Uterine Fibroids Causing Heavy Bleeding
— Gentle Hysteroscopic Evaluation & Treatment at Minnerva Clinic
Uterine Fibroid & Heavy Bleeding – Get Clarity with Hysteroscopy
Many women experience excessively heavy periods, last for too long, or cause significant discomfort. You might find yourself using many pads or tampons in a day, passing large blood clots, or feeling tired and weak due to blood loss. It's a common problem, but it can be very disruptive to your daily life, and you don't have to live with it.
One very common reason for such heavy or prolonged periods is the presence of uterine fibroids. These are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While they are usually harmless, they can certainly affect your periods and overall comfort.
At Minnerva Clinic, we understand the impact that heavy bleeding and fibroids can have on your life. We offer safe, clear diagnosis and effective treatment using hysteroscopy, a modern, minimally invasive method that helps us see and often treat fibroids directly inside the uterus. Our goal is to help you understand the cause of your bleeding — and help you feel better.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Let’s talk simply about uterine fibroids.
- Fibroids are benign muscle growths in or around the uterus: Think of them like smooth, firm lumps that can grow within the muscular wall of your uterus, on its outer surface, or even inside the uterine cavity. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue.
- "Benign" means they are NOT cancer: This is a very important point. Fibroids are almost always non-cancerous. They do not turn into cancer, and having fibroids does not increase your risk of uterine cancer.
- Very common in women aged 30–50: Many women develop fibroids during their reproductive years, especially in their 30s, 40s, and early 50s. You might have them and not even know it!
- Can vary greatly in size: Fibroids can be tiny, like a pea, or grow to be quite large, like a grapefruit or even bigger. You can have one fibroid or many.
- Not cancer, but they can affect bleeding, fertility, and comfort: While not dangerous in terms of cancer, fibroids can cause a range of symptoms depending on their size, number, and location. The most common issues they cause are heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, and sometimes difficulty getting pregnant.
Understanding what fibroids are can help you feel more at ease if you are diagnosed with them. They are a common, non-cancerous condition that we can effectively manage.
How Do Fibroids Cause Heavy Bleeding?
It might seem strange that a small growth can cause so much bleeding, but fibroids can affect your periods in several ways, especially those that grow inside the uterine cavity or within the uterine wall close to the lining.
Here's how fibroids can lead to heavy or prolonged bleeding:
- Disrupt the normal lining: Fibroids, especially those that bulge into the uterine cavity (called submucosal fibroids), can disrupt the normal blood vessels and structure of the uterine lining (endometrium). This can lead to more bleeding during your period.
- Prevent the uterus from contracting properly: During your period, your uterus normally contracts to help shed its lining and close off blood vessels. Fibroids can interfere with these contractions, meaning blood vessels stay open longer, leading to more bleeding.
- Increase blood vessel growth: Some fibroids can cause an increase in the number of blood vessels in the uterine lining, leading to more blood flow and heavier periods.
- Cause prolonged or painful periods: Instead of a normal 5-7 day period, you might find yourself bleeding for 10 days or even longer. This heavy, prolonged bleeding can also be accompanied by severe cramping and pain.
- Some women bleed for 10+ days, pass clots, or feel weak/tired: If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's a strong sign that fibroids might be the cause. The constant blood loss can also lead to anemia (low iron in your blood), making you feel very weak, tired, dizzy, or even short of breath.
If you are experiencing these kinds of bleeding patterns, it's important to get it checked. You don't have to suffer in silence.
Symptoms to Watch For
Heavy bleeding is the most common symptom of fibroids, but they can cause other issues, too, depending on their size and location. It's important to pay attention to your body and notice any changes that might be a sign of fibroids.
Here are the key symptoms to watch for:
- Heavy periods (using 6+ pads/tampons per day): If you're soaking through pads or tampons very quickly, or needing to double up on protection.
- Bleeding lasting more than 7 days: If your periods are significantly longer than a week.
- Pelvic pain or pressure: A feeling of fullness, heaviness, or discomfort in your lower belly or pelvis. This can sometimes feel like a constant ache.
- Frequent urination: If a large fibroid is pressing on your bladder, you might feel the need to urinate more often, even if your bladder isn't full.
- Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel: If a fibroid presses on your bladder or rectum, it can make it hard to fully empty them.
- Pain during sex: Depending on the fibroid's location, it can cause discomfort during sexual activity.
- Difficulty conceiving (getting pregnant): Fibroids, especially those inside the uterine cavity, can sometimes interfere with fertility.
- Fatigue from blood loss (anemia): If you're losing a lot of blood every month, your iron levels can drop, leading to persistent tiredness, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, or shortness of breath.
- Leg pain or backache: In rare cases, large fibroids can press on nerves, causing pain in your legs or back.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, especially heavy or prolonged bleeding, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Minnerva Clinic. We can help you find out if fibroids are the cause and discuss solutions.
How We Diagnose Fibroids at Minnerva Clinic
Getting a clear diagnosis is the first step to feeling better. At Minnerva Clinic, we use a combination of safe and accurate methods to identify fibroids, understand their size and location, and determine if they are causing your symptoms.
We use a combination of:
1. Pelvic Ultrasound
What it is: This is often the first and most common tool we use. It's a non-invasive scan that uses sound waves to create images of your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs. It can be done by placing a probe on your belly (abdominal ultrasound).
What it shows: It helps us see the overall size of your uterus, and the size, number, and general location of any fibroids.
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS)
What it is: A TVS is a more detailed ultrasound. A small, smooth probe (covered with a protective sheath and gel) is gently placed into the vagina.
What it gives: This gives us a closer, more detailed view of your uterus and ovaries.
Helps detect fibroids near the uterine lining: TVS is particularly good at spotting fibroids that are located just under the inner lining of the uterus (submucosal fibroids) or those that bulge into the uterine cavity. These are often the fibroids most likely to cause heavy bleeding.
Quick and done in-clinic: The TVS takes only a few minutes and is performed comfortably right here in our clinic.
3. Hysteroscopy (Office-Based or OT-Based)
Hysteroscopy is a key diagnostic and sometimes treatment tool, especially when fibroids inside the uterine cavity are suspected.
What it is: Hysteroscopy involves using a very thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera on the end (called a hysteroscope). This tube is gently inserted through your vagina and cervix directly into your uterus.
Directly visualizes fibroids inside the cavity: Unlike an ultrasound, hysteroscopy allows your doctor to get a direct, clear, magnified view of the inside of your uterus. This means we can see any fibroids that are growing within the uterine cavity, even small ones, and assess their exact size and position.
Can also remove small fibroids during the same procedure: One of the biggest advantages of hysteroscopy is that if small fibroids are found inside the cavity, they can often be removed during the very same procedure. This means diagnosis and treatment can happen at once, saving you another visit.
No cuts or stitches: Because the hysteroscope goes through natural openings (vagina and cervix), there are no external cuts or stitches on your belly.
Office-Based or OT-Based: Depending on the size and location of the fibroid, and your comfort, a hysteroscopy can sometimes be done right in our office with local anesthesia. For more complex cases or larger fibroids, it might be done in a minor operating theatre (OT) under short general anesthesia.
Our doctors will explain which diagnostic steps are best for your situation, ensuring you understand why each test is being done and what to expect.
Hysteroscopic Treatment Options
If your fibroids are found to be small and located inside the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids), we often recommend hysteroscopic procedures for their removal. These are minimally invasive, meaning they involve very little disruption to your body.
At Minnerva Clinic, we may offer:
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy (My-oh-mek-tuh-mee):
What it is: This is a procedure where the fibroid is directly removed using small, specialized instruments inserted through the hysteroscope. The hysteroscope allows the surgeon to see the fibroid clearly and precisely shave or cut it away.
Benefits: It's highly effective for removing fibroids that cause heavy bleeding, and it preserves your uterus, which is important if you wish to have children in the future.
Endometrial Polypectomy (Pol-ip-ek-tuh-mee):
What it is: Sometimes, growths called polyps (which are also non-cancerous but can cause heavy bleeding) are found inside the uterus. If polyps are present, they can also be removed using the hysteroscope during the same procedure.
Often a day-care procedure: Both hysteroscopic myomectomy and polypectomy are typically performed as day-care procedures. This means you come to the clinic or hospital, have the procedure, and go home on the same day.
Minimal pain, quick recovery: Because there are no external cuts, the pain after the procedure is usually minimal, often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most women experience a quick recovery and can return to their normal activities within a few days.
Our team will discuss if hysteroscopic treatment is suitable for your fibroids, explaining all the details and answering your questions.
Who Needs This Procedure?
During your consultation, Dr. Pragya Gupta will carefully assess your symptoms, diagnostic test results, and personal goals to determine if hysteroscopic care is the best option for you.
| Who Needs This Procedure? | Description |
|---|---|
| Heavy or Painful Bleeding | If your periods are significantly affecting your daily life due to excessive blood loss or severe pain. |
| Fibroids Detected on Ultrasound | Especially if the ultrasound shows fibroids located inside the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids), as these are most effectively treated with hysteroscopy. |
| Desire Fertility-Preserving Treatment | If you plan to get pregnant in the future, hysteroscopic myomectomy is an excellent choice as it removes the fibroid while keeping your uterus intact. |
| Symptoms Not Managed by Medicine | If you have tried medications to control your bleeding or discomfort, but haven't found enough relief. |
| Preference for Minimally Invasive Option | If you prefer a procedure that avoids external abdominal cuts and typically allows for a quicker recovery time. |
| Polyps or Other Intrauterine Growths | If non-cancerous growths, such as polyps, are found inside the uterus and are causing symptoms like abnormal bleeding. |
What Happens Before & After the Procedure?
We believe in preparing you thoroughly for your hysteroscopic procedure, ensuring you feel calm and confident every step of the way.
Before the Procedure:
- Consultation and ultrasound review: You'll have a detailed consultation with Dr. Pragya Gupta. She will review all your ultrasound results and discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any questions you have.
- Clear explanation of what hysteroscopy involves: Your doctor will explain the hysteroscopy procedure in simple, easy-to-understand language. You'll learn what to expect during the procedure, how long it will take, and what kind of anesthesia will be used (local or short general anesthesia).
- Anesthesia discussion: We’ll discuss the type of anesthesia that is best for you to ensure your comfort. This could be local anesthesia (numbing just the cervix) or a short general anesthesia (where you are asleep for the procedure).
- Pre-procedure instructions: You'll receive clear instructions on how to prepare, such as when to stop eating or drinking if general anesthesia is used.
After the Procedure:
- Recovery area: After the procedure, you'll rest in a comfortable recovery area for a short while, usually an hour or two, until you feel ready to go home.
- Rest for 1–2 days: Most women feel well enough to resume light activities within a day or two. We recommend taking it easy for a couple of days to allow your body to recover fully.
- Mild discomfort: You might experience some mild cramping, similar to period pain, and light spotting for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage this.
- Follow-up check after 1 week: We'll schedule a follow-up appointment, typically about one week after your procedure, to check on your healing and answer any further questions you might have.
Our team will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and be available to support you during your recovery.
Why Choose Minnerva Clinic?
Experienced in minimally invasive hysteroscopic care
Dr. Pragya Gupta and our team have extensive experience and expertise in performing hysteroscopic procedures. We are skilled in using this advanced, minimally invasive technique.
Women-led team = comfort, privacy, and respect
Our entire clinic is run by women, for women. This creates a unique environment where you can feel completely comfortable, your privacy is respected, and your concerns will be heard.
Personalized plans based on your age, symptoms, and fertility goals
Your treatment plan will be carefully tailored to your specific situation, taking into account your age, the severity of your symptoms, and whether you have future fertility plans.
No pressure, no rush — we explain everything step-by-step
We will explain all your options clearly, patiently answer every question, and give you the time and space to make decisions that feel right for you, without any pressure.
Focus on early answers and quick recovery
Our use of advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatments means we can get clear answers quickly and help you recover faster.
Comprehensive care
From initial diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, we provide continuous support for your uterine health.
Testimonials
"I used to bleed for 12 days every cycle, and it was exhausting. After hysteroscopic fibroid removal at Minnerva Clinic, my periods became normal again. It's truly changed my life."
"I was nervous about the procedure, but it was quick, and I felt safe the entire time. Dr. Pragya explained everything calmly and gently. I'm so glad I chose Minnerva Clinic."
"I had a fibroid that was affecting my chances of getting pregnant. They removed it hysteroscopically, and I felt confident throughout the process. Now I'm hopeful for the future."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fibroids dangerous?
No, uterine fibroids are almost always not dangerous. They are benign (non-cancerous) growths and do not increase your risk of uterine cancer. While they can cause uncomfortable symptoms like heavy bleeding or pain, they are not life-threatening.
Will fibroids turn into cancer?
No, fibroids do not turn into cancer. They are distinct from cancerous growths. It's a common misconception, but fibroids themselves are benign and remain so.
What is hysteroscopy, and does it hurt?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a very thin camera is inserted through your vagina and cervix directly into your uterus to see inside. It's generally not painful. You might feel some mild cramping, similar to period pain, especially during an endometrial biopsy if one is taken. For fibroid removal, it's often done under local or short general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Can I get pregnant after hysteroscopic fibroid removal?
Yes, for many women, hysteroscopic fibroid removal can improve their chances of getting pregnant, especially if the fibroid was located inside the uterine cavity and interfering with fertility. This procedure is designed to preserve your uterus and reproductive function. Your doctor will discuss your fertility goals with you.
Do fibroids come back?
Sometimes, new fibroids can grow even after existing ones have been removed. This doesn't mean the treatment failed, but rather that your body has a tendency to form fibroids. The rate of new fibroid growth varies from woman to woman. Regular follow-up with your doctor can help monitor for any new fibroids.
What happens if I don’t treat them?
If fibroids are not causing significant symptoms, they may not need treatment. However, if they are causing heavy bleeding, pain, or affecting your quality of life, not treating them means you'll continue to experience those symptoms. Untreated heavy bleeding can also lead to anemia (low iron), causing fatigue and weakness. Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of observation versus treatment based on your specific situation.
Related Services to Link
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding – If your bleeding symptoms are unclear or you want to explore other causes of unusual periods.
Endometrial Biopsy – For a detailed check of your uterine lining, especially if it's thickened or if there are other concerns.
Infertility Cases & Fibroids – If you're struggling to conceive and suspect fibroids might be a factor.
Asherman’s Syndrome – Learn about uterine scarring, a rare condition that can sometimes occur post-surgery, and how we manage it.
D&C Procedure – For diagnosis of abnormal bleeding or emergency care.