Fibroids are the single most common solid pelvic tumors in women. Found in up to 70% of women, the average affected uterus has six to seven fibroids. Luckily, they only cause symptoms in about 25% of reproductive age women. Unfortunately, the symptoms of fibroid cysts can often be fairly severe.

Here are just a few such awful signs and symptoms of fibroids to watch out for.

Pain or Discomfort During Sexual Intercourse.

One of the most significant symptoms of fibroid cysts is discomfort or pain during intercourse. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, they may make intercourse uncomfortable, or even painful in specific positions, or at certain times of the menstrual cycle. While fibroids won’t cause intercourse to be painful at all times, these symptoms of fibroid cysts are serious enough to warrant a doctor visit. If your primary care physician or OB/GYN doesn’t ask about these symptoms of fibroid cysts, you should definitely mention it.

Lower Back Pain. 

Sometimes, fibroids will develop on the back surface of the uterus. Depending on how large these cysts get, they could press against the lower back’s nerves and muscles, which can cause a good amount of back pain. Fibroids that develop within the uterine wall are less likely to cause back pain. However, because this is such a common problem, it’s vital that you look for other potential causes of the problem before blaming fibroids.

Rectal Pressure.

One of the most surprising symptoms of fibroid cysts is rectal pressure. Sometimes, fibroids can develop in such a way that they press against the rectum, which causes several problems including the feeling of rectal fullness, difficulty having bowel movements, and even could lead to the development of hemmorrhoids.

Typically, fibroids need to be removed in order to abate symptoms. Though there are medicinal uterine fibroids treatment options, they typically only control the symptoms, and do not get rid of them altogether. Uterine fibroid surgery is realistically the only method of uterine fibroid removal.

If you think you’re suffering from the symptoms of fibroid cysts, talk to your doctor. If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.