Small fibroids 1 cm and under may not cause you to experience any symptoms; however, 5 cm fibroids and larger may cause women severe pelvic pain and heavy periods. Fibroids that are closer to 10 cm and larger may cause frequent urination, constipation, and a protruding abdomen or belly.
Larger fibroids—about four centimeters or more—that are in the muscle of the uterus can also impact implantation. Fibroids that are inside the muscle of the uterus might block the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility.
Women with fibroids >3 cm in diameter causing significant symptoms, pain or pressure and wishing to retain their uterus may consider myomectomy. Hysterectomy is the standard treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids who have not improved with medical treatment.
Very small fibroids (1-2 cm) can cause symptoms if the fibroid is in a critical place, pushing into the cavity of the uterus. Occasionally fibroids within the cavity of the uterus cause problems such as infertility or miscarriage. Most fibroids are small, not bothersome and do not require treatment.
When fibroids are symptom-free, they generally don't require treatment. But even small fibroids can cause heavy or longer-than-normal menstrual bleeding and significant pain.
Most experts believe that about 9-10 centimeters (about 4 inches) diameter is the largest size fibroid that should be removed laparoscopically.
A large fibroid on the back surface of the uterus is more likely to cause back pain than a small fibroid within the uterine wall. Because back pain is so common, it is important to look for other causes of the pain before attributing it to fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Size Chart
This is as follows: Small fibroid – less than 1-5 cms in length (Size of a pea to a cherry) Medium fibroid – 5cms -10cms (size of a plum to a large orange) Large fibroid – 10cms or more (Size of a grapefruit and above)
In rare cases, women with fibroids need emergency treatment. You should seek emergency care if you have sharp, sudden pain in the abdomen that is unrelieved with pain medication, or severe vaginal bleeding with signs of anemia such as lightheadedness, extreme fatigue and weakness.
Uterine fibroids usually need treatment when they cause: Anemia from heavy fibroid bleeding. Ongoing low back pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower belly. Trouble getting pregnant.
Fatigue. Fatigue is especially easy to miss as a symptom of fibroids because it's not caused by overwork or a lack of sufficient sleep at night, but is mainly due to the loss of blood from heavy periods. This blood loss leads to anemia and an iron deficiency from the lack of red blood cells.
A review of current evidence suggests that fibroid growth is variable and can range from 18 to 120% per year. Fibroids also undergo spontaneous regression, growth and shrinkage spurts outside of menopause, despite a stable hormonal environment. There is conflicting evidence regarding factors that affect fibroid growth.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the walls of the uterus (womb). Fibroid pain feels like pressure, heaviness, or a dull pain in your pelvis.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids cause weight gain and bloating due to a hormonal imbalance or the size of the fibroid. Larger fibroids may cause a woman to gain weight in the abdomen, giving the appearance of normal belly fat. Simply put, the more a fibroid grows, the heavier it will become.
"Some women can have very, very large fibroids. In those scenarios, if those fibroids weigh one, two, three, four pounds, a person is going to notice or feel that they're gaining weight due to these fibroids," Klebanoff says. Most women, however, have fibroids that only weigh a few hundred grams.
If left untreated, fibroids can continue to grow, both in size and number. As these tumors take over the uterus the symptoms will become worse. The fibroids pain will increase. The heavy bleeding will become heavier and it may be accompanied by severe cramping.
Don't eat a diet full of processed foods, red meats, and high-fat dairy. Studies show that eating these foods can make your fibroids worse. The same goes for alcohol and caffeine. Don't skip your workouts.
Yes, bloating can be caused by fibroids. Because Fibroids can appear as a single large benign tumour, or a cluster of small benign tumors, if a fibroid grows in size, it can cause the abdomen to bloat and become visibly swollen.
Fibroids may stimulate the growth of blood vessels, which contributes to heavier or irregular periods and spotting between periods. Elevated levels of hormones called prostaglandins may also contribute to heavy bleeding.
Medical Treatments for Fibroids
The most effective medications for the treatment of fibroids are gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), (including Lupron, Synarel, Zoladex). GnRH agonists cause a low-estrogen (menopause-like) state which causes reduction size of the tumor and uterus.
In general fibroids that are larger than 10cm and are inside the uterine muscle (intramural) can be difficult to remove.
Lie down and put a pillow under your knees. Or lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest. These positions may help relieve belly pain or pressure. Keep track of how many sanitary pads or tampons you use each day.