Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment other than regular observation by a physician. However, some women who have uterine fibroids may experience the following symptoms:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common symptom with some women.
• Increased abdominal size may cause pressure-related symptoms.
• Intense abdominal pain during menstruation due to many fibroids.
• Chronic pelvic pain from the large myomas pressing on the lumbar and sacral nerve trunks.
• Infertility can occur by compression of the fallopian tubes or by preventing sperm movement through the uterine cavity.
• Increased urinary frequency due to the compression of the urinary bladder by a large fibroid.
• Pressure on the adjacent rectum can cause constipation and hemorrhoids.
• Prolonged and heavy menstrual cycles.
• Pelvic pressure or pain with sexual intercourse.

Fibroids may be discovered during a routine gynecologic examination or during prenatal care. The gynecologist will typically perform an ultrasound examination to identify the size and location of the fibroids and to determine if the uterus is enlarged.

In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound may be necessary to see the uterus more clearly. Generally, there is little if no discomfort with this procedure.

Other methods for identifying uterine fibroids are MRI and CT. Although the two are very similiar in imaging modalities, the MRI is the most sensitive of the tests. The MRI uses radio waves and magnets to get the most detailed evaluation of the pelvic structure and size and location of the fibroids. Both imaging modalities are painless and can give accurate and clear information on the presence of fibroids.