What happens if uterine fibroids is not treated?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus. Some cause no symptoms and can be monitored, while others enlarge or change the shape of the uterine cavity. Ongoing heavy or prolonged periods can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, with tiredness, breathlessness or paleness. Fibroids can also cause painful periods, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder or bowel, persistent bloating and bleeding between periods. Depending on their size and position, they may make getting pregnant harder or affect pregnancy care.

Symptoms do not reliably show how many fibroids are present or how quickly they may change. An ultrasound or other assessment helps match treatment to symptoms, location, size and pregnancy plans.

Book a gynaecology review if bleeding, pain, pressure or fertility concerns are affecting daily life. Keep a record of bleeding, clots, pain and bladder or bowel symptoms. Your clinician may check for anaemia and arrange imaging. Treatment can include medicines, procedures or surgery; a Hormonal Coil may reduce heavy menstrual bleeding for some people, although it may not suit every uterine shape or fertility plan. The right choice depends on your symptoms and whether you hope to become pregnant.

Seek urgent care for bleeding that rapidly soaks through protection, fainting, severe or sudden pelvic pain, fever, or breathlessness at rest. Contact a clinician promptly if bleeding persists between periods, periods become much heavier, or you have new pressure symptoms. A positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding also needs timely assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms may be causing anaemia, where the fibroids are located, whether monitoring is reasonable, how treatment affects fertility, and which changes should trigger an earlier appointment.