As many as 80% of women develop fibroids before they reach age 50, but not all women realize they have one. That’s because uterine fibroids can cause intense pain and heavy periods, but for some women, fibroids may cause symptoms that are easy to overlook or confuse for symptoms of another condition.
If you suspect you have fibroids, visit our Fresno, California, office to confirm the source of your symptoms. The size, number, and type of fibroid can be easily diagnosed through imaging tests.
In the meantime, here are four subtle signs of uterine fibroids, courtesy of our expert team at Fresno Fibroid Center.
Persistent pelvic pain or discomfort that doesn't seem linked to your menstrual cycle could be caused by fibroids. Fibroids can exert pressure on surrounding organs and cause subtle but persistent discomfort. You may also experience unexplained bloating in the pelvic area.
Interestingly, some women also experience leg pain in addition to pelvic pain. This happens if a large fibroid presses on your sciatic nerve.
Bottom line: If you experience unexplained pain, especially if it intensifies over time, don’t brush it off.
Pay attention to any changes in your urination patterns. Uterine fibroids can put pressure on your bladder and lead to increased frequency. About 43% of women with symptomatic fibroids find it difficult to fully empty their bladder.
If you find yourself making more frequent trips to the bathroom or experiencing discomfort during urination, it's a subtle sign that merits investigation.
Fibroids don’t just press on your bladder. Large fibroids can also press on other organs, including your rectum. If you’re constantly battling constipation despite making dietary changes or drinking more water, fibroids might be to blame.
Fibroids can interfere with fertility if your fibroids block your fallopian tubes (which can prevent conception) or if the fibroids distort the shape of your uterus (which can make implantation difficult).
These signs 一 pelvic pain, urination changes, constipation, fertility struggles 一 aren’t limited to fibroids. Many other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it’s important to confirm the source of your symptoms so you can get the right treatment.
Fibroids may also cause more obvious symptoms, such as heavy and painful periods, back pain, and bloating. Regardless of whether you have obvious symptoms or less obvious ones, you likely want to address all of them.
Here at Fresno Fibroid Center, our team will counsel you on the best options for treating your fibroids. To find out if your symptoms are related to fibroids, call us at 559-216-0746 to speak with our friendly staff, or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.
