Uterine Fibroids (Uterus Myomatosus, Leiomyomas): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Usually, small leiomyomas/uterus myomatosus (fibroids of the uterus) do not cause symptoms and therefore tend to be diagnosed incidentally.

However, the following symptoms and complaints may indicate leiomyoma/uterine myomatosus:

  • Bleeding disorders:
    • Hypermenorrhea (bleeding is excessive (> 80 ml); usually the affected person consumes more than five pads/tampons per day; > 40% of cases).
    • Menorrhagia (bleeding is prolonged (> 6 days) and increased) – in intramural leiomyomas.
    • Metrorrhagia (acyclic bleeding: bleeding outside of actual menstruation; it is usually prolonged and increased, a regular cycle is not evident) – in submucosal leiomyomas.
    • Continuous bleeding – in (pedunculated) submucosal or intracavitary leiomyomas.
  • Dysmenorrhea – pain during menstruation.
  • Displacement symptoms when the leiomyoma presses against the urinary bladder, bowel, or vessels
    • Micturition discomfort – discomfort during urination.
    • Constipation (constipation)
  • Labor pains