Fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size and number. If the fibroids are very large, this can cause excessive pain and swelling. For fibroids in numbers, symptoms can be unpredictable and range from frequent urination to heavy menstrual bleeding.
If you have fibroids, or had fibroids in the past, you may be aware of another very significant symptom: pain during sex. Due to the position of the fibroids within the uterus it can sometimes make sexual intercourse painful. This symptom is most common with fibroids that develop in the upper part of the uterus. Many women with large fibroids often find themselves abstaining from intercourse to avoid irritating their fibroids.
Other Fibroid Symptoms That Can Have an Impact
Abdomen Swelling
As mentioned earlier, fibroids can cause swelling of the abdomen. Some larger fibroids may even make a woman appear pregnant. These changes to the body can be hard to deal with for some and can affect self-esteem, especially during sexual encounters.
Large Fibroid Size
Large fibroids may also contribute to weight gain. A well-developed fibroid can weigh between 20 and 40 pounds. The largest fibroid on record weighed 140 pounds. If left untreated, fibroids can grow larger over time and result in weight gain.
Fibroids and Hormonal Issues
Research has shown that high levels of certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen can play a role in the development of fibroids. The fluctuation of hormones that occurs with fibroids can trigger a number of different symptoms to occur, one of them being low-libido. Low-libido can significantly decrease your sexual desire. When fibroids and sex are combined, some women with find themselves avoiding any sexual activity for years.
Although testosterone is mainly a male hormone, there are also small amounts of testosterone found in women. Testosterone and estrogen work together to helps repair female reproductive tissue, as well as regulate certain bodily functions like hair growth and sexual urges.
Fibroids and Sex: Don’t Let Fibroids Control You
Uterine fibroids are common, but that doesn’t mean they are not serious. No woman should ever have to suffer in pain and wonder if she will ever find relief. As Fibroid Fighters, we are committed to raising awareness of the impact of uterine fibroids and the availability of non-surgical treatment alternatives to hysterectomy.
Fibroids and sex can be complicated, and you may experience some pain or discomfort due to your fibroids. There are millions of women in the US that struggle with uterine fibroids. We want to empower you to make educated decisions when it comes to your reproductive health.
If you have questions about fibroids and sex, or are struggling with your fibroid symptoms, we are here for you. We are truly committed to educating women with fibroids on the various fibroid treatments available, what to expect with treatment, recovery, and more. Our goal is to provide simple-to-understand resources so you can feel confident when you make a fibroid treatment decision.
Share Your Fibroid Story
As Fibroid Fighters, we are committed to raising awareness about uterine fibroids and the symptoms they can cause. If you or someone you know has experience with uterine fibroids, we encourage you to share your story with us. This can provide a great resource for other women who may be struggling while allowing us to observe any patterns in fibroid development. Share your story and join the #FibroidFighters today.
