Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Uterine fibroid degeneration occurs when a fibroid outgrows its limited blood supply and begins to die.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of uterine fibroid degeneration.
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Fibroid Degeneration Symptoms
Uterine fibroids are benign uterine growths made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissue, ranging in size from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a melon.
Uterine fibroids mainly develop in the wall of theuterus(womb), but rarely may form pouches or stalks outside the womb. The size and location of uterine fibroids usually determine whether or not you will develop symptoms.
You may not be aware you have fibroids—many people with a uterus have nosymptoms. The main signs of fibroids include:
For some people with a uterus, a degenerating fibroid is what first draws attention to their fibroids. Common symptoms of fibroid degeneration include:
Pedunculated FibroidsFibroids can grow on a stalk extending out from the uterine wall (pedunculated fibroids). In these cases, the stalk can become twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid.If this occurs, not only is the pain intense, but it lasts longer than a normal degeneration. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the fibroid.
Pedunculated Fibroids
Fibroids can grow on a stalk extending out from the uterine wall (pedunculated fibroids). In these cases, the stalk can become twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid.If this occurs, not only is the pain intense, but it lasts longer than a normal degeneration. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the fibroid.
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown but there are several risk factors that can play a role in yourchances of developing fibroids. These can include:
Fibroids need two elements to survive, hormones and a blood supply.If a fibroid grows so quickly that it outstrips its blood supply you may experience a sharp, stabbing pain in the abdomen and swelling. Increases in estrogen during pregnancy can increase the chances of fibroid growth and subsequent degeneration.
Fibroid Degeneration in Pregnancy
The larger the fibroid the more likely it is that fibroid degeneration will may occur. Large fibroids outgrow their blood supply. Even more, the growing uterus may distort and kink blood vessels, compromising the fibroid’s blood supply.
One type of fibroid degeneration—called red degeneration due to its red color appearance on examination—makes up only 3% of all uterine fibroids, but it accounts for 8% of tumors in pregnancy. It may be a troublesome cause of pregnancy complications, such as severe pain, in many women.
Is Fibroid Degeneration a Good Thing?Though fibroid degeneration does decrease the size of fibroids, this is only temporary—a degenerated fibroid is likely to expand and degenerate again. Though many people with fibroids don’t experience symptoms on a daily basis, when fibroid degeneration starts, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
Is Fibroid Degeneration a Good Thing?
Though fibroid degeneration does decrease the size of fibroids, this is only temporary—a degenerated fibroid is likely to expand and degenerate again. Though many people with fibroids don’t experience symptoms on a daily basis, when fibroid degeneration starts, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
The first signs of fibroids may be detected during a routine pelvic exam. A number of tests may show more information about fibroids:
Differential Diagnosis
Fibroids degeneration is often easily confused for other medical conditions because its symptoms are nonspecific and mimic other medical common issues. Other common conditions that are confused with fibroid degeneration include:
Uterine LeiomyosarcomaA single uterine fibroid that undergoes rapid growth may raise a concern about uterineleiomyosarcoma, which is a rare (less than one in 1,000) cancerous fibroid tumor.Symptoms of this rare tumor include:Abnormal vaginal bleedingPain or pressure in the pelvis or abdomenChange in bowel or bladder functionIt may also cause nonspecific symptoms such as:Unintentional weight lossNausea and vomitingFatigue
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
A single uterine fibroid that undergoes rapid growth may raise a concern about uterineleiomyosarcoma, which is a rare (less than one in 1,000) cancerous fibroid tumor.Symptoms of this rare tumor include:Abnormal vaginal bleedingPain or pressure in the pelvis or abdomenChange in bowel or bladder functionIt may also cause nonspecific symptoms such as:Unintentional weight lossNausea and vomitingFatigue
A single uterine fibroid that undergoes rapid growth may raise a concern about uterineleiomyosarcoma, which is a rare (less than one in 1,000) cancerous fibroid tumor.Symptoms of this rare tumor include:
It may also cause nonspecific symptoms such as:
If fibroid degeneration is causingpain and discomfort, your healthcare provider may suggest home remedies such as using a heating pad on your abdomen or massaging your lower abdomen. Pain medication may provide relief for a few days or weeks until the pain subsides. Your provider may also order imaging such as a CT of the abdomen, a urine analysis, and blood tests to rule out other causes of your pain.
There are many treatment options for fibroids so make sure you discuss all your options with your healthcare provider. The following treatments are frequently used to help manage fibroids:
Severe pain associated with fibroid degeneration can last anywhere from several days up to four weeks.
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to how long fibroid degeneration can take. Degeneration is linked to the growth of fibroids, which can be tricky to predict as everyone’s fibroids grow at different rates.We do know that fibroids can grow in the first trimester of pregnancy, and that degeneration is seen most often in pregnant people with large fibroids (greater than 5 centimeters) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to how long fibroid degeneration can take. Degeneration is linked to the growth of fibroids, which can be tricky to predict as everyone’s fibroids grow at different rates.
We do know that fibroids can grow in the first trimester of pregnancy, and that degeneration is seen most often in pregnant people with large fibroids (greater than 5 centimeters) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
If a large fibroid goes through the process of degeneration, it can shrink back to a much smaller size as it loses oxygenated blood. As long as it has a supply of blood and nutrients, it will not disappear, but it may be smaller.
A Word From Verywell
Uterine fibroid degeneration can cause significant discomfort, but thankfully there is treatment available. The first step in treatment is to be aware of fibroid degeneration, especially if you are pregnant. Meeting frequently with your OBGYN is one way to ensure that you and your healthcare provider discussthe signs to look out forif you are worried about degeneration. Severe abdominal pain and fever can be a sign of many illnesses, but if you know you have fibroids and you start experiencing sharp lower abdominal pains, reach out to a healthcare provider so you can get the care you need.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Geethamala K, Murthy VS, Vani BR, Rao S.Uterine leiomyomas: an ENIGMA.J Midlife Health. 2016;7(1):22-27. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.179170American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Uterine fibroids.Walker C, Banning K, Ritchie C, Kliethermes C.Laparoscopic management of a degenerating cystic leiomyoma imitating an ovarian cyst: A case report.Case Rep Womens Health. 2020;27:e00205. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2020.e00205Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)Uterine fibroids: Overview.Office on Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.Borahay MA, Asoglu MR, Mas A, Adam S, Kilic GS, Al-Hendy A.Estrogen receptors and signaling in fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic implications.Reprod Sci. 2017;24(9):1235-1244. doi:10.1177/1933719116678686Guo XC, Segars JH.The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):521-533. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Han SC, Kim MD, Jung DC, et al.Degeneration of leiomyoma in patients referred for uterine fibroid embolization: incidence, imaging features and clinical characteristics.Yonsei Med J. 2013;54(1):215-219. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.215Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Geethamala K, Murthy VS, Vani BR, Rao S.Uterine leiomyomas: an ENIGMA.J Midlife Health. 2016;7(1):22-27. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.179170American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Uterine fibroids.Walker C, Banning K, Ritchie C, Kliethermes C.Laparoscopic management of a degenerating cystic leiomyoma imitating an ovarian cyst: A case report.Case Rep Womens Health. 2020;27:e00205. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2020.e00205Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)Uterine fibroids: Overview.Office on Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.Borahay MA, Asoglu MR, Mas A, Adam S, Kilic GS, Al-Hendy A.Estrogen receptors and signaling in fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic implications.Reprod Sci. 2017;24(9):1235-1244. doi:10.1177/1933719116678686Guo XC, Segars JH.The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):521-533. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Han SC, Kim MD, Jung DC, et al.Degeneration of leiomyoma in patients referred for uterine fibroid embolization: incidence, imaging features and clinical characteristics.Yonsei Med J. 2013;54(1):215-219. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.215Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Geethamala K, Murthy VS, Vani BR, Rao S.Uterine leiomyomas: an ENIGMA.J Midlife Health. 2016;7(1):22-27. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.179170American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Uterine fibroids.Walker C, Banning K, Ritchie C, Kliethermes C.Laparoscopic management of a degenerating cystic leiomyoma imitating an ovarian cyst: A case report.Case Rep Womens Health. 2020;27:e00205. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2020.e00205Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)Uterine fibroids: Overview.Office on Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.Borahay MA, Asoglu MR, Mas A, Adam S, Kilic GS, Al-Hendy A.Estrogen receptors and signaling in fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic implications.Reprod Sci. 2017;24(9):1235-1244. doi:10.1177/1933719116678686Guo XC, Segars JH.The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):521-533. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Han SC, Kim MD, Jung DC, et al.Degeneration of leiomyoma in patients referred for uterine fibroid embolization: incidence, imaging features and clinical characteristics.Yonsei Med J. 2013;54(1):215-219. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.215Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.
Geethamala K, Murthy VS, Vani BR, Rao S.Uterine leiomyomas: an ENIGMA.J Midlife Health. 2016;7(1):22-27. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.179170
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Uterine fibroids.
Walker C, Banning K, Ritchie C, Kliethermes C.Laparoscopic management of a degenerating cystic leiomyoma imitating an ovarian cyst: A case report.Case Rep Womens Health. 2020;27:e00205. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2020.e00205
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)Uterine fibroids: Overview.
Office on Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.
Borahay MA, Asoglu MR, Mas A, Adam S, Kilic GS, Al-Hendy A.Estrogen receptors and signaling in fibroids: role in pathobiology and therapeutic implications.Reprod Sci. 2017;24(9):1235-1244. doi:10.1177/1933719116678686
Guo XC, Segars JH.The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach.Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012;39(4):521-533. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005
Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.
Han SC, Kim MD, Jung DC, et al.Degeneration of leiomyoma in patients referred for uterine fibroid embolization: incidence, imaging features and clinical characteristics.Yonsei Med J. 2013;54(1):215-219. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.215
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
