The Truth About Fibroids: When Do They Become a Problem (and How to Fix Them)

Meet Priyanka, who is a busy marketing professional in her early twenties. Her periods have slowly become heavier. They last longer, the cramping is bad, and by mid-afternoon, she’s exhausted in a way that sleep can’t fix.

She thinks it’s stress, but honestly, it isn’t. What Priyanka has and what nearly half of all women will develop at some point in their lives are uterine fibroids. Most women with fibroids don’t even realize they have them. Some find out during a routine scan, while others spend months attributing their symptoms to something else. If you have recently been diagnosed and do not know what it means, you have come to the right place. Let us walk you through everything, including what fibroids are, why they develop, what they feel like, and when is the right time to act.

Renew Healthcare is one of Kolkata’s leading women’s health centres. Our team of gynaecologists treats fibroids with personalised care at every stage.

What Are Fibroids and Why Do They Develop in the Uterus?

Uterine fibroids are also called leiomyomas. They are growths made of muscle and connective tissue that form in or on the wall of the uterus.

The important thing to remember is that fibroids are almost always benign. They are not cancerous. In fact, the chance of a fibroid becoming cancerous is about 1 in 350, which is extremely rare.

However, fibroids can range in size from a tiny seed to something as large as a watermelon. At times, they grow alone or in clusters. And, depending on where they are and how large they get, they can disrupt or affect an area of your life. Most fibroids commonly appear between the ages of 30 and 50, which are typically a woman’s reproductive years when hormone levels are highest.

Causes and Risk Factors of Uterine Fibroids You Should Know

There isn’t a single exact fibroid cause, but research strongly points to hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle and appear to fuel fibroid growth as well. Fibroids grow during pregnancy when hormone levels spike. They shrink after menopause when hormone levels fall. Besides hormones, there are other risk factors as well that increase your chances of developing fibroids.

Family history: If your mother, sister, or aunt had fibroids, your risk goes up.
Obesity: A higher body mass index is linked to higher oestrogen levels, which can stimulate fibroid growth.
Early menstruation: Starting your period at a young age appears to increase lifetime exposure to oestrogen.
Not having children: Pregnancy temporarily suppresses fibroid development.
Late menopause: A longer reproductive window means longer exposure to hormonal fluctuations.

What are the different types of fibroids?

So, to answer your query “are fibroids harmful?”, the answer is not generic.

Where a fibroid sits; inside or on your uterus determines what it’s called and what symptoms it produces.

Intramural Fibroids

These grow embedded within the muscular wall of the uterus. They’re the most common type. Intramural fibroids can grow quite large and may distort the shape of the uterine cavity. In turn, this leads to heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.

Submucosal Fibroids

These fibroids grow just beneath the inner lining of the uterus, pushing inward into the uterine cavity. Even small submucosal fibroids can cause significant heavy bleeding and are the most likely type to interfere with fertility and embryo implantation.

Subserosal Fibroids

These grow outward from the exterior surface of the uterus, pushing into the pelvis. They can grow very large. Subserosal fibroids are more likely to cause pelvic pressure, back pain, and urinary symptoms than bleeding.

Pedunculated Fibroids

These attach to the uterus via a thin stalk like a mushroom. They can be intracavitary (inside the uterus) or extend outside it. If the stalk twists, it can cause sudden, sharp pain.

Each fibroid may behave differently, which is why treatment plans are always individualised.

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Common Uterine Fibroid Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore

The tricky part is that many women with fibroids do not have any symptoms at all. They may find out during a routine ultrasound. But when symptoms appear, they can range from mild to life-disrupting.

Heavy and Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

Pelvic Pain and Pressure

Frequent Urination

Lower Back Pain

Pain During Sex

Bloating and Abdominal Enlargement

Fatigue and Anaemia

Complications During Pregnancy: In such case, you can get the best high rise pregnancy treatment in Kolkata from Renew Healthcare.

Common Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Many fibroids are discovered during a routine pelvic examination. But imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis correctly

Ultrasound for Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis

Ultrasound is the most common test used for uterine fibroids diagnosis.

There are two types:

Abdominal ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound for fibroids

A transvaginal ultrasound provides a clearer and more detailed image, especially for fibroids located near the inner uterine lining.

MRI for Fibroid Diagnosis

MRI scans provide detailed imaging and are useful for larger or complex fibroids.

Hysteroscopy Treatment and Diagnosis for Fibroids

Hysteroscopy treatment in Kolkata helps doctors examine the inside of the uterus using a thin camera. It is especially useful for diagnosing and treating submucosal fibroids.

Laparoscopy for Fibroid Evaluation and Removal

Laparoscopy treatment in Kolkata allows doctors to examine and remove fibroids through tiny incisions with faster recovery and less pain.

Uterine Fibroids Treatment Options: From Medication to Surgery

Treatment will depend on the size, number, and location of your fibroids.

Conservative Management

For small, asymptomatic fibroids, monitoring is often the right approach. Regular ultrasounds track whether fibroids are growing. Many women manage comfortably without any intervention.

Medications for Fibroids

Several non-surgical fibroid treatment options use medication to manage symptoms:

Over-the-counter pain relief
Iron supplements
Hormonal contraceptives
GnRH agonists
Elagolix
Tranexamic acid

Natural Ways to Shrink Fibroids

If you are wondering how to shrink fibroids naturally, just read along.

Lifestyle changes won’t eliminate fibroids, but they can help manage symptoms and reduce risk factors:

Maintaining a healthy weight
A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet
Regular exercise

Minimally Invasive Fibroid Procedures

For some women, minimally invasive options can offer effective treatment with faster recovery.

Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy
Surgical Fibroid Options: Myomectomy and Hysterectomy

Uterus Removal

This fibroid surgery option is typically considered when:

Fibroids are very large or numerous.
Symptoms are severe and haven’t responded to other treatments.
Future pregnancy is not desired.

If you’re concerned about fertility, speak with our team about IVF centre in Kolkata to protect your future options.

When Should You Seek Treatment for Uterine Fibroids?

Early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment prognosis. Women who are trying to conceive can consult the best IUI centre in Kolkata for fertility guidance if fibroids are affecting your reproductive health. You should consult a doctor if you experience:

Heavy or prolonged periods
Severe pelvic pain
Bleeding between periods
Sudden abdominal enlargement
Difficulty urinating
Pain during sex
Constant fatigue from blood loss
Difficulty getting pregnant

Conclusion

Fibroids are common, but they don’t have to define your life. By understanding the signs and symptoms and seeking personalised care from a qualified gynaecologist, you can effectively manage fibroids and maintain a healthy, fulfilling life. If you’re planning pregnancy later and want to preserve your fertility options, you can also consult our specialists at an egg freezing centre in Kolkata.

FAQs

1. What are the treatment options available for uterine fibroids?

Treatment options include medications for fibroids, hormonal therapy, non surgical fibroid treatment like UAE and RFA, myomectomy, and hysterectomy for fibroids. The best treatment depends on symptoms, fibroid size, and future pregnancy plans.

2. How are uterine fibroids diagnosed through tests or imaging?

Doctors diagnose uterine fibroids using pelvic examinations, ultrasound, MRI scans, hysteroscopy, sonography, and laparoscopy. Transvaginal ultrasound is especially useful for detailed fibroid imaging.

3. Do uterine fibroids affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes?

Some fibroids may interfere with fertility or pregnancy depending on their location and size. However, many women with fibroids still conceive naturally and deliver healthy babies with proper monitoring.

4. What size of uterine fibroid is considered dangerous or problematic?

There is no fixed “dangerous” size. Even small fibroids can cause severe symptoms if located near the uterine lining. Large fibroids symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pressure, bloating, and fertility problems.

5. What lifestyle changes can help manage uterine fibroid symptoms?

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, reducing processed foods, and managing stress can help improve overall hormonal balance and reduce symptom severity.