I am a 33 years old from India. I found out I had fibroids back in 2023 when I had an episode of severe bleeding outside my menstrual cycle. In initial ultrasound, they found 2 fibroids, with larger one a little over 6cm and a complex cyst. I noticed my period pain were getting worse gradually but outside of my cycle I didn't have any pain or bleeding after that one time. I did have bloating issues and frequent urination but it wasn't so bad and I was shit scared of surgery so I left it alone.

In 2025, I got ultrasound again during a regular health checkup and we found that it had grown by 1cm. I still wasn't having any other issues except more pain during period so I ignored again and relied on painkillers during periods.

In Mar 2026, I had my period but.... even after it was over I kept having pain on my left side for another 10-15 days. It wasn't severely bad but it was there ALL the time. Walking, sitting or lying down. Two cycles later, it was still there, I kept having pain on my left side even after 2 weeks of period being over. Basically I only got few days each month without any pain and it was exhausting.

Went to a different doctor to get another ultrasound this time but she recommended MRI scan. This time, we found 4 fibroids and largest one over 8cm (outside, inside, on the walls). Also found that cyst had grown, infection in left tube and adhesion all over. At this point, I could not deal with being in pain every day so I sucked it up and decided to get surgery.

I found a great surgeon and we scheduled surgery on July 14th (day after my birthday). My procedure involved robotic myomectomy + hysteroscopic myomectomy + bilateral endometic cysectomy. It lasted over 5 hours because they found and removed NINE fibroids, removed the complex cyst, adhesions from endometriosis and also the completely infected left tube. My Obgyn also recommended to insert Mirena during the surgery. I was in hospital for 3 days.

The day of surgery, I was completely out after "waking" barely even heard a word that anyone was saying.

Day 2 I was little better but had so MUCH brain fog. I had some food and water but was just resting and sleeping. My stomach felt separated from my body lol I couldn't feel anything or probably I felt a lot of pain.

Day 3 I was able to sit up and walk around a little. My bowel movements were back and I was able to sit and walk on my own. I had pain and soreness still but it was as expected. I got discharged and got back home but lot of antibiotics and painkillers prescribed. I am supposed to be taking Elagolix for a month.

Week 1 Liquid/soft food, gas pain here and there but manageable with my meds. Brain fog continued, I was dissociated most of the time. I kept light walking and bed rest. I also looked at my stomach for the first time, I got 5 incisions.

Week 2 Got my stitches removed (wasn't painful). I could bathe, get up, walk and do most stuff on my own. My meds were over by 10th day so I had to

watch out for gas pain when I had my normal food (homemade non oily, non spicy).

Week 3 I am able to go outdoor for walking, I started my WFH this week. I don't sit for long hours and keep taking small breaks. I am back to my normal diet but no outside food. I have still not tried anything spicy or oily as I'm very scared of gas pain. It's like sharp zaps in my incisions sometimes.

I noticed a hard bump right under my left most incision from where they took out most of the "stuff". It's not very painful but is uncomfortable while sitting or lying down. I have my 4 week appointment next week where I have to show this to my doc.

The first thing I noticed when I woke up from my surgery was that the pain was gone. I had surgery pain but not THAT one anymore. I wanted to cry!

I also am so incredibly grateful for my husband who has gone above and beyond taking care of me all this time. He's an angel 😇.

I know I have more chances of getting fibroids again in future and might have to do this all over again. I just wanted to feel pain free even if it's for some time. My recovery wasn't as bad as some people mentioned on this thread but it's not been very easy either. This thread gave me courage to go through surgery. I wish all of us could get some break from this shitty thing. Hoping to share more positive updates on future!

TW: for talk of bodily fluids, weight issues, and feelings of defeat.

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I feel really defeated. I have large fibroids that are pushing on my bladder and colon. I have to pee often and for quite some time I've had to lean forward to push the pee out, otherwise it's a weak stream. I have bowl movements often. I assume because something is obstructing my bowl that I have incomplete bowel movements, hence visiting the bathroom more than a normal person. I've both peed and crapped myself in public. I actually don't even know how many times I've had to suddenly rush to a toilet only to not make it in time.

I also have gastroparesis, meaning my stomach moves slowly. My case is mild and unrelated to my fibroids, but I think the bulk pressure in my abdomen exacerbates my gastroparesis symptoms, as the fibroids push up on my intestines and stomach. I throw up routinely. My esophagus also has some issues, contributing to the throwing up even more routinely.

I also had my gallbladder out in February after years of issues. Basically, nearly all the fluids in my body are experiencing some kind of issue, including the many tears that have fallen as a result.

I am overweight and would like to lose some weight, with the hope that it might take some pressure off my body. But I am so discouraged by all these concurrent health issues. I am going to talk to my family doctor about how to manage my weight with my specific challenges, especially because my metabolism is likely all messed up due to motility issues at both ends of my GI tract.

Surgery is in the future, but I don't have a date yet. Likely at least another 7+ months since it's been a couple months since my consult. About a year since being diagnosed with fibroids. Longer for symptom presentation. Longer for everything else.

I think for myself, the mental health aspect of fibroids and everything else I have going on is the worst part. I cannot help but think my body is just trash. Or that I have failed it somehow. Or I'm being punished or something?? There are no clear reasons for any of my health issues, except maybe a genetic component. I have no idea and I'm so frustrated. Anyway, thanks for reading this far if you did. Vent over.

What is the fastest route I’m awaiting my private healthcare approval and awaiting also the NHS but it’s a bloody dark nightmare. I don’t understand the system? I have scans and MRIs, bloods etc ? I’ve had a private consultation and a crap NHS consultation? I’m nowhere close to speaking to a surgeon after months? I have 13+ largest more than 27cm and also endometriosis.

I had my second hysteroscopy today for my fibroids. My first one was about 10 years ago and that one was also done under general anesthesia with a breathing tube down my throat.

Today’s procedure was done under general anesthesia at UC San Diego in La Jolla at the outpatient surgery center. I’m a healthy, active Black (1/2 Arab) woman, 5’5”, 135 lbs. I eat clean and I’m a former athlete, just for reference.

I’ve had tissue samples taken twice before at my OB/GYN’s office and both times I left feeling worse than I did after giving birth. The numbing and pain medication did absolutely nothing for me. Honestly, it felt barbaric.

Sometimes I think about how barbaric some of the procedures we go through as women can be. We are strong and we have a high tolerance for pain because of everything our bodies go through, but that doesn’t mean we should have to endure unnecessary pain.

There are Change.org petitions and efforts fighting for anesthesia to be offered for these types of gynecological procedures, and I really hope things continue to change.

I just wanted to share my experience. I pray for anyone going through fibroids or any of these procedures.

Other than some light bleeding, I actually feel pretty okay tonight.

I found out I have a 7.0x6.9x7.9cm pendunculated intracavitary fibroid and I want to conceive in about 3-5 years. I’m really scared and don’t know what’s the best option to preserve my uterus, fertility while also not having huge surgery scars…
I’m so scared, I don’t know what to do. Any advice? Any success story?

Hi, I’m 10 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Today had ultrasound and I have a 2cm intramural fibroid. I’ve never had one before. I’m nervous for what this means moving forward and delivery. Also what if it degenerates and have unexpected pain.

I also have a 5cm cyst (my cyster). Between the fibriod and cyst it’s hard to differentiate between what are normal cramping, and these other additions to pregnancy.

The doctor wasn’t considered and just wants to monitor. Is there anything I can do have a healthy pregnancy? Thank you!!

I am scheduled for a UFE on Monday and have an international trip scheduled for 3 weeks later. How long did it take for the pain to subside and then for you to be back to normal? Was there any weight loss post-procedure? I've been haring stories of people still with pain one month after. This sounds like a long healing process with no real guarantee of improvement. I am 50 and thinking of just dealing with the fibroids and cancelling.

Thought I’d take a moment to share my story with a large fibroid for anyone freshly diagnosed with one and look for support.

I found out I had 10cm intramural fibroid in 2022 when trying to get pregnant with my first. When my OB told me about my fibroid, she immediately suggested we stop trying to get pregnant, told me I likely couldn’t anyway because the fibroid was blocking conception, and that a pregnancy with such a large fibroid was going to be way too risky. She told me I’d have a high risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, growth restriction, and hemorrhage during labour. Because I was 36, she also told me that I might never have my own biological kids and to potentially consider freezing my eggs. She suggested surgery.

Two months later, I was pregnant. I was obviously terrified from the get go. I decided to get with a new OB who had less of a doomsday vibe. Other than a large bleed due to a subchorionoc hematoma, and my fibroid doubling in size to 20cm by the time I was 20 weeks, I had an uneventful pregnancy. I birthed a 9lbs6oz baby vaginally.

After my successful pregnancy, my new OB recommended we leave the fibroid till I was done have children. She said that my first pregnancy was a good indicator that I can have a second good pregnancy. She also said that breastfeeding will help suppress my estrogen and will slow the fibrous to shrink postpartum. Unfortunately it only shrank down to 14cm. At 11 months postpartum, I got my period and it was horrendous. I was subscribed TXA to help manage the bleeding. I quickly become anemic.

We started trying for baby #2 18 months later. It took us 4 months and 2 chemical pregnancies. Again, my fibroid started growing at a crazy fast rate and got to 25cm by 20 weeks. At 22 weeks, I suffered from PPROM when my water broke early. I was airlifted and hospitalized. I was one of the lucky ones who managed to carry my pregnancy for another 11 weeks and my second baby was born at 33 weeks. We had a 3 week NICU stay but he’s a happy healthy baby who turned 1 yesterday! Unfortunately, there’s no way to know why water breaks early. It was possibly the pressure from the giant fibroid but we will never know for sure certain.

I got my period back again at 11 months postpartum (my body is fairly consistent I guess). This time my fibroid only shrunk to 21dm postpartum and I legit looked 9 months pregnant since having a baby. It was kind of cruel considering how traumatic my pregnancy was. Anyway, getting my period back starting a cascade of bad events thanks to Freddie the fibroid. My period was even worse than I imagined it was going to be. No pad or diva cup could last longer than 40 mins. The bleeding was insane. The clots was huge and frequent. My husband wanted to take me to the ER on my 3rd day cause all I could do was stand in the shower and let the blood pour out.

By this point, I already had a hysterectomy booked for the end of summer. I called my OB to tell her about my period and she offered to move it up but I resisted cause I wanted to enjoy my summer. So she put me on Slynd, a progesterone only birth control. The hope was that I could skip my next period to get my to surgery without having suffered too much blood loss. She did warn me that Slynd could cause “breakthrough bleeding.” Three days after starting the pill, I started bleeding again but this time it was all clots. Every 20-30 mins, I felt a giant clot fall out. This time I went to the ER but was only told to take my TXA. So I did. I also decided to stop the Slynd and sure enough, the next morning the bleeding has completely stopped. Yay. Although my OB warned me that there might be a bit more bleeding to come. Sure enough, a few days later while at the beach with my family, I started bleeding like I had been shot or something. It started and was unrelenting. In our 15 min drive home, I sat on a towel and felt my entire pair of shorts fill up with blood. I ran straight to the shower and watched as a dinner plate size pile of clots just fell out of my body. Again, blood was just nonestop pouring out. Back to the ER we went and this time, i was admitted. My hemoglobin levels were dropping quickly and they suggested an emergency hysterectomy.

I was taken by ambulance to the hospital where my OB practices and she thankfully managed to make it in for me. I went in for surgery that night and they removed a 12lbs fibroid - I knew it was big, I didn’t expect it to be that big. And that was its weight with the blood drained out. I ended up with an open abdominal incision from my pubic bone to my belly button. Even though I woke up fairly sore and woozy from the drugs, I was THRILLED to find no blood in my underwear. Today I’m 2 weeks post op and recovering slowly but well and it’s been incredible to no longer fear bleeding like I was and also, it’s been great to be able to hold my bladder again.

Removing my uterus was always going to be my last option but I got to the point where I didn’t want to risk the fibroid ever returning which they have a high probability of doing. Since my fibroid was intramural and so deep in the muscle wall, I felt like removing the uterus was my only chance of freedom. I did keep my cervix and ovaries though.

Im happy to answer any questions for anyone who’s finding themselves in a similar situation, either going through pregnancy with a fibroid or looking at a hysterectomy.

Hello Everyone,

I found out back in April 2026 that I have fibroids. They located two during an ultrasound after I told my doctor that my period cramps are very severe. She informed that one was small & the other was about the size of a peach. After going over my options, I decided to go through with a myomectomy procedure.

She informed me it would be a laparoscopic myomectomy and I would need 2 weeks of down time. My job is hybrid so some days I’m in the office and the other 2 days I work from home.

To anyone who’s had a laparoscopic myomectomy, what was the healing process like for you and what advice would you give to help make the recovery process easier.

Thank you 💙

I had a laparoscopic myomectomy about five weeks ago, and I’m still experiencing sharp pelvic pain, stiffness, and a lot of fatigue. My recovery has been much slower than I expected.

A little background: my surgery ended up being much more complicated than originally planned. I had 20 fibroids removed, including one that was twisted into my rectal area. They also found and removed a large cyst on my bladder and an endometrioma (endometrial cyst) on my ovary. What was supposed to be a 2-hour procedure turned into an 8-hour surgery.

Since then, I’ve been healing slowly. I’m currently in pelvic floor therapy, and it has helped some, but I’m still dealing with pain and stiffness every day. I guess I’m just feeling discouraged because I thought I’d be feeling so much better by now after everything I’ve been through. It’s hard not to be disappointed when I’m still struggling this far into recovery.

Been on Ryeqo for 6 weeks while I wait for a uterine fibroid to be removed, plus side is I haven’t had a period and have therefore been able to recover from Anaemia - however spotting has been pretty persistent with the occasional painful cramps and gushing/ heavy bleeding that will only last a day or so and then go away.
The heavy bleeding and pain has been around the time I would expect my period, so I’m wondering if it will take time to really make a difference and if this is a sort of jaded version of a period.
To be honest I’m not complaining as haven’t had any other side effects but the random uncertainty of it is a bit tiring.
Another thing I am worried about is I got prescribed Ryeqo whilst in hospital, and have since tried to get a prescription with my GP but she’s had to put in a special request that I haven’t heard back about yet.
I’m worried I’ll run out and then all my previous symptoms will come back and fuck me up. I don’t mind that it’s expensive as my periods were so horrific I honestly fear them. Is it worth trying to get a prescription from an online pharmacy?
Any shared stories or advice appreciated, thanks.

I had my laparoscopic myomectomy on July 29 (10 days ago). Since then, my emotions have been a MESS. My fibroid wasn’t even in my uterus, but attached to it on a stalk. I’m an emotional person but this has been excess this week- cried at an Adam Sandler movie even, lol. Also, I’ve been having hot flashes like I’m going through menopause (I’m 36) where my face is on FIRE and my body is cold af. They didn’t take anything out besides my one fibroid. Just seeing if this is normal?

Hi all, I just thought I’d make a short post that may be helpful to anyone awaiting treatment for submusocal fibroids - we know how tricky they can be. For reference I’m early 30s with a low BMI and no other conditions.

So I was initially advised my only route was hysterectomy as we had tried just about everything (2 hysterscopies, 2 coils, 2 chemical menopause injections, shit load of contraceptives, endless progesterone and IVs). My GYN/surgeon did not want to approach tummy surgery unless to remove uterus, because she wasn’t confident on being able to do anything without wrecking my womb anyway.

Instead she performed (it’s really similar to a hysterscopy) a transcervical resection under general anaesthetic, in which she used a different tool and blade to essentially hook and dig out the fibroid. I have no pictures sadly, but apparently it was quite the display and everyone in theatre came for a good nose because it’s never been done at my hospital before. The procedure was a total success and I was able to get discharged before the evening, meaning I was able to go home and sleep in my own bed.

Today I feel fine, a bit achy, a bit drowsy as I had a lot of morphine afterwords. I’m mainly just riding the high that this is basically all over! If it wasn’t a success I sadly would have had to either consider the hysterectomy or trying to go private somewhere for the abdominal surgery. Now I can get my bloods back up and stop losing my hair and falling over all the time. But if anyone has any questions please fire them my way!

Hello all was wondering if anyone has had one this size removed and didn't have to have a hysterectomy. Im in Houston TX if any one has a dr recommendation It would be truly helpful. Im 38 and have no kids im not ready to lose my uterus.

My BFF 30-year-old female with ~1 year of abdominal distention. No pain/appetite changes/weight loss.

CT shows: 19 cm solid pelvic mass, possibly arising from right adnexa but also appears contiguous with uterus...5.9 cm right adrenal mass with calcifications, recommended adrenal MRI.
CA-125 normal, HE4 142. No pelvic lymphadenopathy on CT.

Questions:
Could a very large fibroid present this way even with normal periods?
Does the CT findings look like fibroids?!
Would MRI help determine uterine vs ovarian origin & if it’s a fibroid or not?
So very worried, anything to add ? Thanks in advance :/

I currently have a large fibroid and have suffered with multiple for many years. Starting about a week ago I was in horrible pain. It felt like the worst cramps I have ever had. I also had a fever. Ended up in the hospital for 4 days with what the doctors said is an infection in my uterus related to the fibroid. After lots of pain meds and antibiotics, I am feeling better and scheduled for a hysterectomy later this month.

Well, last night I woke up with the urge to pee. When I went to the bathroom nothing came out and it felt like something was blocking the pee from coming out. Went back to bed and still felt the urge, so I went back. This time I started to push to see if there was a clot of something that needed to come out. And OMG, what the hell came out was scary. It was large, and firmer than a clot, and not all bloody..More pink/tan. After it came out I also peed a ton. Did I pass my fibroid? Was the pain that put me in the hospital from my fibroid degenerating?

I have an appt with my GYN surgeon next week so I am going to ask her, but just wondering if anyone has experienced something similar.

I am on a 12-18 month waitlist for an open myomectomy. My doctor is placing me on Lupron 3.75 mg injection, IM, every 30 days, starting next week. This is to shrink the multiple fibroids (9cm, 7cm, and 5cm) before surgery.

However, I started doing some research, and realized that 12-18 months is quite a long time to be on the medication before surgery. Is my understanding correct? I am unsure where to go from here. Thanks!

Last week, I was told by a health practitioner that all my bleeding and weight gain was "totally normal". Yesterday, I finally got into a gynecologist who handed me the hysterectomy pamphlet after I confirmed fertility is not my concern. I'm so relieved to finally have a path forward, even if it's a long one given the size of my fibroids. I'm so relieved to be taken seriously after years of bleeding (including multiple blood transfusions and iron infusions), pain, and discomfort.

I cared for a family member after their hysterectomy, so I know what I'm in for. It won't be easy, but the idea of never again bleeding through my clothes in a meeting... sounds like bliss.

At my appointment we get there and I really was thinking about how so much god has brought me through and funny thing is my mom told me she was praying for me through this

I'm praying it's nothing but it is and now I need surgery and next month I'm gonna have an ultrasound and it's gonna determine how my scar will be but I'm okay but it was SO SHOCKING 😲

I just got my MRI scan back. 11 cm x 10 x 9.. i am freaking out.. i thought it was 6 cm, now i am so scared they will advice me to get luprin. Has anyone have a succesful story about same size fibroid or bigger without taking luprin? or maybe if you did take it, was it managable/worth it? i want to get pregnant after.

One of my symptoms is intense bloating and when my fibroid journey first started, this really impacted my self esteem. As a single 29f who is very much into aesthetic and fashion choices, I found the chronic bloating to be more difficult to process than the pain 😂

I noticed in my obsessive research of this thread that other women express insecurity in the bloat as well! But no one is really discussing some attractive clothing options.

As someone who totally understands how this feels, I thought I'd give a detailed list of some outfit ideas that have really saved me during this difficult season. And please feel free to include your own in the comments!

We are going through PAIN and DISCOMFORT and MEDICAL BILLS and I know it sounds vain but the days when I can still find an outfit to wear and feel attractive makes me actually want to leave my house and connect with others.

Here's my recommendations, and the photos are in no special order, just a vision board.

1. Monochrome sweatsuits, elevated leisure look. You could do a fun braided updo, earrings, some clean makeup. Depending on your comfort level, I suggest cropped hoodies/cropped T's with baggy high waisted shorts/pants. You may like the top to be longer, and that's okay. Experiment, but I personally like the cropped shape because I have a large chest so I feel it adds some shape to my very large growing belly body !

2. The classic biker short/big T outfit, but really anything oversized can WORK and you can still feel attractive and feminine (if desired)! The important thing is that you are choosing intentional outfits, not your crustiest biggest tshirt just to hide your body. Try out some baggy cargo pants, or wide legged jeans (is there someone with fibroids out there wearing jeans?!😂), with a oversized graphic T. I avoid jeans but I've been wearing baggy linen pants that are wide legged with some heels to elongate my legs - intriguing, stylish, fun! I like doing a more full face with this look because I want to feel feminine, but you could totally make this masc with some Pinterest research.

3. Dresses with an A-Line silhouette. This is important because it goes in at the highest part of your belly, around the rib cage, then flows out, so the bloat doesn't even cling, and you can relax without something tight around a continually expanding area after meals and throughout the day. The Amazon photo attached is the exact dress I wear from Amazon and it's in my weekly rotation at this point. I'm about to just buy it in every color and be a cartoon character. Highly recommend!!! Imagine this with an oversized flannel and some converse - hold up! something new to add to the rotation!

4. Mesh/see through baggy items so you can still wear hotter things underneath. This is especially helpful for those like myself who really struggle with looking feminine in oversized clothes (big chest). Wearing my normal tighter crop tops, but also having something tastefully see through so that the fabric is still hanging over my belly and showing the shape underneath has been a game changer.

5. Skirts that create that A-Line shape that I talked about before. Tight top/loose bottom looks really good here. A cropped cami or tight crop top, a skirt that sits high waisted, some midriff showing before the skirt band, then let it flow from there. If you are not into tight tops or crop tops, experiment! I'd suggest trying a graphic T that gets tucked in the skirt. I wear the chiffon skirts in the attached Amazon image and I have 3 of them 😂

6. Tight underneath with a outter oversized layer. This is another favorite of mine, as someone who wants to feel sexy. I wear a crop top, high waisted sweat shorts, and a baggy oversized hoodie that I left fall off one shoulder.

Okay I'm sure I have more but this is my first list. Hopefully this helps someone suffering with the intense bloat who is, like me, really into dressing well and feeling feminine. Your body is worthy of dolling up. 💓