Last updated on June 20, 2026
Living with heavy periods, pelvic pain or bloating, and not sure what’s behind it? At Vein Doctors Sydney, we regularly see women seeking answers about uterine fibroids and effective treatment options that don’t require major surgery. If fibroids are affecting your quality of life, uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) may offer the relief you’re looking for.
In this article, we explain what uterine fibroids are, the symptoms to watch for, what causes them and the treatment options available to help you manage your condition.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or around the wall of the uterus. They are one of the most common gynaecological conditions, affecting a significant proportion of women during their reproductive years. Many women have fibroids without ever knowing it, as they don’t always cause noticeable symptoms. For others, however, fibroids can have a significant impact on daily life.
Key facts about uterine fibroids:
- Benign growths found in or around the uterus
- Vary widely in size, from as small as a seed to several centimetres in diameter
- Can occur as a single fibroid or in multiples
- May or may not cause symptoms depending on their size, number and location
7 Uterine Fibroid Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Fibroid symptoms can range from mild and manageable to severe and disruptive. If you recognise any of the following, it may be worth speaking to a specialist.
Heavy or Prolonged Periods
One of the most common and telling signs of uterine fibroids is unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This may include soaking through pads or tampons more quickly than normal, passing large clots or experiencing periods that last longer than seven days. Over time, heavy bleeding can lead to anaemia, causing fatigue and dizziness.
Pelvic Pain or Pressure
Many women with fibroids experience a persistent dull ache or feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. In some cases, the pain can become sharp, particularly if a fibroid begins to degenerate or twist on its stalk. The location and intensity of pain can vary depending on where the fibroids are situated within the uterus.
Frequent Urination
Fibroids located near the bladder can press against it, reducing its capacity and creating a constant or urgent need to urinate. Some women also find it difficult to fully empty their bladder. If you’ve noticed changes to your bladder habits without an obvious explanation, it may be due to uterine fibroids.
Abdominal Bloating or Swelling
Larger fibroids can cause visible swelling or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, which is sometimes mistaken for weight gain or bloating from other causes. Some women describe their abdomen as feeling firm or distended, particularly as fibroids grow over time.
Pain During Sex
Depending on their location, fibroids can cause discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia. This is more commonly reported with fibroids located near the cervix or the outer wall of the uterus. While this symptom can have several causes, it is worth discussing with your doctor if it is persistent.
Lower Back Pain
Fibroids located towards the back of the uterus can press on nerves and muscles in the lower back, causing ongoing aching or discomfort. This is often overlooked as a fibroid symptom, as lower back pain has many potential causes. If you’re experiencing it alongside other symptoms on this list, fibroids may be a contributing factor.
Fertility Issues or Difficult Conceiving
While many women with fibroids conceive without difficulty, certain types of fibroids, particularly those that distort the shape of the uterine cavity, can interfere with implantation or increase the risk of pregnancy complications. If you have been trying to conceive without success, it is worth asking your doctor whether fibroids could be a contributing factor.
When Should You See a Doctor About Fibroid Symptoms?
While not all fibroids require treatment, there are circumstances where seeking specialist advice promptly is important. You should consider seeing a doctor if you are experiencing:
- Severe or worsening menstrual bleeding that is disrupting your daily life or causing fatigue
- Pelvic pain or pressure that is persistent or getting worse
- Difficulty conceiving or recurrent pregnancy loss
- Urinary symptoms such as frequent urgency or difficulty emptying your bladder
- Rapid changes in symptoms or a noticeable increase in abdominal size
Early assessment enables timely diagnosis and gives you more options when it comes to treatment.
What Causes Uterine Fibroids?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but several factors are known to contribute to their development:
Hormones
Oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, appear to stimulate fibroid growth. Fibroids often shrink after menopause when hormone levels drop, which supports this link.
Genetics
Fibroids tend to run in families. If your mother or sister has had fibroids, your own risk is higher.
Age and Life Stage
Fibroids most commonly develop during the reproductive years, particularly in women in their 30s and 40s. They are rare before puberty and typically shrink after menopause.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment Options
Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids and whether you wish to preserve your fertility. Options range from medication to minimally invasive procedures and surgery.
Medications
Hormonal treatments can help manage fibroid symptoms, particularly heavy bleeding. Options may include hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), oral contraceptives or medications that temporarily suppress oestrogen production to reduce fibroid size. Medication is generally considered a short-term management tool rather than a permanent solution, as fibroids can regrow once treatment stops.
Surgical Options
Myomectomy involves the surgical removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. It is an option for women who wish to preserve their fertility and may be performed via open surgery, laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, depending on the fibroid type and location.
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and is the only treatment that guarantees fibroids will not return. It is generally considered when symptoms are severe and when other treatments have been ineffective. As a hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure, it carries risks and is not suitable for women who wish to retain their fertility.
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)
Uterine fibroid embolisation is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that treats fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. When this procedure is performed at Vein Doctors Sydney, Dr Ryan guides a thin catheter through a small puncture in the skin, delivering tiny embolic particles into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Without a blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink, and symptoms typically improve significantly.
How to Book an Appointment
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we are committed to providing personalised and compassionate care for patients seeking treatment for uterine fibroids. For more information on our services or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact our friendly staff by calling us on (02) 9023 9970, via our online form or by sending us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are uterine fibroids cancerous?
No. Uterine fibroids are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. The vast majority of fibroids pose no cancer risk. A very rare type of uterine cancer called leiomyosarcoma can resemble a fibroid on imaging, but this is uncommon.
Can uterine fibroids go away on their own?
In some cases, uterine fibroids can shrink or stabilise without treatment, particularly after menopause when hormone levels decline. However, fibroids do not typically “go away” completely on their own, especially during the reproductive years when oestrogen can promote their growth. If fibroids are causing symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pelvic pain, it’s important to explore appropriate treatment options rather than waiting for them to resolve naturally.
Do all uterine fibroids need treatment?
No, not all uterine fibroids require treatment, especially if they are small and not causing any symptoms. Many women live with fibroids without even realising it, and in these cases, monitoring may be all that’s needed. However, treatment may be recommended if fibroids lead to symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns.
How fast do uterine fibroids grow?
The growth rate of uterine fibroids can vary widely from person to person. Some fibroids grow slowly over several years, while others may increase in size more rapidly, particularly during hormonal changes such as pregnancy. In some cases, fibroids may also remain stable or even shrink over time, which is why regular monitoring is often recommended.
Is embolisation safe?
Yes, embolisation is generally considered a safe and well-established procedure when performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. It is minimally invasive, meaning it avoids open surgery, and most patients experience a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical options. As with any medical procedure, there are risks, but serious complications are uncommon, and your doctor will discuss them with you beforehand.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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