Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. These growths are common, affecting a significant portion of individuals with a uterus, with estimates ranging from 40% to 80% by age 50. While many people have fibroids without symptoms, their presence can lead to various sensations and physical changes. Understanding these can help individuals recognize when fibroids might be present.
What a Fibroid Feels Like to Touch
Feeling a fibroid through the abdomen is not always possible, particularly if small or located deep within the uterine wall. When large and favorably positioned, typically on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal fibroids), it may be detectable. These larger fibroids can create a noticeable enlargement or distension in the lower abdomen, sometimes leading to a visible change in abdominal shape.
Upon external touch, a fibroid might feel firm, hard, or rubbery. Some individuals report a lumpy or irregular sensation, while others feel a smoother, more rounded mass. This sensation is distinct from general abdominal bloating or tenderness, often feeling like a defined growth that may or may not be movable under the skin. However, self-palpation is not a definitive diagnostic method, as other conditions can also cause abdominal masses or swelling.
Common Internal Sensations
Beyond direct touch, fibroids can cause a range of internal sensations and discomforts. A common feeling is pelvic pressure or fullness, often described as a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen. This pressure can extend to the back, leading to persistent backache, or even down the legs, causing leg pain.
Fibroids can also exert pressure on nearby organs. If a fibroid presses on the bladder, it can result in increased urinary frequency, a constant urge to urinate, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder. Similarly, fibroids towards the back of the uterus can press against the rectum or colon, causing constipation or rectal pressure. Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse is another internal sensation some individuals with fibroids may experience.
How Size and Location Affect Feelings
The size and specific location of a fibroid significantly influence the type and intensity of sensations an individual experiences. Intramural fibroids, growing within the muscular wall of the uterus, can cause the uterus to enlarge, contributing to a general feeling of fullness or heaviness. Submucosal fibroids, which develop just beneath the uterine lining and grow into the uterine cavity, are commonly associated with heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding, and severe cramping or sharp pain during menstruation.
Subserosal fibroids, growing on the outer surface of the uterus, often cause pressure symptoms by pushing against surrounding organs. An anterior subserosal fibroid might press on the bladder, causing urinary issues, while a posterior one could press on the rectum, leading to bowel problems or lower back pain. Pedunculated fibroids, attached by a stalk, can cause acute pain if their stalk twists, interrupting blood supply. This torsion results in sudden, severe abdominal pain.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
Seek medical guidance if you experience symptoms suggesting uterine fibroids. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent pelvic pain that does not resolve, especially if severe. Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, requiring frequent sanitary product changes or causing anemia, also warrants medical evaluation.
Other signs needing professional assessment include significant abdominal swelling or an enlarged stomach area not related to weight gain, and new or worsening difficulties with urination or defecation. A medical evaluation, often including imaging tests like an ultrasound, is necessary for accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions.