What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroid symptoms include menstrual abnormalities, abdominal masses, increased vaginal discharge, pressure symptoms, and abdominal pain.

1. Menstrual abnormalities: Uterine fibroids may cause enlargement of the uterine cavity and increased endometrial surface area, thereby affecting uterine contractions and resulting in heavy bleeding.

2. Abdominal mass: As the fibroid gradually enlarges, a mass may be felt in the lower abdomen, especially in the early morning when the bladder is full and the patient is fasting.

3. Increased vaginal discharge: Fibroids increase the surface area of the uterine cavity and stimulate increased secretion from endometrial glands, leading to increased vaginal discharge. If infection occurs, purulent or blood-tinged discharge may develop.

4. Pressure symptoms: Larger fibroids may press on the bladder, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, difficulty urinating, or urinary retention.

5. Abdominal pain: Acute abdominal pain may occur when fibroids undergo red degeneration, when there is torsion of a pedunculated subserosal fibroid, or when a submucosal fibroid prolapses.

If you experience these symptoms or suspect you may have uterine fibroids, seek medical attention promptly and follow your physician's recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.