Many women hear about uterine fibroids for the first time during a routine health check-up, fertility evaluation, or pregnancy scan. If you’ve recently been told that you have fibroids, it’s completely normal to have questions and concerns.
Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KIMS Cuddles, Kondapur, Hyderabad, notes that fibroids are very common and are usually non-cancerous. While some women never experience any problems, others may notice symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, or difficulty getting pregnant.
The effect of fibroids can vary from woman to woman, depending on their size, number, and location. Let’s understand what uterine fibroids are, the symptoms they can cause, what makes them grow, and whether they can affect pregnancy.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made up of muscle and tissue and are almost always non-cancerous.
Fibroids can be very small and go unnoticed, or they can grow larger over time. Some women have only one fibroid, while others may have several. They are most commonly seen in women during their childbearing years and often become less of a concern after menopause.
Many women may have fibroids without even knowing it because they do not always cause symptoms. However, when fibroids become larger or are located in certain areas of the uterus, they may lead to discomfort and other health concerns.
👩⚕️ Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy Explains:
“The majority of women I see in my clinic are actually surprised to learn they have fibroids — because they had no symptoms. The key is not to panic. Fibroids are manageable, and with the right assessment, we can create a plan that fits your life and your future pregnancy goals.”
— Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy, KIMS Cuddles, Hyderabad
Uterine Fibroids Symptoms: Signs You Should Not Ignore
Not every woman with fibroids experiences symptoms. In fact, many fibroids are found accidentally during an ultrasound. When symptoms do occur, the most common uterine fibroids symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Periods that last longer than usual
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Frequent need to urinate
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty conceiving in some cases
Heavy bleeding over a long period can also lead to low iron levels in the body, making women feel tired, weak, or dizzy.
If your periods are affecting your daily life or you are experiencing ongoing pelvic discomfort, Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy advises that you should not delay seeking expert opinion. Early diagnosis allows for a far wider range of treatment options, including fertility-preserving approaches.
🎥 Watch: Dr. Shilpi Reddy on Women’s Health
An interview covering common gynaecological concerns, including heavy periods, PCOD, and when to seek specialist care:
What Causes Uterine Fibroids to Grow?
One of the most common questions women ask is: what causes uterine fibroids to grow? While the exact reason is not fully known, doctors believe that several factors can play a role.
Hormones
Female hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, are thought to encourage fibroid growth. This is one reason why fibroids are more common during the reproductive years and may shrink after menopause.
Family History
Fibroids often run in families. If your mother, sister, or close relatives had fibroids, you may have a higher chance of developing them as well.
Pregnancy
Hormone levels naturally increase during pregnancy. Because of this, some fibroids may grow during pregnancy, while others remain the same size or even become smaller.
Being Overweight
Studies suggest that women who are overweight may have a higher risk of developing fibroids.
Lifestyle Factors
Lack of regular exercise and unhealthy eating habits may also contribute to the growth of fibroids in some women.
Although these factors may increase the risk, every woman is different. Some women develop fibroids without having any known risk factors.
💡 Dr. Shilpi Reddy’s Insight on Fibroid Risk:
Research has associated being overweight with a higher reported rate of fibroids, but an association is not the same as a cause, and fibroids also occur in women with no identified risk factors. General guidance on nutrition, weight and overall health forms part of routine gynaecological care; it is not a treatment for fibroids and is not established as a way of preventing them.
Learn more about her holistic approach: drkshilpireddy.com/about-us →
Can Uterine Fibroids Affect Pregnancy?
This is a concern for many women who are planning to become mothers. The reassuring news is that most women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. However, in some cases, fibroids may increase the chances of certain pregnancy-related problems.
During Pregnancy
Large fibroids or multiple fibroids may sometimes:
- Reduce the space available for the baby inside the uterus
- Affect the position of the baby before delivery
- Increase the chances of preterm labour
- Cause abdominal pain if the fibroid outgrows its blood supply
- Affect the placement of the placenta
Your doctor may recommend additional ultrasound scans during pregnancy to monitor both the baby and the fibroids.
During Delivery
Depending on their size and location, fibroids may occasionally make labour more challenging. For example, they may:
- Block the birth canal
- Increase the likelihood of a caesarean section (C-section)
- Cause the uterus to contract less effectively after delivery
Even with these possibilities, many women with fibroids are able to have a vaginal delivery. Whether that is appropriate in an individual case — including where a previous caesarean section means VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) is being considered — depends on the size, number and position of the fibroids, the obstetric history and the clinical assessment at the time. The mode of delivery is discussed and planned with each patient individually.
When to Seek Medical Advice
An individual medical evaluation is warranted if you experience:
- Persistent heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Ongoing pelvic or lower back pain
- Symptoms of anaemia, such as tiredness, weakness or dizziness
- Difficulty conceiving, or concerns about fertility
These symptoms have several possible causes and do not confirm fibroids on their own. An assessment, usually including an ultrasound scan, is needed to establish the diagnosis and to discuss what management is appropriate for you.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment: What Are the Options?
The right uterine fibroids treatment depends on several factors, including your symptoms, age, fibroid size, and future pregnancy plans.
Fibroid treatment depends on symptoms, size, location, reproductive plans and clinical assessment. Whether the patient wishes to have children in the future is an important part of that discussion, and the options are reviewed with each patient before a plan is agreed.
Medications
For mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend medicines to help control pain, reduce heavy bleeding, and improve iron levels if anaemia is present.
Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal Surgery)
A myomectomy is a surgery that removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. This is often the preferred option for women who wish to have children in the future. Laparoscopic and robotic myomectomy are minimally invasive approaches, which in suitable cases involve smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period than open surgery. Whether a minimally invasive approach is possible depends on the size, number and position of the fibroids. Dr. Shilpi Reddy is fellowship-trained in laparoscopic surgery (BEAMS, Mumbai).
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)
This is a minimally invasive procedure that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
Vascular Occlusion Techniques
We also offer advanced vascular surgery procedures that go a step further. These techniques involve identifying and occluding (blocking) the specific blood vessels that feed the fibroid. We use specialised agents including silicon gel and glue occlusions to precisely seal off these feeding vessels, causing the fibroids to shrink naturally over time — without removing the uterus.
This approach may be considered for women who wish to avoid open surgery. Suitability, benefits and risks vary between individuals and require clinical assessment; it is not appropriate in every case.
Radiofrequency Ablation
This treatment uses heat to shrink fibroids and usually involves a shorter recovery period compared to traditional surgery.
Hysterectomy
For women with severe symptoms who do not plan to have children in the future, removing the uterus is one option that resolves fibroid-related symptoms permanently. Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) and LAVH are among the surgical approaches available, and the choice depends on individual clinical factors.
🎥 Watch: Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy’s Story — Her Mission & Approach to Women’s Healthcare
Understand the vision and values that drive Dr. Shilpi Reddy’s approach to every patient — from fibroid management to fertility and natural birthing:
▶️ My Story — Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy on YouTube →
Follow her on Instagram for daily health tips: @dr.k.shilpireddy →
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should not ignore symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, or difficulty getting pregnant. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and allow you to explore the best treatment options.
If you are planning a pregnancy and know that you have fibroids, Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy strongly recommends consulting a specialist before conception. A simple check-up and ultrasound can help assess whether the fibroids are likely to affect your pregnancy — and if needed, a fertility-preserving myomectomy can be planned well in advance.
Appointments
For appointment information, see the Contact page.
This article is educational and does not replace medical consultation. For advice about your own symptoms, please consult a qualified clinician.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are common, and in most cases, they are not dangerous. However, they can sometimes cause symptoms that affect your daily life, fertility, or pregnancy.
Understanding what uterine fibroids are, recognising uterine fibroids symptoms, and knowing what causes uterine fibroids to grow can help you take the right steps toward better health. With timely diagnosis and the right uterine fibroids treatment, most women can successfully manage fibroids and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
If you have concerns about fibroids, heavy periods or fertility, an individual assessment is the right next step. Appointment information is available on the Contact page.
About the Author
Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy practises Obstetrics & Gynaecology at KIMS Cuddles, Kondapur, Hyderabad. Her areas of practice include high-risk pregnancy, VBAC counselling, laparoscopic and robotic gynaecological surgery, fertility management, and the management of fibroids.
She holds a DNB in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and fellowships in laparoscopic surgery (BEAMS Mumbai) and infertility (Oasis Centre, Hyderabad). She is also an author, social activist, and founder of the Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy Foundation for Women’s Empowerment.
🌐 www.drkshilpireddy.com | 📷 @dr.k.shilpireddy | 🎬 YouTube Channel
