Fibroids: How to Detect Them and Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
WOMB INVADERS: Real Talk About Things That Attack Your Reproductive Health
Episode 1 : Fibroids: How to Detect Them and Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Spoiler: if you're bleeding through a super-plus tampon in an hour, that's not normal. And it might be a sign of uterine fibroids.
Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi, an OB-GYN specialist, breaks down how fibroids are detected, what they look like on ultrasound, and the symptoms that should send you straight to your doctor. Here's what you need to know — no panic, just facts.
📺 Watch Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi's Explanation (Indonesian with visuals):
Source: Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi, Sp.OG YouTube Channel
First Things First: What Are Fibroids, Really?
Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They're incredibly common — some studies suggest up to 70-80% of women will have them by age 50. The crazy part? Most don't even know it.
Fibroids can be as small as a pea or as large as a melon. They can grow inside the uterine cavity, within the uterine wall, or on the outside surface. And their location often determines what symptoms you'll feel — or whether you'll feel anything at all.
How Fibroids Are Detected: The Role of Ultrasound
According to Dr. Sita, the primary tool for detecting fibroids is ultrasound (USG). It's simple, non-invasive, and gives doctors a clear picture of what's happening inside your uterus.
On an ultrasound, fibroids typically appear as:
- Hypodense masses — they look darker than the surrounding tissue on the screen.
- Well-defined borders — unlike some other growths, fibroids usually have clear edges.
- Variable sizes — from tiny spots that are barely visible to large masses that distort the uterine shape.
But here's the thing Dr. Sita emphasizes: it's not enough to just know you have a fibroid. You need to know exactly where it's located. A fibroid inside the uterine cavity (submucosal) will cause different problems than one on the outer wall (subserosal). That's why a thorough ultrasound by a skilled OB-GYN matters.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Many women with fibroids have zero symptoms. They discover them accidentally during a routine checkup or pregnancy ultrasound. But when fibroids cause trouble, here's what to watch for:
1. Heavy Bleeding with Clots
This is the #1 red flag. If you're passing blood clots larger than a quarter, or soaking through a pad or tampon every hour, that's not "just a heavy period." That's your uterus screaming for attention.
2. Bleeding Between Periods
Spotting or bleeding when you're not supposed to be menstruating? Get it checked. It could be fibroids, but it could also be other conditions that need evaluation.
3. Abnormally Heavy Menstrual Flow
If your period has become heavier than usual — like, suddenly needing double protection or changing your routine because you're afraid of leaks — don't dismiss it as "just getting older."
4. Pelvic Pressure or Pain
Some women describe it as a dull ache, a feeling of fullness, or even sharp pains. Large fibroids can press on the bladder (hello, frequent urination) or the bowel.
5. Anemia Symptoms
If you're losing a lot of blood each month, you might become anemic. Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness — all signs your iron stores are depleted.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Dr. Sita's advice is straightforward: don't wait until the symptoms become unbearable. If you notice any of the signs above — especially changes in your bleeding pattern — schedule an appointment.
And if you're already diagnosed with fibroids but your symptoms are getting worse? Go back. Fibroids can grow, shift, and change over time. What was manageable a year ago might need attention now.
The Good News: Most Fibroids Are Manageable
Here's the thing that often gets lost in all the medical talk: having fibroids doesn't mean you need surgery. Many women manage them with monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, or medications. Treatment depends on:
- Your age and whether you want future pregnancies
- The size and location of fibroids
- How severe your symptoms are
- How fast they're growing
Options range from "watch and wait" to medication to minimally invasive procedures to surgery. The key is finding what works for your body and your life.
A Message to You
If you're reading this because you suspect something's off with your body — trust that instinct. You know your cycle better than anyone. If it's changed, if something feels different, if the bleeding is worse — you're not overreacting by getting it checked.
Fibroids are common. They're also manageable. But you can't manage what you don't know about.
So make that appointment. Ask for that ultrasound. And if a doctor dismisses your concerns? Find another doctor. Your health is worth the effort.
📖 More from the Womb Invaders series:
- Episode 1: Massive Ovarian Cyst in a Teenager — Can the Ovary Be Saved?
- Episode 3: Endometriosis — When Uterine Tissue Grows Where It Shouldn't
- Episode 4: PCOS — The Hormone Disruptor You Need to Understand
- Episode 5: Adenomyosis — When the Uterine Wall Thickens from Within
- Episode 6: Ovarian Cancer — What to Watch For (Without Panicking)
Your body talks to you through symptoms. The question is: are you listening? Heavy bleeding, pain, changes in your cycle — they're not just annoyances. They're messages. Pay attention. Get checked. Take care of your womb.
— Summary and adaptation from Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi, Sp.OG's video
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