Fibroids Aren’t Just “Bad Periods”

If you’ve ever been told your heavy periods are “just how your body is,” you’re not alone and you deserve a second look. July is Fibroid Awareness Month and at North Florida Women’s Care, we want every woman to understand a condition that affects an estimated 70–80% of women by age 50.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They’re made of muscle and fibrous tissue and they can range in size from a small seed to a growth as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids are not cancer and having them doesn’t increase your risk of uterine cancer.

Some women have a single fibroid; others have multiple. Some cause no symptoms at all and are only discovered during a routine pelvic exam. Others significantly disrupt daily life.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), fibroids are the most common growth found in a woman’s pelvis. Their size, shape, and location vary widely as they may sit inside the uterine cavity, on the outer surface of the uterus, within the uterine wall, or attached by a stem-like structure. Fibroids can range from pea-sized to more than 5–6 inches across and larger fibroids can reshape the uterus both inside and out as they grow.

Who is Most Likely to Develop Fibroids?

Fibroids are extremely common but some factors raise the likelihood of developing them:

Age — fibroids are most common during the reproductive years and tend to shrink after menopause
Family history — having a close relative with fibroids raises your own risk
Body weight — higher body weight is associated with increased risk
Not having given birth — women who haven’t been pregnant carry a somewhat higher risk than those who have

Since fibroids are so common and their causes aren’t fully understood, having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean fibroids are inevitable. Not having any doesn’t rule them out. This is part of why routine gynecologic checkups matter, regardless of symptoms.

Symptoms Worth Talking About

Since fibroid symptoms often overlap with “normal” period complaints, many women wait years before seeking care. Signs to bring up with your provider include:

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure or fullness
Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation or rectal pressure
Pain during intercourse
Lower back pain
In some cases, fertility challenges or pregnancy complications

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth a conversation.

Why Fibroids Go Undiagnosed

Many patients assume heavy or painful periods are simply part of being a woman. Cultural normalization, especially around menstrual pain, means real symptoms often get dismissed by patients.

Can Fibroids Affect Fertility?

Fibroids can occasionally contribute to infertility, though ACOG says this is less common than many patients assume. Other causes should typically be ruled out first. When fibroids are identified as a likely factor, many women are able to conceive after appropriate treatment. This is exactly why a thorough evaluation with your provider matters before assuming fibroids are “the” problem.

How Fibroids Are Diagnosed

Fibroids are often first identified during a routine pelvic exam. From there, your provider may use one or more tests to learn more about size, number, and location:

Ultrasound — uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus and surrounding pelvic organs
Hysteroscopy — a thin scope passed through the vagina and cervix to directly view the inside of the uterus
Hysterosalpingography — a specialized X-ray procedure that can help evaluate the uterine cavity

Treatment Options

Per ACOG, there are many treatment paths for fibroids and the right one depends on factors like your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and your own personal preferences.

That includes whether you hope to have children in the future. Broad categories include:

Watchful waiting — for fibroids causing no symptoms
Medication — to help manage bleeding or pain
Minimally invasive procedures — such as uterine fibroid embolization, endometrial ablation, or MRI-guided focused ultrasound, many of which involve a short hospital stay or outpatient recovery
Surgical options — including myomectomy (fibroid removal that preserves the uterus) or, in more severe cases, hysterectomy

There is no one-size-fits-all approach and you don’t have to choose between suffering through symptoms and major surgery. Our providers will walk you through what’s appropriate for your body and your goals. We will always discuss options with you before any treatment decision is made.

You're Not Alone in This

ACOG also points out something we think is easy to overlook: living with ongoing fibroid symptoms can take an emotional toll, not just a physical one. Support from others who understand what you’re going through. You could consider a support group, a trusted friend, or your care team. If fibroids are affecting your quality of life, know that support is part of the conversation too.

You know your body. If something feels off like heavier bleeding than usual, pain that interferes with your life, pressure that won’t go away, it’s worth an appointment. Fibroid Awareness Month is a reminder that no woman should have to just live with symptoms she doesn’t have to accept.

Ready to talk to a provider? Schedule an appointment with North Florida Women’s Care today by clicking here.

Source:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “Uterine Fibroids” FAQ.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids

Reviewed by the clinical team at North Florida Women’s Care to ensure accuracy and alignment with current medical guidelines.