Uterine fibroids are common and often don't cause any symptoms. However, when they do, they can significantly impact your quality of life. Knowing when to stop monitoring your symptoms at home and start a conversation with your doctor is key. Here are the red flags to watch for and what you can expect during your visit.
Red Flag Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's time to schedule an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist:
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Very Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: This is the most common fibroid symptom. If you're soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours, passing large blood clots, or if your period consistently lasts longer than a week, you should seek medical advice. Untreated heavy bleeding can lead to anemia, causing fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.1
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Severe Pelvic Pain or Pressure: While some cramping is normal during a period, persistent or severe pain is not. This can feel like a constant pressure, a dull ache in your lower abdomen, or sharp, sudden pains.2 This often indicates that fibroids are growing large enough to press on surrounding organs.
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Pain During Intercourse: If sex has become painful, it could be due to the location of your fibroids, particularly those near the cervix.3
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Bladder and Bowel Issues: Do you feel like you have to urinate constantly, or do you have trouble completely emptying your bladder? Are you experiencing chronic constipation? Large fibroids can press on the bladder and rectum, causing these issues.4
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Noticeable Abdominal Swelling: In some cases, fibroids can grow large enough to cause visible swelling in the lower abdomen, sometimes making a woman look pregnant.5
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Infertility or Recurrent Miscarriages: If you've been struggling to conceive or have experienced multiple pregnancy losses, fibroids could be a contributing factor, especially those located inside the uterine cavity.6
What to Expect at Your Doctor's Appointment
Making the decision to see a doctor is the first step. Knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety. Your appointment will likely include three main parts:
1. A Detailed Conversation
Your doctor will want to understand your experience fully. Be prepared to discuss:
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Your Symptoms: Be specific about what you're feeling, how often, and how it impacts your daily life.
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Your Menstrual Cycle: Track your periods before your visit. Note the length, heaviness of flow, and any clotting.
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Your Health History: Your doctor will ask about past pregnancies, family history of fibroids, and any other health conditions.
2. A Physical Examination
Next, your doctor will likely perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, they can feel the size and shape of your uterus. An enlarged or irregularly shaped uterus can be a strong indicator of fibroids.7
3. Imaging Tests
To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor will almost always order an imaging test. The most common is a pelvic ultrasound, which is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to create a picture of your uterus.8 It's the most effective way to see if fibroids are present and to measure their size and location.
Based on these findings, your doctor can confirm your diagnosis and discuss a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.
