---
title: "Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Fibroid symptoms including heavy periods and pelvic pressure, how they are diagnosed, and treatment choices."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/uterine-fibroids/
robots: noindex
---

# Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Fibroid symptoms including heavy periods and pelvic pressure, how they are diagnosed, and treatment choices.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are fibroids? Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the womb. Many cause no symptoms; others cause heavy or painful periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation or fertility problems. Treatment is only needed when symptoms affect health or daily life.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about fibroids

- Fibroids are benign and often shrink after menopause.
- Heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia.
- Medicines, procedures and surgery are selected around symptoms and fertility plans.

## Common symptoms

Possible symptoms include heavy or painful periods, abdominal or lower-back discomfort, pressure, needing to pee often, [constipation](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/constipation/) and pain during sex.

## Diagnosis

Assessment may include examination, blood tests for anaemia and an [ultrasound](https://healthanswers.co.uk/tests/ultrasound-scan/). Some people need hysteroscopy or MRI to clarify size and position.

## Treatment choices

Options range from medicines for bleeding and pain to uterine artery embolisation, myomectomy or hysterectomy. Decisions should include whether future pregnancy is important.

## ! When to see a GP about fibroids

See a GP for very heavy or painful periods, persistent pelvic pressure, bleeding between periods or symptoms of anaemia. Seek urgent help for extremely heavy bleeding with dizziness, fainting, breathlessness or severe pain.

## Common questions about fibroids

Can fibroids turn into cancer? Fibroids are benign. Cancerous womb growths are different and very rare, but unexpected or changing symptoms still need assessment. Do fibroids affect fertility? Most do not. Size and location matter, and a specialist can discuss options if fertility or pregnancy is affected. Do all fibroids need treatment? No. Fibroids without troublesome symptoms often only need observation.

## Sources

- [NHS — Fibroids](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 August 2026 Medically reviewed 1 August 2026 Next review due 1 August 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team. Published by HealthAnswers (Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd). [How we review content](https://healthanswers.co.uk/about/how-we-review/) · [Report a problem with this page](mailto:corrections@healthanswers.co.uk?subject=Problem%20with%3A%20Fibroids&body=Page%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fhealthanswers.co.uk%2Fconditions%2Futerine-fibroids%2F%0A%0AWhat%20looks%20wrong%20or%20out%20of%20date%3A%0A)