Uterine fibroids are very hard and firm tumors that cause symptoms based on their location in the uterus. Your fibroid pain location can vary, but it is commonly felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back depending on the size and position of the fibroids.
What Fibroids Cause Pain?
Subserosal fibroids (image below) are found just underneath the outer covering of the uterus. As they enlarge, they grow away from the uterus and will press on whatever structures lie next to them. The lateral and posteriorly located fibroids will often press on pelvic nerves to cause lower abdominal pain and pelvic pain, but can also cause the same sciatica pain in the back, buttocks, and hips that radiates down the legs that is experienced with a lower back strain. Not being aware of this latter point can lead healthcare providers to look for a source of pain in the lower back when it is actually from the fibroids.
Intramural fibroids are the most common type and are located in the muscle in between the other two locations for fibroids (image above). They too can enlarge and grow outwardly like the subserosal fibroids and cause the same pain as the subserosal variety.
The third type are called submucosal fibroids and are located underneath the uterine lining and responsible for causing heavy menstrual periods. They don’t directly cause pain like the other two types of fibroids, but they can indirectly be responsible for pain. These submucosal fibroids can cause extremely heavy and lengthy periods, often with blood literally gushing and flooding out with large clots. As these clots pass through the cervix and into the vagina, this will cause pain, particularly in women who have not had a vaginal birth. If the blood and clots come out immediately, the woman recognizes the correlation between the two. However, sometimes the blood and clots will sit in the vagina for a period of time before coming out, and the two events may not seem to be related (i.e., her pain from an hour or two ago and the passage of the blood and clots from her vagina).
Fibroid Pain Locations: What Types of Pain Do They Cause?
- Abdominal pain or stomach pain
- Subserosal fibroids, which develop on the outer surface of the uterus and can distort its natural shape and press on nearby organs to create abdominal pain and pressure
- Pelvic pain
- Lower abdominal pain is caused by submucosal and intramural fibroids that develop inside the uterus and can distort its natural shape and press on nearby organs to create pelvic pain and pressure.
- Back or leg pain
- Pain that feels like sciatica or radiates down the leg is most often caused by subserosal fibroids that are growing on the back of the uterus or numerous or large fibroids that have developed inside of the uterus, causing it to protrude or bulge outward. The fibroids press on the nerves and pinch them, causing this type of pain.
- Hip pain
- Large subserosal fibroids can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause hip pain that can range from mild to severe and can even make walking difficult.
- Groin Pain
- Fibroids can cause sharp or dull pain in the groin area by putting pressure on other organs, nerves, or blood vessels.
- Bladder discomfort
- Subserosal or intramural fibroids can press on the bladder, causing discomfort or frequent urination.
- Pain during sex
- All types of fibroids can make sexual intercourse painful or uncomfortable. Subserosal fibroids that are located near the cervix can press on nerves, and submucosal and intramural can exert pressure on other organs, making sex uncomfortable.
- Painful bowel movements
- A large fibroid on the back of the uterus, or an enlarged, retroverted uterus with fibroids, can put pressure on the colon, leading to constipation or painful bowel movements.
When To Get Help
Once it is discovered that the pain is due to fibroids, seeking out experts in the management of uterine fibroids is important. This will include a gynecologist, but it will also be important to seek an opinion from an experienced Interventional Radiologist so that all treatment options are explained to the patient. All too often only the surgical options are discussed, which is only part of what is available for treatment. In addition, lifestyle changes are often needed and input from dieticians, exercise trainers, and naturopathic providers can also be useful.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) has transformed the lives of patients who were tired of suffering and wanted their lives back without surgery. If you’re tired of suffering the pain from fibroids, which can include back pain, side pain, abdominal pain, groin pain, hip pain, stomach pain, leg pain, pain during sex, and more.
Contact the fibroid experts at the Atlanta Fibroid Center today and schedule an appointment to learn about all your fibroid treatment options. Call (770) 953-2600 or set up your consultation online.
