Fibroid tumors are benign tumors that grow on the smooth wall of the uterus. Many women are diagnosed with uterine fibroid tumors every year.  It is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain.  However, research suggests that more women have fibroid tumors than are diagnosed.  This is because many women do not recognize the symptoms of fibroid tumors.  They falsely believe that they just have bad periods.

The most common symptom of fibroid tumors is an unusually heavy period.  A normal period lasts four to five days, but women who have fibroid tumors often have periods that last a week or longer.  Their periods also tend to be very heavy, sometimes soaking a pad or tampon in one hour.  They may also experience bleeding between periods, which may indicate a serious problem.

One of the most common symptoms of fibroid tumors is pressure in the pelvis.  If you experience this pressure, so not shrug it off.  Pressure in the pelvic area is not normal, especially if the pressure is experienced over an extended period of time.  When this pressure is felt, it is usually a strong indication that the fibroid tumor is large. 

At this point, the size of the fibroid tumor may possibly be affecting the other organs in the abdominal area.  This can lead to further discomfort, especially during intercourse.  When a woman experiences pain during intercourse, it is usually a symptom of a larger problem.  Pain of this nature can indicate an infection or be a sign of fibroid tumors.

An enlarged fibroid tumor can also impact regular bladder function.  The tumor may put pressure on the bladder, causing the woman to feel as if she has to urinate.  This pressure can disrupt a normal work day and interrupt daily life.  The larger the fibroid tumor, the more pressure a woman will feel on her bladder.  Some women even report having to go to the bathroom every hour and feeling an almost constant need to urinate.

The bladder is not the only part of the excretory system that is impacted by a growing fibroid tumor.  Growing fibroids can also cause pressure on the bowels.  This can lead to constipation because the fibroid may be growing on or around the bowels.  This will not allow waste to move freely through the bowels, leading to constipation. 

Because a fibroid tumor is growing inside the abdomen, many women experience abdominal bloating.  As the tumor grows, the bloating will become more and more noticeable.  Some fibroid tumors can grow to be as large as a grapefruit.  This, of course, would cause considerable bloating.

All of these symptoms can make life very uncomfortable, but when combined, life can become unbearable.  It is advised that if you experience these symptoms you make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your doctor.  Your doctor will then suggest ways to help alleviate your symptoms.