Does the Size or Number of Fibroids Matter?

Many women have fibroids with no problems at all, and don't even know they have them.

For some women their symptoms are more pain, bloating but have no problems with bleeding.

For other women it is the heavy bleeding that is their biggest worry.

So - does size matter? No...and here's why.

The symptoms and problems caused by fibroids (pain, bleeding, fertility) is very much dependent on where the fibroids are, not how many there are or how big.

One small fibroid on the inner surface of the womb can be enough to cause heavy bleeding.

Or one fibroid blocking the fallopian tube can be enough to make it harder to become pregnant.

Fibroids on the outside of the uterus have room to grow in the pelvis and these are the ones that can put pressure on the bladder and bowel. Because of where they are, they can grow to be quite big, but have no effect on how heavy your period is.

Some women can be alarmed to hear they can have as many as 10 fibroids, or a single fibroid the size of a grapefruit.

What matters most

The most important thing to consider with fibroids, is not the size or number - it is how they are effecting you. This then helps you know what your best options are for treatment and moving forwards.

Medical disclaimer - This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Heavy bleeding, long periods, bleeding in between periods, or non-stop bleeding should always be checked by a GP or healthcare professional. They can arrange scans or tests to find the cause and discuss the right treatment options for you.

Author, Dr Liz Murray June 2026

References:

• Murray, L. Not Just Painful Periods, 2026, Octopus Publishing
•  NICE Guidelines Online, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2023, Health Topics A to Z > Fibroids, https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fibroids/ (Accessed online, 2026)
•  National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Dysmenorrhoea: ClinicalKnowledge Summary 2014

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Heavy menstrual bleeding:assessment and management