Fibroids: Symptoms, Treatment, and Practical Tips

Up to 70% of women will have uterine fibroids by age 50, yet many never know they have them. That gap—common but often quiet—makes it worth understanding what fibroids do, when they matter, and what you can do today to feel better.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus. Size and number vary: some are tiny, others as large as a grapefruit. Symptoms depend on location and size. You might notice heavy or long periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, pain during sex, frequent urination, or trouble getting pregnant. Or you might have no symptoms at all.

How fibroids are diagnosed

Diagnosis is usually straightforward. A pelvic exam can flag an enlarged or irregularly shaped uterus. Most doctors confirm fibroids with an ultrasound. If more detail is needed, an MRI shows exact size and position. For abnormal bleeding, a hysteroscopy (a small camera into the uterus) or sonohysterogram (ultrasound with fluid) can help. Keep a simple symptom log: dates, bleeding flow, pain level—this helps your clinician decide next steps.

Treatment options that actually help

Treatment depends on symptoms, fibroid size/location, age, and whether you want to get pregnant. If your fibroids are small and symptoms mild, watchful waiting is fine—regular checkups and symptom tracking are key.

Medications can reduce bleeding and pain. Tranexamic acid lowers heavy bleeding during periods. Hormonal options—birth control pills, progestin IUDs—often cut bleeding and shrink symptoms. For short-term shrinkage before surgery, doctors may use GnRH agonists, but these have menopausal-like side effects and are not for long-term use.

Non-surgical procedures give alternatives to open surgery. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) blocks blood flow to fibroids so they shrink—good for many who want to avoid hysterectomy. MRI-guided focused ultrasound is less common but can destroy fibroid tissue without incisions.

Surgery remains the most definitive route. Myomectomy removes fibroids while keeping the uterus—preferred for women who want future pregnancy. Hysterectomy removes the uterus and cures fibroids permanently, but it ends fertility and has longer recovery.

Practical tips: take iron if periods make you anemic (ask for a blood test first), use heat and NSAIDs for pain, and keep a calendar of symptoms. If fibroids affect fertility or cause severe bleeding or pain, see a gynecologist who treats fibroids regularly. Ask about fertility-preserving options if you want children.

Want to read personal experiences or compare specific treatments? Browse our related guides and patient stories on SafeMeds4All. If you have sudden severe pain, very heavy bleeding, or fainting, get urgent care—those are red flags that need immediate attention.