Uterine fibroids are muscular growths that originate within the uterus. They vary in size, shape, and position, and they're extremely common. Up to 80% of women get fibroids during their lifetime.

Fibroids are virtually always benign (noncancerous), and most women experience no obvious symptoms. Unfortunately, one of the symptoms that can develop is severe pain.

If you experience chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, or frequent urination, you may have uterine fibroids, which can be treated to alleviate your symptoms.

Uterine fibroids: The source of your pelvic pain?

Fibroids can range in size from little than a pinhead to large enough to deform your uterine shape. Small fibroids frequently go unreported since they do not produce symptoms. The larger the fibroid or the more fibroids you have, the more likely you will experience symptoms.

Pain is the most prevalent symptom of uterine fibroids.

• Back pain
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Leg pain
• Pain during sex
• Pain that gets worse before or during your period
• Pain with urination or bowel movements

The discomfort might range from minor, sporadic aches to severe, almost continual pain.

Other symptoms of fibroids

Fibroids cause more than just pain. You may also experience:

• Constipation
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days
• Pelvic pressure
• Frequent urination

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist.

Your treatment options for painful fibroids

Fibroids that do not cause symptoms rarely require treatment. However, if fibroid pain impairs your life, you should not suffer in quiet. Your doctor may recommend a range of treatments for your fibroid pain relief, including:

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for mild pain. To ease pain, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. This medication is very useful for women who typically have only minor fibroid pain around their menstrual periods.

Birth control

Many common contraceptives can help reduce painful fibroid symptoms and control heavy menstrual bleeding.

Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend oral contraceptives, injections, or an intrauterine device (IUD). Birth control will not cause fibroids to grow larger, and the drugs are safe to take long-term.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas)

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) are another form of prescription drug to treat fibroids. GnRHas are offered as injections, implants, and nasal sprays.

The medicine shrinks fibroids and, in most cases, prevents menstruation. Your gynecologist may prescribe GnRHas only as a short-term treatment for fibroid symptoms, as the medicine might induce bone weakening.

Surgery for fibroids

If your fibroids produce moderate to severe pain, you may be a suitable candidate for fibroid surgery. Myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the remainder of your uterus intact, making it the best option for most women who wish to become pregnant in the future.

If you do not want to conceive again, your doctor may propose endometrial ablation or hysterectomy.

Ablation permanently damages the uterine lining, causing your menstrual periods to cease or slow. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus and the only option to prevent additional fibroids from growing in the future.

Can acupuncture help treat fibroid pain?

Acupuncture may relieve fibroid pain. Acupuncture is a treatment based on ancient Chinese medicine. It includes using needles to stimulate certain places on the skin to alter various regions of the body.

Current research suggests that acupuncture is an effective treatment for irregular bleeding and unpleasant menstrual cramps, although the evidence is conflicting. A review showed promising evidence for the use of acupuncture to treat menstruation pain. However, the authors discovered that the results were constrained by methodological errors.

More research is needed to understand whether these potential advantages apply to women with fibroid pain.