How Fibroids Impact the Whole Person

Uterine fibroids are common. Most women will have at least one fibroid at some point, but Black women have the highest rate. 

7 out of 10 white women and 8 out of 10 Black women have fibroids by age 50.

There can be just one fibroid or many, and they vary in size:

Small: Up to the size of a cherry
Medium: Up to size of an orange
Large: Up to size of a grapefruit (or larger)

About 1 in 5  women with fibroids have symptoms.

Some fibroids cause no symptoms but others can severely affect a woman’s quality of life. 

Ways fibroid symptoms can affect you

Fibroids affect more than just your blood flow. They can make periods heavier, longer and more frequent, which can cramp your lifestyle.  

Finances

Fibroids can be expensive when you have to pay for

Pads

Tampons

Underwear 

Cleaning supplies for leaks

Visits with healthcare providers

Treatments

Relationships/Social Life

If you’re in pain or bleeding heavily, it may affect your relationships

You may not feel fun to be around 

Choosing what to wear may cause stress

Physical intimacy may feel challenging

Work

Having fibroids at work poses challenges

It can be stressful if you can’t get to the bathroom when you need it

Uniforms may not hide leaks

Severe cramping may make it hard to concentrate

Fear of losing your job because of absences can cause anxiety

Mental health

Studies show that women with fibroids are more likely to have depression or anxiety . 

Feeling out of control can affect mental health 

Fear of going out while menstruating may result in social isolation

Fibroids can cause stress about infertility or pressure to have children sooner

Fibroid-related health problems

Although fibroids don’t always cause symptoms, they can cause physical problems. These include:

Blood clots

Blockage of the ureters  

Infertility

Pregnancy complications

Severe anemia 

If you’re having symptoms, you don’t have to try to simply power through. For more information on how to manage bleeding and treatment options, visit the White Dress Project .

This resource was created with financial support from Myovant Sciences GmbH and Pfizer.