What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

When facing the problem of uterine fibroids, women of all ages should pay attention. Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include changes in menstruation, or abdominal masses and increased vaginal discharge, as well as abdominal pain and abdominal distension.

1. Menstrual changes

It is the most common symptom of uterine fibroids, which can manifest as menstrual changes (i.e. increased menstrual volume, prolonged menstrual period or shortened menstrual cycle) or persistent, irregular bleeding. Among all types of tumors, intramural fibroids and submucosal fibroids are most likely to cause vaginal bleeding, while subserosal fibroids rarely cause menstrual changes.

2. Abdominal mass

Uterine fibroids are usually found after they grow out of the pelvic cavity. They are obvious in the early morning when the bladder is full on an empty stomach. The lump is usually located in the middle of the lower abdomen, is solid, movable, irregular in shape or has an uneven feel, and grows slowly. Subserosal fibroids are more common.

3. Increased vaginal discharge

Intramural fibroids increase the area of ​​the uterine cavity, increase the secretion of endometrial glands, and are accompanied by pelvic congestion leading to increased leucorrhea; submucosal fibroids prolapsed into the vagina are susceptible to infection and necrosis on their surface, producing a large amount of purulent and bloody discharge and necrotic tissue discharge, accompanied by a foul odor.

4. Abdominal pain and abdominal distension

When a subserosal fibroid twists, it may cause acute abdominal pain. When it changes to red color, the abdominal pain may be severe and accompanied by fever. Submucosal fibroids stimulate uterine contraction, which may cause lower abdominal distension, back pain, and worsening pain during menstruation.

5. Compression symptoms

As fibroids grow larger, they can compress adjacent organs and cause various symptoms, which are particularly common in fibroids in the lower segment of the uterus and cervix. Compression of the bladder can cause frequent urination, difficulty urinating or urinary retention; compression of the rectum can cause difficulty in defecation; in a few cases, broad ligament myomas compress the ureter and cause hydronephrosis; compression of the internal and external iliac veins and nerves can cause lower limb edema or neuralgic pain.