How would you know if you have fibroids?

Finding fibroids: The most definitive way to find fibroids is by pelvic ultrasound. About 50% of women have fibroids, but most will not need to do anything about them. Heavy bleeding is the most common symptom.

By physical, imaging: Fibroids can be discovered by physical exam or by imaging (exs. Pelvic ultrasound, mri). They can be very small (pea size) or quite large (melon). Most women that have fibroids are asymptomatic and do not require any treatment (unless they are causing infertility). Fibroids can cause significant symptoms, most notably heaving menstrual flow, pelvic pain, and increased urinary frequency.

You may not know: You may not know if you don't have any symptoms that are related to them. In fact, most women who have fibroids don't know they have them because they are small and do not cause any problems.

Common symptoms: Most women who have fibroids do not suffer any symptoms. The most common symptoms are heavy prolonged periods, frequent urination. There are other symptoms. Consult a fibroid specialist.

Exam or ultrasound: Many women develop fibroids as they age, but often there are no symptoms. If the fibroids are large, there can be heavy or irregular bleeding, or even difficulty with urination or constipation. Most can be felt on a routine gyn exam. An ultrasound can detect almost all fibroids, including ones on the inside of your uterus.

"fibroids": Uterine "fibroids" are usually benign smooth muscle tumors, and can be detected by a pelvic exam manually or more precisely with a pelvic ultrasound. "Fibroids" can cause irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility if enlarged, but in early stages, surgery is not always required or recommended.