Heavy Pain? Why Your Uterus Is Growing Fibroids: Medical Next Steps

If you're dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or ongoing lower abdominal pain, fibroids may be part of the picture. Uterine fibroids are extremely common, especially during the reproductive years. In fact, most women will develop fibroids at some point in their lives — though not everyone will have symptoms.

If your pain feels heavier than "normal," or your periods are disrupting your daily life, it's important to understand what fibroids are, why they grow, and what medical steps come next.

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What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and can range in size from very small (like a seed) to large enough to change the shape of the uterus.

There are several types of fibroids, based on where they grow:

• Intramural fibroids – Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus
• Submucosal fibroids – Grow just under the inner lining of the uterus
• Subserosal fibroids – Grow on the outer surface of the uterus
• Pedunculated fibroids – Attached to the uterus by a stalk

Their location often determines the symptoms you experience.

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Why Do Fibroids Grow?

Doctors don't know one single cause of fibroids, but research shows they are influenced by several factors:

1. Hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone)

Fibroids grow in response to hormones, especially estrogen. This is why they:

• Often grow during reproductive years
• May enlarge during pregnancy
• Typically shrink after menopause

2. Genetics

If your mother or sister had fibroids, your risk is higher.

3. Age

Fibroids are most common between ages 30 and 50.

4. Race

Black women are more likely to develop fibroids, often at younger ages and with more severe symptoms.

5. Other Factors

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Early onset of menstruation

It's important to understand: fibroids are not caused by something you did wrong. They are a medical condition influenced by biology and genetics.

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Common Symptoms of Fibroids

Some women never know they have fibroids. Others experience significant symptoms.

Common signs include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Passing large blood clots
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Lower back pain
• Frequent urination
• Pain during sex
• Constipation
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Anemia (due to heavy bleeding)

Heavy bleeding is one of the most common complaints. If you're soaking through pads or tampons every hour, or your period lasts more than 7 days regularly, that's not something to ignore.

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When Pain Signals Something More Serious

While fibroids are non-cancerous, severe symptoms shouldn't be brushed off.

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Fainting or dizziness from heavy bleeding
• Signs of severe anemia (extreme fatigue, shortness of breath)
• Rapid abdominal swelling

Although rare, other conditions can mimic fibroids. That's why proper diagnosis matters.

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How Fibroids Are Diagnosed

If your doctor suspects fibroids, the evaluation usually includes:

1. Pelvic Exam

Your doctor may feel an enlarged or irregular uterus.

2. Ultrasound

This is the most common imaging test. It uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus.

3. MRI

Sometimes used to better understand size, number, and location of fibroids.

4. Blood Tests

If you have heavy bleeding, your doctor may check for anemia.

If you're unsure whether your symptoms align with fibroids, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered Uterine Fibroids symptom checker to get personalized insights and help prepare for your doctor's appointment.

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Medical Next Steps: What Are Your Options?

Treatment depends on:

• Your age
• Severity of symptoms
• Size and location of fibroids
• Whether you want future pregnancies
• Overall health

Not everyone needs immediate treatment.

1. Watchful Waiting

If your fibroids are small and symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend monitoring them.

This may include:

• Regular pelvic exams
• Follow-up ultrasounds
• Tracking symptoms

Fibroids often grow slowly, and some stabilize over time.

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2. Medications

Medication can help manage symptoms but usually does not eliminate fibroids permanently.

Common options include:

• Hormonal birth control – Helps reduce heavy bleeding
• Hormonal IUDs – Can decrease menstrual flow
• GnRH agonists or antagonists – Temporarily shrink fibroids by lowering estrogen levels
• Tranexamic acid – Reduces heavy bleeding during periods
• Iron supplements – Treat anemia

These treatments manage symptoms but fibroids may regrow once medication stops.

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3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

If symptoms are moderate to severe, but you want to avoid major surgery, there are less invasive options:

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

• Blocks blood flow to fibroids
• Causes them to shrink
• Preserves the uterus

MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound

• Uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue
• Non-surgical
• Not suitable for all fibroid types

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4. Surgical Options

When fibroids cause significant pain, heavy bleeding, infertility, or pressure symptoms, surgery may be recommended.

Myomectomy

• Removes fibroids but keeps the uterus
• Often recommended for women who want children
• Fibroids can return later

Hysterectomy

• Removes the uterus
• Permanent solution
• No future pregnancies possible
• Completely eliminates fibroids

This is typically reserved for severe cases or when other treatments fail.

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Can Fibroids Affect Fertility?

Yes, sometimes.

Submucosal fibroids (those growing inside the uterine cavity) are most likely to interfere with:

• Implantation
• Embryo growth
• Pregnancy maintenance

Many women with fibroids still conceive naturally. If you are trying to get pregnant and struggling, it's important to discuss fibroids with a fertility specialist.

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Lifestyle Changes That May Help

Lifestyle changes won't eliminate fibroids, but they may support overall hormonal health.

Consider:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing blood pressure
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Reducing excessive alcohol intake
• Staying physically active

These steps improve general health and may help reduce risk factors linked to fibroid growth.

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The Emotional Side of Fibroids

Heavy bleeding and chronic pain can affect:

• Work productivity
• Relationships
• Intimacy
• Mental health

If you're feeling frustrated or exhausted, that's understandable. Fibroids can significantly impact quality of life. You deserve medical support — not dismissal.

If your symptoms are being minimized, seek a second opinion.

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The Bottom Line

Fibroids are common and usually non-cancerous, but they can cause real pain and disruption. Heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or unexplained anemia are signs worth investigating.

The good news:

• There are many treatment options.
• Most fibroids are manageable.
• You have choices based on your goals and symptoms.

If you're experiencing symptoms and want clarity before your doctor's visit, try the free Uterine Fibroids symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and what questions to ask.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor if you are experiencing severe pain, heavy bleeding, symptoms of anemia, or fertility concerns. While fibroids are typically benign, untreated heavy bleeding and significant growth can lead to serious complications.

You don't need to live in constant pain or normalize heavy bleeding. If your body feels off, listen to it — and take the next medical step forward.