Uterine fibroids are very common benign growths that form in and on the uterus.
What happens if uterine fibroids go untreated?
Some may stay the same size for years or even shrink on their own, while others may cause symptoms that gradually become harder to manage.
Not everyone needs treatment right away for their fibroids. What is most important is how the fibroids are affecting your body. Often, leaving them alone is not harmful, as long as you do not have any symptoms or they are just mild. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can cause symptoms that can get progressively worse.
Sometimes, leaving fibroids untreated is the preferred choice, but for others, this may be dangerous. Working with an expert who understands the difference can help you decide when you should seek treatment.
Do Fibroids Always Need To Be Removed?
No. Fibroids do not always need to be treated or eliminated. Many women have fibroids and have zero symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild they can live with them without any major issues.
Many women wonder what happens if fibroids are not removed. Sometimes, a doctor will monitor the size and location of the fibroids, which is often called “watchful waiting.” The fibroids may:
- Stay the same size for a long time
- Grow gradually larger and require treatment
- Shrink on their own naturally after menopause
Having untreated fibroids does not automatically mean they will result in a dangerous situation, but leaving fibroids untreated that are causing symptoms can lead to chronic discomfort or more serious problems.
What Can Happen If Fibroids Are Left Untreated?
When fibroids cause symptoms, those symptoms can continue or they can gradually get worse. For some women, the symptoms are mildly annoying, but for others they can be debilitating and impact both their home life and their career.
Common issues include:
- Heavy or prolonged periods.
- Excessive blood loss that leads to anemia.
- The Cleveland Clinic reports that anemia can cause fatigue, low energy, dizziness, headaches, cold hands or feet, heart issues, and more.
- Bleeding between periods or cycle changes that are not normal for you.
- Pelvic pressure or a feeling of uncomfortable fullness in your lower abdomen.
- Frequent urination or trouble fully emptying your bladder.
- Constipation or bloating due to pressure on nearby organs.
- Lower back discomfort or ongoing pelvic pain.
- Pain during sex.
- Poor sleep or limits on daily activities due to symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and you are experiencing symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, set up a consultation with the Atlanta Fibroid Center.
What Happens If Fibroids Go Untreated After Menopause?
After menopause, your body naturally produces less estrogen, which usually causes any existing fibroids to gradually shrink.
Fibroids are known to be sensitive to estrogen, and when exposed to an excess of the hormone, they tend to become larger. This is why some women discover they have fibroids during the first trimester of their pregnancy.
What happens if fibroids go untreated after menopause is usually much different from what happens before menopause. Many of the symptoms, like heavy bleeding, often improve or will go away altogether.
There is no guarantee that all the fibroids will stop causing symptoms because their size and location can still matter. Some women may still experience:
- Pelvic pressure
- Urinary frequency
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
It is important to understand that any vaginal bleeding after menopause is not considered normal. Even if you already know you have fibroids, any bleeding should be checked as soon as possible. There can be several reasons this is happening, but it should be looked into quickly to determine the cause and begin treatment if necessary.
When Untreated Fibroids Need Attention
Sometimes, monitoring is no longer enough, and you should seek medical treatment for your fibroids. You should make an appointment with a fibroid expert if you begin experiencing symptoms such as:
- Heavy bleeding that is getting worse or happening more often.
- Showing signs of anemia such as unusual fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc.
- New or increasing pelvic pain or pressure.
- Trouble with the normal function of your bladder or bowels.
- Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause.
These symptoms do not always mean that something is seriously wrong, but it is important that you do not ignore them.
What Are Your Options For Fibroid Treatments If You Do Not Want Surgery Right Now?
Not everyone needs or desires to undergo surgery for fibroids. There are different ways that fibroid symptoms can be managed while keeping a close eye on any changes.
Your options may include:
- Monitoring with regular checkups and imaging when needed.
- Medications that may help control bleeding or reduce symptoms.
- A minimally invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) that eliminates fibroids without surgery.
The best choice for you will depend on your symptoms, age, and specific circumstances. Some people only wish to find relief from their symptoms, while others may want a solution that will last long-term.
Surgical options that remove fibroids one at a time or that remove the entire uterus are often suggested by gynecologists.
UFE is a non-surgical alternative that has a 90% success rate and can treat most fibroids and alleviate their symptoms.
Where Can I Go To Learn More About The Removal Of Fibroids?
The Atlanta Fibroid Center and its board-certified interventional radiologists Dr. John Lipman and Dr. Sima Banerjee specialize in minimally invasive fibroid treatment using uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
Dr. John C. Lipman, MD, FSIR, is recognized throughout the U.S. and in other countries for his extensive experience and expertise. He has performed over 10,000 UFE procedures and has established the Atlanta Fibroid Center as a center for excellence in non-surgical fibroid care.
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and are dealing with heavy bleeding, pain, or other symptoms of fibroids, the Atlanta Fibroid Center can help. Set up your consultation today to learn more.
FAQs
What Happens if Fibroids Are Not Removed?
If the fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, nothing serious normally happens. Some women choose to just monitor their fibroids for any significant changes instead of immediately treating them. It depends on how the fibroids behave in the future and if they affect your daily life.
Can Untreated Fibroids Cause Anemia?
Yes. Heavy or prolonged bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and other serious issues.
Do Fibroids Shrink After Menopause?
Yes. Most of the time after menopause your lower hormone levels can cause the fibroids to shrink. Symptoms like heavy periods usually improve, but some women still report symptoms of pressure or bloating.
Why Is Bleeding After Menopause so Concerning if I Have Fibroids?
Bleeding after menopause is not considered normal and should always be looked into. Fibroids can be one reason you may experience bleeding, but there may be other causes that need to be ruled out.
How Are Fibroids Checked?
Fibroids are often discovered during a pelvic exam and then checked using an ultrasound. Imaging tests can help show their size, location, and any changes that occur over the years.
