Can Fibroids Cause Bowel Obstruction?

If you’re dealing with uncomfortable symptoms like frequent urination or constipation, you might be wondering if fibroids are to blame—and you’re not alone. While uterine fibroids commonly cause bladder and bowel issues, they can grow large enough to cause a bowel obstruction in rare cases.

The good news? Most women can avoid this complication and find much-needed relief by treating fibroids before they reach that point.

Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Digestive Problems?

Yes, fibroids and digestive issues often go hand in hand. Many women with fibroids not only experience stomach pain but also deal with bloating and constipation. While conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can sometimes be the cause, fibroids are often the culprit when they grow large enough to press on nearby organs, including the bladder, colon, stomach, and kidneys. In some cases, this pressure can result in bowel obstruction—a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine.

Why Do Fibroids Cause Bowel or Bladder Issues?

Fibroids can lead to bowel and bladder issues for several reasons. When large or multiplefibroids are present, especially subserosal tumors (those growing outside the uterus), they can cause the uterus to expand. The enlargementcan put pressure onthe bladder, reducing its capacity and leading to more frequent urination.

Additionally,larger fibroids may also limit or block the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder, leading to urinary retention. In some cases, this condition may require a surgical procedure to restore your bladder’s ability to empty properly.

How can fibroids cause bowel problems? Fibroids can lead to bowel problems due to their impact on pelvic blood flow, the shape of your uterus, and the pressure they exert on nearby structures. When larger fibroids put too much pressure on surrounding blood vessels, your gastrointestinal (GI) tract could be impacted, resulting in symptoms such as bloating or changes in bowel habits. For example, pressure on the colon can lead to constipation, a common concern for many women with a fibroids diagnosis.

In rare cases, large fibroids may cause a bowel obstruction, as was highlighted in this case study.  Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating alongside nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. While severe constipation can be a warning sign of a complete bowel obstruction, those with a partial obstruction may experience recurrent diarrhea.

Women with fibroid-related bowel obstruction may also exhibit signs of dehydration, including dark-colored urine and a rapid heart rate.

Unlike constipation, which can often be managed at home, a bowel obstruction is a serious medical emergency. If you believe your fibroids have led to a bowel obstruction, it’s crucial to speak to your healthcare provider immediately. By seeking early intervention and addressing tumors before they grow too large, you can relieve bladder and bowel issues caused by fibroids, reducing the risk if serious complications.

Treatment for Fibroids Pressing on Bladder or Bowel

Symptoms of smaller fibroids may be managed through lifestyle modifications and medications, such as hormonal birth control, which may help alleviate heavy bleeding and severe menstrual cramps. However,  when fibroids grow large enough to exert pressure on your bladder or bowel, a more effective medical procedure such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is typically needed.

UFE is a minimally invasive fibroid treatment that shrinks fibroid tumors without the need for surgery or general anesthesia, effectively relieving pressure on both the bladder and bowel while reducing your post-procedural recovery time.

If you’re experiencing discomfort from fibroids and want to explore treatment options, you can request a consultation at the Georgia Fibroid Institute to find out if you’re a candidate for UFE.