Let's be honest, when you're dealing with bladder leaks, the last thing you want is to spend hours googling medical jargon and coming out more confused than when you started. So we're going to break this down simply. If you've heard the word "fibroid" but aren't totally sure what it means, or you're wondering if they might be behind your bladder issues… you're in the right place.

First things first… what actually is a fibroid?

A fibroid is a growth that develops in or around the uterus. Before you panic: they're non-cancerous, and they're incredibly common. In fact, research suggests that up to 80% of women will have fibroids at some point in their lives, most of them without ever knowing, because fibroids don't always cause any symptoms at all.

They're made up of muscle and fibrous tissue, and they can range quite a bit in size. We're talking anywhere from a tiny pea to (in more extreme cases) something the size of a melon. Most sit somewhere much more modest in between.

You might also hear them called uterine fibroids, leiomyomas, or myomas. Different names, same thing!

Where they grow matters a lot when it comes to symptoms. There are four main types:

• Intramural — grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus (the most common kind)

• Subserosal — grow on the outside of the uterus, where they can start pressing on nearby organs

• Submucosal — grow just under the inner lining of the uterus

• Pedunculated — attached to the uterus by a small stalk, almost like a little balloon on a string

The location is actually really important when it comes to how, or whether, fibroids affect your bladder. 

Why do fibroids develop?

Honestly, doctors don't have a completely clear answer on this yet. But what we do know is that hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, play a big role. Fibroids tend to grow during the years when these hormones are most active, and they often shrink naturally after menopause when hormone levels drop off.

Genetics can also come into play. If your mum or sister has had fibroids, you could be more likely to develop them too.

A few other factors that may increase the likelihood include:

• Being overweight, since excess fat can increase oestrogen levels

• Starting your period at a young age

• A diet that's heavy on red meat and light on vegetables

That said, plenty of women develop fibroids without any of these factors. And plenty of women with all of them never get fibroids. If you've been diagnosed and are feeling uncertain or extra concerned, it's always best to reach out to a trusted health professional to get clarity and expert advice.

What do fibroids actually feel like?

Here's the thing, a lot of women with fibroids feel absolutely nothing. Their fibroids are only discovered during a scan for something else entirely. So if you've been told you have them, don't assume that means life is about to get difficult.

For some women, fibroids do cause symptoms, and they can range from a mild annoyance to something that seriously affects day-to-day life. The most common ones include:

• Really heavy or long periods — this is often the first sign, and it can sometimes lead to anaemia if left unmanaged

• A dull ache or feeling of pressure in your lower belly — some women describe it as a constant heaviness

• Pain during sex

• Lower back pain

• A bloated or swollen-looking tummy — larger fibroids can actually change the shape of your abdomen

• Needing the loo more often than usual — or finding it harder to fully empty your bladder

So how do fibroids cause bladder leaks?

This is the bit that often surprises people, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Your bladder and your uterus are very close neighbours. When fibroids grow, they don't just stay neatly contained, they can start pushing against surrounding organs, including the bladder.

Here's how that plays out:

They can squeeze your bladder. A fibroid pressing on the bladder reduces how much it can hold before sending you the "I need to go" signal. The result? You feel the urge to wee suddenly, strongly, and with not much time to act on it. This is called urgency incontinence, and it can feel really unpredictable and stressful.

They can put strain on your pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor muscles are doing a lot of work down there, supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel all at once. When fibroids add extra weight and pressure, those muscles can gradually weaken. That's when leaks start happening during things like sneezing, laughing, or exercise. This one is called stress incontinence, and it's very common.

They can partially block the urethra. In some cases, fibroids can put pressure on the urethra (the tube urine passes through when you go to the loo), making it harder to fully empty your bladder. This can cause a constant feeling of needing to go, even when you've just been, and sometimes overflow leaks when the bladder gets too full.

Things can also change after treatment. If you've had fibroids treated, whether through surgery, medication, or a procedure like uterine fibroid embolisation, your bladder might go through an adjustment period. This is totally normal, and usually improves with time. But it's worth flagging with your doctor if it's bothering you.

Should you go and see a doctor?

If any of this is sounding familiar, it's worth a conversation with your GP. Fibroids are really well understood, and there are plenty of options for managing or treating them depending on your situation.

A few signs it's definitely time to get checked out:

• Your periods have become much heavier or more painful than they used to be

• You're passing large blood clots

• You've got persistent pain or pressure in your pelvis

• Bladder leaks or urgency are starting to affect your daily life

• Your tummy looks or feels more swollen than usual

Your GP can arrange an ultrasound to take a look, and from there you can decide together what your next steps are. 

In the meantime — how to manage day-to-day

Treating the fibroids is the long-term fix, but that takes time, and life carries on. Here are a few things that can help while you're navigating this:

Pelvic floor exercises are genuinely worth doing. They strengthen the muscles around the bladder and can make a real difference to stress incontinence over time. If you're not sure you're doing them correctly, a women's health physiotherapist is a brilliant resource.

Bladder training — slowly extending the gaps between toilet trips can help retrain the bladder if urgency is your main issue. It works best when guided by a healthcare professional, so ask your GP about a referral.

And good incontinence products can take a lot of the worry out of your day while you work on the bigger picture. Whether you need something light for occasional leaks or something more absorbent, having the right product means you can get on with your life without it hanging over you. And that’s where Invizi has you covered. 

Disclaimer 

This article is intended as general information only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about fibroids, incontinence, or your health, please speak with your GP or a qualified health professional.