gynecology and obstetrics
Uterine Fibroids
Symptoms and Signs of Uterine Fibroids
Many fibroids are asymptomatic; approximately 15 to 30% of patients with fibroids develop severe symptoms ( Reference ). Fibroids can cause abnormal uterine bleeding (eg, heavy menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding). Bleeding can be severe enough to cause anemia. Bulk symptoms, including pelvic pain or pressure, result from the size or position of fibroids or uterine enlargement due to fibroids. Urinary symptoms (eg, urinary frequency or urgency) can result from bladder compression, and intestinal symptoms (eg, constipation) can result from intestinal compression. Less commonly, fibroids grow and degenerate or pedunculated fibroids twist, and severe acute or chronic pressure or pain can result. Fibroids may be associated with infertility, especially if the fibroids are submucosal. During pregnancy, they may cause pain, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss , 1.Havryliuk Y, Setton R, Carlow JJ, et al: Symptomatic Fibroid Management: Systematic Review of the Literature.JSLS21(3):e2017.00041, 2017. doi:10.4293/JSLS.2017.00041 