Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Treatment

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle tissue that develop in or around the uterus. They are extremely common, affecting a large share of women during their reproductive years, yet many women have them without ever noticing.

Common symptoms

When fibroids do cause problems, the most frequent complaints are heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pressure or fullness, frequent urination, lower back discomfort, and pain during intercourse. Larger fibroids can make the abdomen feel swollen.

What causes them?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but the hormones estrogen and progesterone clearly play a role, since fibroids tend to grow during the reproductive years and shrink after menopause. Family history also raises the likelihood.

When to seek treatment

You should see a specialist if bleeding is heavy enough to disrupt daily life, if you develop signs of anemia such as fatigue and shortness of breath, or if pelvic pressure becomes persistent. Treatment is not always necessary for small, symptom-free fibroids, but a clear diagnosis helps you make informed choices — including uterus-preserving options such as HIFU.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is determined by individual assessment.