TL;DR
Heavy or prolonged bleeding, frequent urination, and persistent bloating may be signs of uterine fibroids.
Fibroids can, in some cases, affect fertility by interfering with implantation or increasing the risk of miscarriage, depending on their size and location.
A fibroid specialist in Singapore can diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate management strategies, which may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.
Your periods get heavier, your lower abdomen feels a little fuller, or you find yourself more tired than usual.
Could these be symptoms of uterine fibroids? And when’s the right time to see a gynaecologist in Singapore?
To help you get clarity, we’ve compiled 7 key signs you should watch for. But, first, let’s look at how fibroids form.
What Are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle layer of the uterus. They can be as small as a seed or large enough to stretch the uterus beyond its usual size.
Where a fibroid grows matters as much as its size:
- Within the uterine wall (intramural): May cause pressure and heavier periods
- Inside the uterine cavity (submucosal): More likely to affect bleeding and fertility
- Outside the uterus (subserosal): Often linked to pressure on nearby organs
Fibroids are usually not cancerous, but they can still interfere with how your uterus functions, especially when they grow or multiply.
Who Is at Risk?
Fibroids are often diagnosed in women between their late twenties and forties, when hormone levels are highest.
You may be more likely to develop fibroids if you:
- Have a family history of fibroids
- Started your period at a younger age
- Have higher levels of circulating oestrogen
- Are considered overweight or obese
However, these are risk patterns rather than rules. You can develop fibroids without any of these factors, and you may not notice them until symptoms begin to affect your daily routine or menstrual cycle.
7 Signs of Uterine Fibroids You Shouldn’t Ignore
Knowing you are at risk is one thing. Recognising when something needs attention is another. These signs can help you decide when to see a gynaecologist for fibroids.
1. Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding
This is one of the most common signs that you may have fibroids. You may notice:
- Needing to change pads or tampons every one to two hours
- Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
- Passing large blood clots
- “Flooding” episodes where bleeding feels difficult to control
Fibroids can increase the surface area of the uterine lining or interfere with normal uterine contractions, making it harder for your body to regulate bleeding.
If this continues over several cycles, it can start to affect your iron levels and overall energy.
2. Pelvic Pain or Pressure
This is often described as a constant heaviness in the lower abdomen, rather than sharp pain. You may feel:
- A dull ache that lingers throughout the day
- Pressure when sitting for long periods
- Discomfort that worsens during your period
As fibroids grow, they take up space within the pelvis. This creates a sense of fullness, even if the fibroid itself is not painful.
3. Frequent Urination or Bladder Pressure
If you feel like you always need the toilet, but pass only small amounts of urine each time, this could be due to fibroid-related pressure.
Fibroids growing at the front of the uterus can:
- Compress the bladder
- Reduce how much urine it can hold
- Create a persistent urge to urinate
This is different from a urinary tract infection as there’s typically no burning sensation, just constant pressure.
4. Abdominal Swelling
You may notice your lower abdomen feeling:
- Firm or swollen (slightly stretched outward or enlarged)
- Larger even without weight gain
- Tight in clothing that previously fit
Unlike digestive bloating, abdominal swelling does not fluctuate much throughout the day. It tends to persist and, in some cases, gradually increase over time.
Larger fibroids can physically enlarge the uterus, which is why some women describe looking “a few months pregnant.”
5. Pain During Intercourse
Pain during intercourse can happen when fibroids:
- Sit near the cervix
- Distort the shape of the uterus
- Create pressure in deeper pelvic structures
You may feel:
- Deep pain with certain positions
- A sense of pressure rather than surface discomfort
6. Fertility Challenges or Pregnancy Complications
Not all fibroids affect your fertility, but some can. Fibroids located inside the uterine cavity or those that distort its shape may:
- Make it harder for an embryo to implant
- Increase the risk of miscarriage
- Affect how the uterus expands during pregnancy
If you have been trying to conceive for some time without success, it may be worth speaking to a fibroid specialist in Singapore. Book a consultation at W Gynae Women’s Clinic for an evaluation and treatment plan.
7. Fatigue or Anaemia
If you often feel:
- Tired even after resting
- Short of breath with mild activity
- Lightheaded or mentally foggy
These signs could be linked to iron deficiency from ongoing heavy bleeding. Anaemia develops gradually, so you may not notice it immediately. But it can affect how well you function day to day.
How a Fibroid Specialist Can Help
Seeing a fibroid specialist in Singapore is not just about confirming whether you have fibroids. It’s about understanding:
- Whether they are causing your symptoms
- How they may progress
- What your options are, based on your goals
Diagnostic Tests for Fibroids
Your assessment typically starts with an ultrasound, which allows your doctor to:
- Identify the number of fibroids
- Measure their size
- Determine their location
If more detail is needed, an MRI scan may be used to map the fibroids. In some cases, a hysteroscopy may also be recommended to directly view the inside of the uterus, particularly if bleeding or fertility is a concern.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If your symptoms are manageable, treatment may focus on control rather than removal. This may include:
- Medication to reduce heavy bleeding
- Hormonal treatments that may shrink fibroids or regulate cycles
- Uterine artery embolisation, which blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time
These approaches may help relieve symptoms, but they do not remove fibroids entirely.
Surgical and Minimally Invasive Procedures
If fibroids are significantly affecting your quality of life, surgery may be considered. Common options include:
- Myomectomy, which removes fibroids while preserving the uterus
- Hysteroscopic removal, for fibroids inside the uterine cavity
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, for fibroids within or outside the uterine wall
- Hysterectomy, referring to the removal of the uterus, is usually considered when other options are not suitable, or when fertility is not desired
The choice depends on factors such as symptom severity, fibroid size and location, and whether you plan to have children.
Contact a Fibroid Specialist in Singapore
From menstrual changes and pelvic discomfort to fertility concerns, fibroids can show up in different ways.
At W Gynae Women’s Clinic, you will receive a personalised evaluation to understand how these symptoms connect, whether fibroids are involved, and how they may affect your health or family planning.
Book a consultation today.