While fibroids are almost always non-cancerous (benign), leaving them untreated can lead to a progressive worsening of your quality of life. If ignored, fibroids may:
- Cause Chronic Anemia: Continuous heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to severe iron deficiency, causing permanent fatigue and weakness.
- Grow and Press on Organs: Large fibroids can act as "space-occupying lesions," pressing against the bladder (causing frequent urination) or the rectum (causing chronic constipation).
- Impact Fertility: Fibroids can distort the uterine cavity, making conception difficult or increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.
- Lead to Acute Pain: If a fibroid outgrows its blood supply, it can undergo "red degeneration," causing sudden, intense pelvic pain.