Typical Symptoms The vast majority of women with fibroids never become symptomatic. Only about 10 to 20 percent require some kind of therapy. The following is a list of some of the symptoms associated with fibroids Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common symptom with some women passing clots. This heavy gush of blood each month can leave some women with low blood counts (anemia) causing chronic fatigue. Increased abdominal girth and distention gives rise to bulk and pressure symptoms. Intense crampy abdominal pain during menstruation can be seen with many fibroids and are worse when there is prolapse of a submucosal fibroid. This is commonly accompanied by heavy bleeding. Chronic pelvic pain from the large size of the fibroids pressing on adjacent structures causing them to shift. Low back and leg pain can be seen from large myomas pressing on the lumbar and sacral nerve trunks. Infertility can occur by compression of the fallopian tubes or by preventing sperm movement through the uterine cavity. In addition, repeated miscarriages and premature labor have also been linked to fibroid disease. Increased urinary frequency is caused by compression of the urinary bladder by a large fibroid. Pressure on the adjacent rectum can cause constipation and hemorrhoids. If you have been suffering from these symptoms, please consult your personal physician.	© 1999 RadiologyNY designed by: