Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus. While most fibroids are not life threatening and won’t cause serious problems, they can sometimes lead to complications such as a fibroid rupture, which is when a fibroid bursts. This is a rare occurrence, but it can cause sudden and severe pain and may require immediate medical attention. It is important to be aware and stay informed about this uncommon complication. This guide explains the implications and actions to take if a fibroid bursts.
Understanding the steps to take in the event of a ruptured uterine fibroid is important for your reproductive health. One of the best ways to avoid the dangers of a fibroid burst is by consulting a fibroid specialist for personalized advice and to help determine the best treatment plan for you.
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Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow within or on the uterus. Fibroids may cause different symptoms depending on their size and location.
Some of the common fibroid symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pain in the lower back or leg
- Stomach swelling or bloating
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Anemia
While some women with fibroids have few or no symptoms, others may experience debilitating issues that interfere with their quality of life, especially if they have a ruptured uterine fibroid.
Can Fibroids Rupture?
Fibroids are rarely life-threatening, and many women suffering from fibroids experience mild to no symptoms. However, they can cause severe complications if they burst or rupture. Due to the rarity of uterine fibroids rupturing, there aren’t enough cases for medical professionals to fully understand why fibroids rupture.
However, some probable causes of a ruptured uterine fibroid include:
- Increase in blood pressure or abdominal pressure
- If the fibroid has a stalk (a thin stem-like structure attaching it to the uterus), it can twist and cut off blood supply
- An injury tearing the fibroid from the uterus
- The fibroid grew too large for its existing blood supply
Although fibroids are typically not dangerous, they can impact your daily life. If you think you have fibroids, consulting a fibroid specialist can help determine your most effective treatment plan.
Is a Fibroid Burst and Fibroid Degeneration the Same?
A fibroid burst is commonly associated with fibroid degeneration but is not necessarily the same condition.¹ Fibroid degeneration occurs when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply, causing it to shrink due to cell death. This process can also cause fibroid sloughing as the remnants of the fibroid exit the body.
While a uterine fibroid rupture can also result from a fibroid outgrowing its blood supply, the accompanying symptoms and impact on the body differ from fibroid degeneration.
Is a Fibroid Burst and a Fibroid Rupture the Same?
Yes, a fibroid burst and a fibroid rupture refer to the same condition. Both terms describe the situation where a fibroid breaks open or tears, leading to internal bleeding and severe pain.
What Happens When a Fibroid Bursts?
When a fibroid bursts, it causes acute blood loss due to the fibroid hemorrhaging, which may become life-threatening. Ruptured fibroids can also cause serious health risks if you are pregnant. Complications from a ruptured uterine fibroid can include preterm labor, miscarriage, and severe pain, which can endanger both the mother and the baby. Due to the complications caused by a ruptured uterine fibroid, recognizing the symptoms can signal when to seek medical attention from a fibroid specialist to help prevent serious consequences to your reproductive health.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Uterine Fibroid
There are a few signs indicating whether a fibroid has burst. The most common symptom of a ruptured uterine fibroid is severe abdominal pain.
Other uterine fibroid rupture symptoms include:
- Low-grade fever
- Sudden vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding between periods or heavy bleeding during periods
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms or any type of fibroid hemorrhage, seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Heavy bleeding can indicate various medical conditions, so consulting a fibroid specialist can help identify the cause.
How Does it Feel When a Fibroid Bursts?
Most women feel a sharp and sudden pain after a fibroid burst. The pain is mainly felt in the abdomen and is similar to the feeling of an appendix bursting or a never-ending, painful period. Alongside the abdominal pain, there may be swelling and pelvic pain.
Is a Burst Fibroid Dangerous?
Ruptured fibroids can cause severe complications if they go untreated. When a fibroid bursts, it causes acute blood loss that may become life-threatening. If you have symptoms indicating a ruptured fibroid and experience sudden abdominal pain, immediately see a medical professional. This symptom could indicate a burst fibroid or another serious issue.
Ruptured fibroids can also cause serious health risks if you are pregnant, as increased blood pressure can cause a fibroid to burst during pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to a variety of serious conditions that your doctor should be monitoring in addition to fibroid growth.
What To Do if Your Fibroid Bursts
Fibroids that have burst need immediate medical attention. Recognizing the signs of a ruptured fibroid is crucial. An imaging specialist, like an interventional radiologist (IR), can accurately diagnose a rupture and help determine the best course of action. Early detection and intervention are key to successful treatment.
Since ruptured fibroids have a low rate of occurrence, medical professionals can’t advise on preventing their direct causes. Recognizing uterine fibroid rupture symptoms can be challenging. However, you can proactively manage potential or existing fibroids by:
- Getting evaluated for fibroids: Our fibroid specialists can examine you if you don’t already have a fibroid diagnosis. If you already have a diagnosis, the interventional radiologists at USA Fibroid Centers can create a personalized treatment plan.
- Exploring treatment options for your existing fibroids: You may benefit from minimally invasive treatment like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that can provide relief without a long recovery period.
Get A Fibroid Diagnosis and Treatment at USA Fibroid Centers
At USA Fibroid Centers, we help patients across the United States minimize their uterine fibroid symptoms through uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that effectively addresses your symptoms with minimal impact on your body and a shorter recovery time than other fibroid treatments like hysterectomy or myomectomy.
Protect yourself from the risk of a uterine fibroid rupture. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 855.615.2555 to learn how USA Fibroid Centers can help manage your fibroids.
Sources
- Angel Shan et al., “Spontaneous Rupture of Leiomyoma Diagnosed Preoperatively with Noncontrast Computed Tomography,” Case reports in obstetrics and gynecology.
