The most common ruptured fibroid symptom is severe abdominal pain; spontaneous, excessive vaginal bleeding can occur in rare cases. If you think you have a burst fibroid or ruptured fibroid, seek immediate medical attention.
The most common ruptured fibroid symptom is severe abdominal pain, and in rare cases, spontaneous, excessive vaginal bleeding can occur.
Spontaneous rupture of benign uterine fibroids is extremely rare and has been associated with fibroid degeneration. It can cause acute intraperitoneal bleeding requiring immediate surgical intervention.
UTERINE FIBROID DEGENERATION OCCURS WHEN A FIBROID OUTGROWS ITS LIMITED BLOOD SUPPLY. When the connecting blood vessels cannot provide enough oxygen to a fibroid, the cells begin to die, or degenerate. When a fibroid degenerates, it shrinks back to a smaller size that the blood supply can support.
Even the smallest fibroids can cause large blood clots during your period and heavy bleeding.
Fibroid expulsion is the process in which fibroids pass from the uterus, through the vagina, and out of the body. It can be complete, meaning that the entire fibroid passes through, or partial, when only pieces of a fibroid are expelled.
Emergency Fibroid Symptoms
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.
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. Sometimes fibroids can affect the mode of delivery of a baby.
Uterine fibroids may press against the uterine lining, causing more bleeding than usual. The uterus may not contract properly, which means it can't stop the bleeding. Fibroids may stimulate the growth of blood vessels, which contributes to heavier or irregular periods and spotting between periods.
Many women who have uterine fibroids do not have symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can include: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as heavier, longer periods or bleeding between periods. Pelvic pain, including pain during sex.
Can fibroids cause vaginal discharge? Fibroids don't usually cause vaginal discharge like the kind associated with a yeast infection. Instead, fibroids typically cause heavier-than-normal periods.
Uterine fibroids lead to multiple symptoms that can severely impact health and quality of life, including nausea. The level of nausea created by fibroids will vary, depending on size, location, pre-existing health conditions, and other factors.
“If a woman has a fibroid that is not causing symptoms, or if it isn't growing rapidly, we can often leave it alone. Uterine fibroids are rarely cancerous.”
Fibroid pain may be mild or extreme, constant or just occasional. It can flare up during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, exercise, or your period. Pain often radiates down the leg. Discomfort may also result when an enlarged uterus puts pressure on adjacent organs, such as the bladder or bowel.
Usually, the pain is localized to a specific spot and improves on its own within two to four weeks. Using a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, can decrease the pain significantly. However, chronic pelvic pain can also occur.
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.
Pressure and Bloating
When fibroids grow up to 5 to 10 centimeters (the size of an avocado or larger), they can cause bloating, pressure in the pelvis, and a protruding abdomen that can be noticeable to you and everyone else.