Patient information from BMJ

Fibroids: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Apr 27, 2023

If you have symptoms such as heavy periods, painful periods, or a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your pelvis, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out if you have fibroids.

When you first see your doctor

Here are some questions that you may want to ask about your symptoms when you first see your doctor.

Could fibroids be causing my symptoms?
What else might be causing them?
How can I find out if I have fibroids?

If you find out you have fibroids

If you've been told that you have fibroids you may want to ask your doctor some of these questions.

How do you know that I have fibroids?
How long will my symptoms last?
Will my fibroids go away on their own?
Will they get bigger?
Will they make it harder for me to get pregnant?
What are the best treatments for me?
Do the treatments cause side effects or other problems? Will I need surgery?
Will my fibroids grow back after treatment?
Will I be able to have a baby after treatment?

If you're pregnant

If you don't have any symptoms, but you find out you have fibroids during pregnancy, you may want to ask these questions.

How many fibroids do I have?
How big are they?
Where are they in my womb?
Are my fibroids a problem?
What kind of problems might I get? Could my fibroids cause bleeding or pain?
What will happen to my fibroids during pregnancy?
Will the fibroids harm my baby?
Will they make it hard for me to have a natural childbirth?
Should I get treatment while I'm pregnant?
What will happen after my baby is born?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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