Month: July 2026

If your periods have become heavier than they used to be, you feel a constant dull pressure in your lower abdomen, or you’ve been told something “showed up” on your ultrasound — uterine fibroids may be the answer. They are the most common non-cancerous growth in women of reproductive age, affecting an estimated 20–80% of women by the age of 50. In India, fibroids account for a significant proportion of gynaecological referrals, particularly in women between 30 and 50.

And yet, despite how common they are, fibroids remain widely misunderstood — and far too often, symptoms are dismissed as “just bad periods” for months or even years before a diagnosis is made.

Here’s a clear, complete guide to understanding uterine fibroids — what they are, why they develop, and what your treatment options actually look like in 2026.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids — clinically known as leiomyomas or myomas — are solid, non-cancerous growths made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or on the walls of the uterus. They can range in size from a small seed to, in rare cases, as large as a grapefruit. A woman can have one fibroid or several at a time.

Critically: fibroids are almost never cancerous. The risk of a fibroid becoming malignant (a condition called leiomyosarcoma) is less than 1 in 1,000. This is important context — a fibroid diagnosis is not a cancer diagnosis.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

The location of a fibroid within or around the uterus determines its type — and largely determines what symptoms it causes:

• Intramural fibroids — the most common type; grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. Can cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure as they enlarge.
• Submucosal fibroids — grow just beneath the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). Even small submucosal fibroids can cause heavy bleeding and are most likely to affect fertility.
• Subserosal fibroids — develop on the outer surface of the uterus; tend to cause pelvic pressure, back pain, and urinary symptoms rather than heavy bleeding.
• Pedunculated fibroids — attached to the uterus by a stalk; can sometimes cause sharp, twisting pain if the stalk rotates.

Uterine Fibroid Symptoms: What to Watch For

Many women have fibroids and never know it — they are asymptomatic and discovered only during a routine ultrasound. But when symptoms do appear, they can significantly impact daily life and quality of sleep, work, and relationships.

Common uterine fibroid symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (soaking through pads quickly, periods lasting more than 7 days)
• Pelvic pressure or pain — a dull, persistent heaviness in the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder — caused by fibroids pressing against the bladder
• Lower back or leg pain
• Bloating or a swollen-looking abdomen
• Pain during intercourse
• Constipation — due to pressure on the rectum
• Anaemia and fatigue — from ongoing blood loss

One of the most commonly missed signs is fatigue and breathlessness due to iron-deficiency anaemia from chronic heavy periods. If your periods consistently leave you exhausted, that’s a symptom worth investigating.

If you’re experiencing heavy or irregular periods, don’t normalise it — it’s one of the most consistent warning signs of uterine fibroids, and early evaluation makes a meaningful difference in your options.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but several well-established factors contribute to their development:

Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone — the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle — stimulate fibroid growth. This explains why fibroids tend to grow during reproductive years and shrink after menopause when hormone levels fall.

Genetics: A family history of fibroids significantly increases your risk. If your mother or sister had fibroids, your likelihood of developing them is higher.

Insulin resistance and metabolic factors: Women with PMOS (formerly PCOS), obesity, or insulin resistance may have elevated oestrogen levels, increasing fibroid risk. Learn more about hormonal health and PMOS at CareForHer.

Vitamin D deficiency: Increasingly recognised as a risk factor; Vitamin D appears to have a protective effect against fibroid development, and deficiency is highly prevalent in urban Indian women.

Diet and lifestyle: A diet high in refined carbohydrates and red meat, combined with low physical activity, may increase risk. A diet rich in green vegetables, fruit, and dairy appears to be protective.

Race and ethnicity: Fibroids are more common and tend to be more severe in women of South Asian and African descent compared to other ethnic groups.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Fibroids are most commonly detected through:

• Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound — the first-line diagnostic tool; can identify fibroid number, size, and location
• MRI — used before surgery to map fibroids precisely, especially for complex or multiple fibroids
• Hysteroscopy — a camera inserted through the cervix to visualise submucosal fibroids directly
• Sonohysterogram — saline infusion into the uterine cavity improves visualisation of submucosal fibroids

A pelvic exam by a gynaecologist may raise the initial suspicion — an enlarged or irregular-feeling uterus is a common finding. From there, imaging confirms the diagnosis.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your symptoms, fibroid size and location, age, and whether you want to preserve fertility. Not all fibroids need treatment — small, asymptomatic fibroids are often monitored with periodic ultrasounds.

1. Watchful Waiting

For fibroids causing no symptoms, regular monitoring with ultrasound every 6–12 months is often the most appropriate approach. Many fibroids remain stable for years.

2. Medication (Fibroid Treatment Without Surgery)

Several medications can manage fibroid symptoms effectively:

• GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprolide) — temporarily reduce oestrogen, shrinking fibroids before surgery or to manage symptoms near menopause
• Tranexamic acid — reduces heavy bleeding during periods without affecting hormones
• Levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena) — significantly reduces menstrual bleeding; does not shrink fibroids but controls symptoms
• Combined oral contraceptives — help regulate bleeding and reduce period pain
• Iron supplements — to treat anaemia caused by heavy blood loss

Explore Menopause & Hormonal Therapy options at CareForHer, including hormonal management approaches for fibroid-related symptoms.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE/UFE) — a non-surgical procedure where tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels feeding the fibroid, cutting off its blood supply and causing it to shrink. Preserves the uterus and avoids surgery, with a shorter recovery time.
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy — surgical removal of fibroids using keyhole surgery; preserves the uterus and is suitable for women planning future pregnancies. This is one of the most commonly recommended procedures for younger women with symptomatic fibroids. See Gynaecological Surgeries & Procedures at CareForHer.
• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy — for submucosal fibroids; the fibroid is removed through the cervix using a hysteroscope, without any external incisions.

4. Surgery

• Abdominal Myomectomy — open surgery to remove large or multiple fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. Recommended when laparoscopy isn’t possible due to fibroid size or number.
• Hysterectomy — complete removal of the uterus; the only permanent cure for fibroids. Considered in severe cases or when a woman has completed her family. Dr. Anuja Ojha ensures this is always discussed as a last resort with full informed consent.

Fibroids and Fertility: What You Need to Know

Fibroids — particularly submucosal and large intramural fibroids — can affect fertility by distorting the uterine cavity, blocking the fallopian tubes, or interfering with embryo implantation. They can also increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications.

However, many women with fibroids conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies. The impact depends heavily on the type, size, and location of the fibroid. If you’re trying to conceive and have been diagnosed with fibroids, a fertility evaluation is essential. Explore Infertility Treatment at CareForHer for a personalised assessment.

See a Specialist in Goregaon, Mumbai

Heavy periods, pelvic pain, and unexplained bloating are not symptoms to ignore or push through. If you’ve been experiencing any of these — or if fibroids have been found on a scan — a specialist evaluation will clarify exactly what you’re dealing with and what your options are.

At Care For Her in Goregaon East, Dr. Anuja Ojha offers comprehensive fibroid assessment, ultrasound evaluation, and personalised treatment planning — from watchful waiting to minimally invasive surgery — based on your age, symptoms, and reproductive goals.

Book a consultation with Dr. Anuja Ojha, Gynaecologist in Goregaon East →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the first signs of uterine fibroids?

Heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and fatigue from anaemia are the most common early signs. Many women find out they have fibroids only on a routine ultrasound.

Q2. Can fibroids go away on their own?

Small fibroids can remain stable for years, and often shrink after menopause. Symptomatic fibroids in premenopausal women are unlikely to resolve without treatment.

Q3. Is fibroid treatment possible without surgery?

Yes. Medications and the levonorgestrel IUD can control symptoms effectively. Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) is a well-established non-surgical option that shrinks fibroids without removing the uterus.

Q4. Can uterine fibroids cause infertility?

Yes, particularly submucosal fibroids that distort the uterine cavity. Many women with fibroids do conceive naturally — a fertility evaluation will determine if removal is needed.

Q5. Are fibroids cancerous?

No. Fibroids are almost always benign, with a malignancy risk of less than 1 in 1,000. A fibroid diagnosis is not a cancer diagnosis.

Q6. What happens if fibroids are left untreated?

Asymptomatic fibroids can be safely monitored. Symptomatic ones left untreated may lead to severe anaemia, worsening pain, bladder problems, and pregnancy complications.

Q7. Which fibroid treatment is best for women who want to have children?

Myomectomy — removing the fibroid while preserving the uterus — is the preferred fertility-sparing option. Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE) is generally avoided if pregnancy is planned.

Citations & References

1. Birla Fertility. Uterine Fibroids Treatment in India: Symptoms, Causes & Care. Published April 2026. birlafertility.com
2. Citi Vascular Centre. Uterine Fibroids FAQ: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & UFE Questions Answered. Published June 2026. citivascularcentre.com
3. Nanavati Max Hospital. Best Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Mumbai: Symptoms & Causes. nanavatimaxhospital.org
4. BLK-Max Hospital. Uterine Fibroids Treatment in Delhi, India: Symptoms & Causes. blkmaxhospital.com
5. Donnez J, Dolmans MM. An update on the management of uterine fibroids: personalized medicine or guidelines? ScienceDirect / Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics. April 2024. sciencedirect.com
6. NCBl / PubMed. Patterns and Outcomes in the Management of Uterine Fibroids: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study. PMC. 2025. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7. NCBl / PubMed. Mifepristone’s Efficacy for Symptomatic Relief and Size Reduction in Uterine Fibroids. PMC. 2023. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
   

Found on a scan. Mentioned by a doctor in passing. Or discovered because of pain that finally became too much to ignore — this is how most women first hear about an ovarian cyst. And the immediate reaction is almost always the same: worry.

The good news is that ovarian cysts are extremely common, affect women of all ages, and in the vast majority of cases are completely benign. But that doesn’t mean all cysts are the same, or that all of them should be dismissed. Understanding what you’re dealing with is the first step to managing it with confidence.

Here’s everything you need to know — from what an ovarian cyst actually is, to the types, symptoms, and the signs that mean it’s time to call your doctor.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. Most are small, cause no symptoms, and disappear on their own within a few menstrual cycles — often without the woman ever knowing they were there.

Ovarian cysts are very common. They can occur during the reproductive years or after menopause. Most ovarian cysts are benign and go away on their own without treatment.Rarely, a cyst may be malignant — but this is the exception, not the rule, and is far more likely in post-menopausal women than in those of reproductive age.

Ovarian cysts are not the same as polycystic ovaries (a feature of PMOS, formerly PCOS). In PMOS, the ovaries contain multiple small follicles due to a hormonal condition — these are not true cysts in the clinical sense. If you’ve been diagnosed with PMOS or irregular periods, learn more at Menstrual Disorder Management at CareForHer.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Not all ovarian cysts are created equal. The type of cyst determines its cause, how likely it is to resolve on its own, and what treatment — if any — is needed.

1. Functional Cysts (Most Common)

The two main types are follicular cysts (when a follicle does not release an egg) and corpus luteum cysts (when the follicle released an egg, but the empty follicle does not shrink). Most functional cysts disappear after a few menstrual cycles.They rarely cause symptoms and almost never require surgery.

2. Endometriomas (Chocolate Cysts)

These develop when endometrial tissue — the lining of the uterus — attaches to the ovary and forms a cyst filled with dark, old blood. They are strongly associated with endometriosis and can affect fertility. Unlike functional cysts, endometriomas do not resolve on their own and often require treatment.

3. Dermoid Cysts (Teratomas)

A teratoma is a cyst or benign tumour that contains different kinds of tissues that make up the body, such as skin and hair. They are usually benign but tend to grow slowly and typically need surgical removal when they reach a significant size or cause symptoms.

4. Cystadenomas

These develop from the outer surface of the ovary and can grow quite large. They are filled with watery or mucous fluid. While usually benign, their size alone can cause discomfort and may warrant removal.

5. Endometrioid and Other Complex Cysts

Classification of ovarian cysts includes endometriomas, dermoid cysts, and epithelial tumours, each with distinct histological features and clinical implications. Complex cysts those with solid components or irregular features on ultrasound — require closer monitoring and sometimes biopsy to rule out malignancy.

Ovarian Cyst Symptoms: What Women Actually Experience

Here’s the catch with ovarian cysts: most cause no symptoms at all. They are frequently discovered during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound done for an unrelated reason.

When symptoms do appear, they depend heavily on the cyst’s size, type, and whether any complications have developed:

Common ovarian cyst symptoms include:

• Dull or sharp pain on one side of the lower abdomen (the side where the cyst is)
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the pelvis
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Irregular periods or spotting between periods
• Discomfort when urinating or a feeling of pressure on the bladder
• Pain during periods (dysmenorrhea) — especially with endometriomas

It’s important to note that pelvic pain and period irregularities have many possible causes — from fibroids to hormonal imbalance. Only a proper pelvic exam and ultrasound can determine whether a cyst is responsible.

When to See a Doctor Urgently: Red Flag Symptoms

Most ovarian cysts are monitored, not emergencies. But certain symptoms require immediate medical attention:

Go to a doctor urgently if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain — this could indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion
• Pain with fever and vomiting — may signal infection or torsion
• Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting alongside pelvic pain — signs of internal bleeding from a ruptured cyst
• Sudden worsening of pain that was previously mild

Ovarian torsion — where a cyst causes the ovary to twist on itself, cutting off its blood supply — is a gynaecological emergency. Cysts that develop on stalks, such as some cystadenomas, can cause ovarian torsion. It requires immediate surgery to save the ovary.

See a doctor soon (non-emergency) if you notice:

• Persistent one-sided pelvic pain
• Bloating or abdominal swelling that doesn’t resolve
• Periods becoming heavier, more irregular, or more painful
• Difficulty conceiving — endometriomas in particular can affect fertility
• Any new pelvic symptoms after menopause — post-menopausal cysts carry a higher risk of malignancy and always need evaluation

Regular routine check-ups and pelvic exams are the most reliable way to catch ovarian cysts early — often before symptoms even develop.

How Is an Ovarian Cyst Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a pelvic exam — where the doctor may feel an enlarged ovary or area of tenderness. This is followed by:

• Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound — the gold standard for confirming a cyst, assessing its size, location, and whether it’s simple (fluid only) or complex (contains solid elements)
• CA-125 blood test — a tumour marker used when malignancy is a concern; elevated levels can also occur with endometriosis, fibroids, or inflammation, so it is not diagnostic on its own
• MRI — used for complex or unclear cases to better characterise the cyst

Ovarian Cyst Treatment Options

While most ovarian cysts are harmless, some may grow large enough to cause pain or disrupt the menstrual cycle. The treatment depends on their type and size.

Watchful waiting: For small, simple, asymptomatic cysts — especially functional ones — monitoring with follow-up ultrasound every 6–12 weeks is appropriate. Most resolve on their own.

Hormonal medication: Oral contraceptives don’t shrink existing cysts but can prevent new functional cysts from forming in women who develop them repeatedly.

Laparoscopic cystectomy: Minimally invasive keyhole surgery to remove the cyst while preserving the ovary. This is the preferred surgical approach for most benign cysts and is offered at CareForHer — see Gynaecological Surgeries & Procedures.

Oophorectomy: Removal of the entire ovary — considered only when the cyst is very large, complex, or when malignancy cannot be ruled out.

If your cyst is linked to endometriosis or hormonal conditions, treatment may also involve hormonal therapy to manage the underlying cause and reduce recurrence.

See a Specialist in Goregaon, Mumbai

If you’ve been told you have an ovarian cyst — or are experiencing unexplained pelvic pain, irregular periods, or bloating — the right next step is a proper evaluation, not a wait-and-see approach based on anxiety alone.

At Care For Her in Goregaon East, Dr. Anuja Ojha offers comprehensive ovarian cyst assessment including pelvic exam, ultrasound, and personalised management — whether that’s monitoring, medication, or surgery.

Book a consultation with Dr. Anuja Ojha, Gynaecologist in Goregaon East →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is an ovarian cyst and is it dangerous?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac on or inside the ovary. Most are benign and resolve on their own — they are only dangerous when they rupture, cause torsion, or show signs of malignancy.

Q2. What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?

Most cysts cause no symptoms. When they do, common signs include one-sided pelvic pain, bloating, pain during sex, and irregular periods. Sudden severe pain may indicate rupture or torsion — see a doctor immediately.

Q3. Can an ovarian cyst go away on its own?

Yes — functional cysts (the most common type) usually resolve within 1–3 menstrual cycles without any treatment. Other types like endometriomas and dermoid cysts are unlikely to disappear on their own.

Q4. What is the difference between an ovarian cyst and PCOS (PMOS)?

An ovarian cyst is a single fluid-filled sac. PMOS (formerly PCOS) is a hormonal condition where the ovaries contain multiple small follicles. They are different conditions, though they can coexist.

Q5. When should I be worried about an ovarian cyst?

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, fever, vomiting, or dizziness alongside pelvic pain — these could indicate rupture or torsion. See a doctor soon for persistent pain, bloating, or any new symptoms after menopause.

Q6. How is an ovarian cyst treated?

Treatment depends on type and size. Small, simple cysts are monitored. Hormonal medication can prevent recurrence. Surgery (laparoscopic cystectomy) is used for large, persistent, or complex cysts.

Q7. Can an ovarian cyst affect fertility?

It depends on the type. Functional cysts rarely affect fertility. Endometriomas can significantly impact egg quality and ovarian reserve. If you’re trying to conceive and have a cyst, get a fertility evaluation at CareForHer.

Citations & References

1. Manipal Hospitals. Ovarian Cyst Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention Guide. Published February 2026. manipalhospitals.com
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Ovarian Cysts. FAQ075. Last reviewed July 2025. acog.org
3. Dharani et al. Clinicopathological Study of Ovarian Cysts. Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research. 2026;13(1):141–147. ijogr.org
4. Max Healthcare. Ovarian Cyst Treatment in Delhi, India: Types & Risks. Reviewed December 2025. maxhealthcare.in
5. BLK-Max Hospital. Ovarian Cyst Treatment in Delhi, India: Symptoms & Causes. blkmaxhospital.com
6. TACA Healthcare. Complete Guide to Ovarian Cyst Treatment in India. tacahealthcare.com