Anemia, which may be severe, is a common side effect. In addition, it has been shown that fibroids compress veins in the wall of the uterus and this results in dilation of the veins of the uterine linin, and this may also contribute to abnormal bleeding. Another common symptom is pelvic pain. More commonly, fibroids cause a sensation of pressure in the pelvis and may press on adjacent structures. This may include pressure on nerves that supply the pelvis and the legs, causing pain in the back, flank, or legs.
Patients experience severe menstrual cramps with the growth of their fibroids.
Pressure on the urinary system also may be caused by fibroids. Typically, this results in urinary frequency. Occasionally, an enlarged uterus may press on other urinary structures, resulting in partial blockage of the urine flow from the kidneys. However, the statistical evidence for infertility is lacking and other factors are more likely to cause infertility in patients with fibroids. Some researchers have suggested that the presence of fibroids may predispose a patient to miscarriage, but reliable evidence to support this possibility is not yet available.