Fibroid Pain: Beyond the Uterus

Fibroids can affect organs beyond your uterus. Learn about the impact fibroids can have on various parts of your body.

Fibroid symptoms can be as varied as the women who suffer from them. They may include pelvic pain and pressure, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful sex, and infertility. Severity of fibroid pain and symptoms may differ depending on fibroid location as well as size.

And, depending on both location and size, uterine fibroids may impact the function of surrounding organs and cause a host of other symptoms, such as problems with the bladder and bowels.

For example, fibroids may affect:

When fibroids grow large enough, they can press down on the rectum. This pressure can lead to constipation or pain when passing stool. This pressure can also contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

Large fibroids located on the opposite side of the uterus from the rectum may cause problems with the bladder instead. In particular, they might press down on the bladder and limit the amount of urine you can hold. You may find yourself getting up multiple times at night to use the restroom and/or experience pain and difficulty urinating.

Another symptom of fibroids affects the stomach. If fibroids are pressing on the stomach, they can make you feel full faster. And, since you are not eating as much, you may end up losing weight. In extreme cases, large fibroids can distend your lower abdomen, making you look pregnant.

While rare, it is also possible for large fibroids in the uterus to become so big that they press on the urethra. This tube allows urine to pass from the kidney to the bladder. When the urine cannot pass because of the blockage caused by a fibroid, the kidney might swell. Called hydronephrosis, this swelling includes symptoms such as painful urination, urgency when going, frequent urination, and pain. This condition also endangers the kidney and often requires surgery to remove the fibroid.

Fibroid symptoms can be uncomfortable and even lead to the larger problems noted above. However, many women still ignore the fibroid pain and symptoms until their condition has become severe.

If you have fibroid symptoms, the first step is to talk to your doctor. There are a number of treatment options, including uterine fibroid embolization or UFE.

UFE is a minimally invasive (non surgical procedure) with a high success rate. It can preserve your fertility and get you back to your life quickly.

The doctors at VIVA EVE are specialists in UFE, with years of experience in the treatment of both uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. We provide high-quality, personalized care for every patient we see. We’ll partner with you to determine the best way to treat your problematic symptoms.