Fibroids
Overview
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are common among women of reproductive age and can vary significantly in size, number, and location. Some women may never realise they have fibroids, while others experience symptoms that affect their daily activities, relationships, work, or plans for pregnancy.
The impact of fibroids differs from person to person. Some women have mild symptoms that can be managed conservatively, while others may require medication, ongoing monitoring, or surgical treatment.
The goal is to understand how fibroids are affecting your health, relieve symptoms, support reproductive goals where relevant, and improve overall quality of life.
Symptoms
Some women with fibroids have no symptoms, while others experience symptoms that gradually become more noticeable over time. You may experience:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual periods
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Lower abdominal swelling or bloating
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Difficulty becoming pregnant in some cases
Some women may also develop fatigue or dizziness related to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but several factors are associated with an increased likelihood of developing them. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are of reproductive age
- Have a family history of fibroids
- Started menstruating at an early age
- Have never been pregnant
- Are overweight or obese
- Have hormonal factors that promote fibroid growth
Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop fibroids.
When to Seek Care
You should seek medical advice if you:
- Experience heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Develop pelvic pain or pressure
- Notice increasing abdominal swelling
- Need to urinate frequently without another explanation
- Experience symptoms affecting your daily activities
- Have concerns about fertility or pregnancy
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Extremely heavy bleeding soaking through pads rapidly
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Fainting or collapse
- Symptoms of severe anaemia, such as chest pain or shortness of breath
- Sudden worsening of abdominal symptoms
Prevention
Fibroids cannot always be prevented, but early assessment and healthy lifestyle measures may support overall reproductive health. You can help support your wellbeing by:
- Attending routine women’s health reviews
- Seeking assessment for menstrual changes early
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Following treatment recommendations
- Attending follow-up appointments where advised
Support Services
Managing fibroids often involves coordinated support aimed at symptom relief and maintaining quality of life. You may benefit from:
- Medication and treatment monitoring
- Nutritional guidance, particularly where heavy bleeding has occurred
- Counselling and emotional wellbeing support
- Follow-up care and monitoring
- Fertility counselling and referral where appropriate
- Referral coordination where needed
This multidisciplinary approach helps support symptom control, reproductive goals, and long-term wellbeing.