About 30 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime, though most will have no symptoms, and need no treatment.
Fibroids can range from the size of a pea to a grapefruit, or bigger.
They may stay the same size, grow slowly, or grow in spurts. Depending on their position, they can press against neighboring organs like the intestines or bladder, producing constipation or urinary problems. It s not uncommon to have heavier menstrual bleeding, or spotting between periods. When large, fibroids can result in pelvic pressure and enlargement of the abdomen. Fast-growing fibroids may cause sudden, severe pain, but this usually goes away on its own, as part of the fibroid dies off.