Fibroid Awareness Month 2022: Heavy bleeding and intense pain in lower abdomen could be a sign of uterine fibroid. Uterine fibroids are quite common in women in their reproductive age and as per studies around 25% to 50% women in India experience them. While most of these fibroids are harmless, many of them grow into large tumours resulting in painful symptoms. However, unlike popularly believed, they are noncancerous and there are little chances of them turning malignant. (Also read: Fibroid Awareness Month 2022: Are uterine fibroids cancerous growths in one’s uterus? Doctor answers)Depending on their size and shape, the symptoms of uterine fibroid can differ from person to person. While some may not experience any symptoms, others could struggle with extreme ones.
"Fibroids are the most common and noncancerous tumour of the uterus. Around 40% to 80% of women of reproductive age group have fibroids. Fibroids can develop in the form of one nodule or come in clusters. They can change the size, shape and volume of the uterus. Fibroid clusters can vary in size from 1 mm to 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter or much bigger. Such large tumours can cause intense lower abdominal pain during menstruation and heavy bleeding," says Dr Manish Kumar, Consultant Interventional Radiologist, Ruby General Hospital & Medica Superspeciality Hospital, Kolkata.