Abnormal uterine bleeding.

About 30% of women with fibroids may experience abnormal bleeding.  This can range from slight spotting to very heavy and irregular bleeding.  The reason for this is unclear but may be related to a disruption of the small blood vessels in the uterine lining by the fibroid.  Some women may describe having to use tampons and pads together, soaking through their sanitary protection in less than an hour, passing large clots, and having to stay home during their heaviest flow.  Heavy bleeding like this, besides being uncomfortable and inconvenient, can sometime lead to anemia (low blood count).  If you experience symptoms like this you should see your doctor.

Pelvic pressure or discomfort.

Women with large fibroids may feel a sense of pressure or heaviness in their lower abdomen or pelvis.  Symptoms are often described as a vague discomfort rather than frank pain.  Sometimes women may be unable to lie on their stomachs or bend over due to the fibroids.

Bladder problems.

If a fibroid is pressing on the bladder, a woman may feel like she needs to urinate frequently.  She may need to get up during the night and may feel like she cannot empty her bladder completely. Occasionally she may experience loss of urine with coughing, laughing, sneezing or lifting.  She may even have difficulty urinating if the fibroid is pressing on her urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside).

Pelvic Pain

Rarely, fibroids can cause acute, severe pain.  This is most likely due to degeneration of the fibroid.  This generally resolves on it own over the course of several weeks.  Treatment is pain medication such as ibuprofen and/or narcotics.  More chronic discomfort can occur when the fibroid presses against muscles or nerves.  This may cause back pain, rectal pressure or pain with sexual intercourse.