Don’t Ignore These 5 Warning Signs of Uterine Fibroids

At John A. Whitfield, MD, we believe that understanding your reproductive health is the first step toward living a comfortable, vibrant life. Led by Dr. John A. Whitfield, our single-physician gynecology practice in Fort Worth, Texas, specializes in diagnosing and managing complex conditions like fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are benign, non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow in or on the uterus. While up to 80% of women develop them by age 50, only about 25% to 30% experience symptoms severe enough to require medical care, according to Frontiers in Global Women’s Health (2025). If you experience symptoms, it is crucial not to ignore them.

What are the warning signs of uterine fibroids?

The most common warning signs of uterine fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent daytime urination, sleep-disrupting nighttime urination, chronic pelvic pressure, and pain during intercourse. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you get the targeted care you need before complications arise. Here are the five warning signs you should never ignore:

Heavy menstrual bleeding: This is the most common symptom, affecting up to 79% of symptomatic patients according to research in Biomolecules (2023). If you experience abnormal bleeding or pass large blood clots, fibroids may be disrupting your uterus’s ability to contract properly.
Frequent daytime urination: When fibroids grow on the outer wall or front of your uterus, they press directly against your bladder. This mechanical pressure reduces your bladder’s capacity, triggering frequent urges to go even when your bladder is mostly empty.
Nighttime urination (nocturia): Waking up multiple times a night to urinate is another classic sign of bladder compression. A study shared by the Atlanta Fibroid Center (2022) found that 47% of symptomatic women suffer from nocturia due to fibroid pressure, which can severely disrupt your sleep.
Chronic pelvic pain or pressure: As these tumors enlarge, they can cause a persistent feeling of heaviness or fullness in your lower abdomen. This extra weight can also force your pelvic floor muscles to overwork, leading to chronic pelvic discomfort.
Pain during intercourse: Deep pelvic pain during intimacy is a frequent warning sign. The physical presence of the fibroids, combined with pelvic muscle tension, can make intercourse highly uncomfortable.

How do we treat uterine fibroids in Fort Worth, Texas?

We treat uterine fibroids using highly personalized, modern approaches that range from advanced oral medications to minimally invasive surgeries like myomectomy or a hysterectomy. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and we always focus on your unique health goals.

Whether you want to preserve your fertility with a tissue-sparing myomectomy or require a more definitive surgical solution, we will work closely with you to design the right treatment plan.

Don’t let pelvic pain or heavy bleeding control your life. If you recognize any of these warning signs of uterine fibroids, our dedicated team is here to help you find answers.

To explore your treatment options and feel your best again, schedule a visit with our team at our Fort Worth office today.