Are uterine fibroids cancer?

Almost never. Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) growths. A cancerous fibroid (leiomyosarcoma) is rare, cited as fewer than 1 in 1,000, and having fibroids does not raise your risk of other uterine cancers.

How do I know if my periods are too heavy?

Signs of clinically heavy bleeding include soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, passing large clots, periods lasting longer than a week, or feeling tired, weak, or short of breath. Any of these is worth an evaluation.

Do fibroids always need treatment?

No. Many fibroids cause no symptoms and can simply be watched. Treatment depends on how much your symptoms bother you, the size and location of the fibroids, and whether you want to preserve fertility.

Will fibroids affect my ability to get pregnant?

Most people with fibroids conceive without difficulty. Fibroids that distort the inside of the uterus can affect fertility and raise the chance of pregnancy complications, so it helps to discuss family-planning goals with your clinician when choosing treatment.

Do fibroids go away on their own?

They often stop growing or shrink after menopause as estrogen levels fall. Until then, watchful waiting is a reasonable option for fibroids that are not causing problems.

Is there a permanent cure for fibroids?

Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is the only definitive cure, and it ends fertility. All other treatments manage symptoms or remove individual fibroids while keeping the uterus, and fibroids can come back.

Women's Health

Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Uterine fibroids are common, usually benign growths in the uterus. Learn the symptoms, how common they are, and when heavy bleeding or pain means it is time to see your clinician.

Morningside Medical Team

Reviewed by Mary Ojo-Carons, MD, Women's Health

Uterine fibroids are muscular growths in the wall of the uterus, and they are almost always benign (noncancerous). They are very common, and most cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do show up, they usually fall into three groups: heavy or long menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or fullness, and pain.

Key Takeaways

Fibroids are the most common benign growth of the uterus in people of reproductive age, and many never need treatment (AAFP, 2025).
By age 50, an estimated 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids, most often in their 40s and early 50s.
The most common symptom is heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
Treatment is matched to your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and your fertility goals.
Sudden severe pelvic pain or very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting needs prompt care.

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that form in or on the wall of the uterus. They can be as small as a seed or large enough to change the shape of the uterus. They are the most common benign tumor of the uterus in people of reproductive age, and a cancerous fibroid is rare, cited as fewer than 1 in 1,000.

How common are they?

Very common. Federal health materials estimate that 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids by age 50. When researchers use ultrasound to look for fibroids regardless of symptoms, the numbers are even higher, because many fibroids go unnoticed without imaging (Baird et al., 2003). Fibroids show up most often in the 40s and early 50s, and they often stop growing or shrink after menopause.

What are the symptoms?

Most fibroids cause no symptoms. When they do, symptoms tend to cluster into a few patterns (AAFP, 2025):

Bleeding

Heavy or long menstrual periods are the most common symptom. Ongoing heavy bleeding can cause iron-deficiency anemia, which shows up as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath. If you are tracking changes in your period, our guide on understanding your menstrual cycle can help you spot what is normal for you.

Pressure and bulk

As the uterus enlarges, you may feel pelvic pressure or fullness, notice your abdomen looks bigger, or need to urinate more often. Some people have trouble fully emptying the bladder or deal with constipation.

Pain

Pelvic pain, low back pain, and pain during intercourse can all happen with fibroids.

When should I see a clinician?

Make an appointment (non-urgent, but do not ignore) if you have any of these (Mayo Clinic; AAFP, 2025):

Heavy or prolonged periods, or bleeding between periods
Pelvic pressure, fullness, or a feeling that your abdomen is enlarging
Frequent urination, trouble emptying your bladder, or constipation
Pain during intercourse or ongoing low back or pelvic pain
Signs of anemia: unusual tiredness, weakness, paleness, or shortness of breath

Seek prompt or emergency care for:

Sudden, sharp, or severe pelvic or abdominal pain that does not ease with pain medication
Very heavy bleeding with lightheadedness, fainting, a racing heartbeat, or extreme weakness
Fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge along with pelvic pain

Heavy bleeding and pelvic pain have many possible causes, and fibroids can occur alongside another condition that is the real source of your symptoms (Cleveland Clinic). That is why new, changed, or worsening symptoms are always worth an evaluation rather than a guess.

How are fibroids treated?

Treatment is matched to your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and your fertility goals (AAFP, 2025; womenshealth.gov):

Watchful waiting for fibroids that are not causing problems.
Medications such as NSAIDs, tranexamic acid for bleeding, hormonal options (combined contraceptives or a levonorgestrel IUD), GnRH agonists or antagonists, and iron for anemia.
Procedures such as myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation, MRI-guided focused ultrasound, and endometrial ablation.
Hysterectomy, the only definitive cure, which ends fertility.

Our women's health team can help you weigh these options and build a plan that fits your body and your goals.

A warm note before you go

Fibroids are common, usually harmless, and very manageable. You do not have to live with heavy periods or pelvic pressure just because they are common. If something feels off, we would love to help you sort it out.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your clinician about your specific situation.

Book an appointment with our women's health team today.