experience severe symptoms.

Interestingly, risk decreases with pregnancy or extended use of hormonal birth control.


Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Most fibroids are asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, they can include:

  • Heavy periods or prolonged menstruation.
  • Bleeding between periods.
  • Severe menstrual cramps that don’t go away.
  • Anemia caused by heavy bleeding.
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder.
  • Swollen abdomen from larger fibroids.
  • Constipation.

Each individual’s experience is unique, so consult a healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms.


Fibroids and Pregnancy

Fibroids may grow during pregnancy due to rising hormone levels, causing symptoms such as pelvic or back pain. However, fibroids often shrink after childbirth. In one study, 37% of fibroids disappeared within six months postpartum.


Managing Fibroid Pain

If fibroids are affecting your quality of life, treatment options are available. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best course of action based on the size, location, and symptoms of your fibroids.

Common Treatments:

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Regular exercise and stress management can improve overall well-being.

Medications:

  • Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can alleviate discomfort.
  • Hormonal birth control can reduce heavy bleeding and painful periods.
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can temporarily shrink fibroids.

Surgical Options:

  • Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, ideal for those planning future pregnancies.
  • Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus entirely, a permanent solution for severe cases.

Discussing concerns and goals with your doctor is essential in making the right choice for your health.


The Takeaway

While uterine fibroids are common, they don’t have to disrupt your life. Whether fibroids are asymptomatic or causing significant discomfort, treatment options are available. Partner with your healthcare provider to create a plan that meets your needs and allows you to thrive.


References

Barjon, Kyle, and Lyree N. Mikhail. “Uterine Leiomyomata.” StatPearls, 2023.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546680/

Delli Carpini, Giovanni, et al. “The Association between Childbirth, Breastfeeding, and Uterine Fibroids: An Observational Study.” Scientific Reports, vol. 9, 2019.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46513-0

Eggert, Stacey L., et al. “Genome-Wide Linkage and Association Analyses Implicate FASN in Predisposition to Uterine Leiomyomata.” American Journal of Human Genetics, vol. 91, no. 4, 2012.
https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(12)00421-1

“Fibroids.” Johns Hopkins Medicine.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/uterine-fibroids

Stewart, E. A., et al. “Epidemiology of Uterine Fibroids: A Systematic Review.” BJOG, vol. 124, no. 10, 2017.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28296146/

“Uterine Fibroids.” Mayo Clinic, 15 Sep. 2023.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288

Zimmermann, Anne, et al. “Prevalence, Symptoms and Management of Uterine Fibroids.” BMC Women’s Health, vol. 12, no. 6, 26 Mar. 2012.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342149/

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