# Fibroids: common, non-cancerous, worth knowing

> Heavy periods, needing to pee all the time, bloating: fibroids might be the reason.

Category: Conditions · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/conditions/fibroids

## Quick answer

- Fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths in or around the womb.
- Many cause no symptoms; others cause heavy periods, pressure and pain.
- Treatment ranges from nothing at all to medicines, procedures and surgery.

[Fibroid](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#fibroid)s are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. They are common, mainly affect people who have not been through [menopause](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/menopause), and many people never know they have them.

## Possible symptoms

- Heavy or painful periods
- Tummy or lower back pain
- Needing to pee more often or suddenly, or leaking
- [Bloating](https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/bloating), constipation or pain when pooing
- Discomfort during sex
- Difficulty getting [pregnant](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs), which is uncommon

The NHS says you are more likely to have fibroids if you are from a Black or Asian background, have never had a full-term pregnancy, are overweight, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or a close relative has them. [Heavy bleeding](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/heavy-periods) can lead to [iron](https://splash.care/learn/nutrition/iron)-deficiency [anaemia](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/anaemia).

**Myth:** Fibroids are a type of cancer.

**Fact:** Fibroids are non-cancerous. They can still cause troublesome symptoms, which are worth treating.

## How they are found

A GP may ask about your symptoms and examine you. An ultrasound scan can show how many fibroids there are, where they are and how big. Sometimes they are found by chance on another scan.

## Treatment

If fibroids are not causing problems, they often need no treatment. If they are, NICE guidance for heavy periods says that for fibroids under 3cm that do not distort the womb cavity, a hormonal coil ([IUS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ius)) is considered first. Other options are [tranexamic acid](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/tranexamic-acid), anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), the combined pill or [progestogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/progestogen) tablets. For fibroids of 3cm or more, you may be referred to a specialist, who can discuss medicines (including newer tablets that shrink fibroids for some people), uterine artery embolisation, or surgery such as a myomectomy (removing the fibroids) or hysterectomy. The right choice depends on size, location and whether you want a future pregnancy.

> **Splash says:** if you are changing pads or tampons every hour or two, write it down. “Heavy” means different things to different people; numbers help your doctor understand.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP if you have symptoms of fibroids, they affect your everyday life, or painkillers are not helping. Get urgent help for sudden severe tummy pain, or very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting. Call 999 if you pass out or feel very faint.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Fibroids](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/)
2. [NICE guideline NG88: Heavy menstrual bleeding](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88)
3. [NHS: Heavy periods](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).