Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 29 July 2025
If you've recently been told you have a fibroid—or you suspect you might have one—it's natural to feel anxious.
You might be wondering: "Is it dangerous? Should I worry about the Size? Will it affect my fertility?" These are very real, valid questions. Let's break it all down together, in simple, human language—so you walk away feeling informed and empowered.
Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop in or around the uterus. They're composed of muscle and fibrous tissue and are also known as uterine fibroids, myomas, or leiomyomas.
And here's the surprising part—they're very common, especially among women in their 30s and 40s. In India, it's estimated that 1 in 3 women may have fibroids at some point in their lives.
Most fibroids are harmless. Many women are unaware they have them until a routine ultrasound or pelvic exam detects them.
But sometimes, depending on Size, location, and symptoms, fibroids can become problematic. That's what we'll focus on in this article.
Now to the heart of the matter: Does Size matter when it comes to fibroids? The short answer is — yes, it can.
Doctors generally categorise fibroids by Size as follows:
| Size | Measurement (in cm) | Equivalent | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Less than 2 cm | Pea or almond | Usually harmless |
| Medium | 2–5 cm | Grape or lime | May cause symptoms |
| Large | 5–10 cm | Orange or mango | Often problematic |
| Very Large | More than 10 cm | Coconut or larger | Potentially dangerous |
A fibroid is considered dangerous or concerning when:
Let's take a closer look at why size matters and what symptoms to look out for.
Here's a simple analogy. Imagine your uterus is a room. A small piece of furniture (small fibroid) might go unnoticed. But if you suddenly place a large sofa (or a big fibroid) in the middle of the room, it starts getting in the way—blocking doors, pressing against walls, and making movement difficult.
That's what large fibroids do. They start pushing against nearby organs, such as the bladder, bowel, or cervix, and disrupt the body's normal rhythm.
Once fibroids grow bigger than around 5 cm (roughly the size of a lime), they tend to start making themselves known. And not in a subtle way.
If you're facing any of the above symptoms, it's time to consult your gynaecologist—even if your fibroid isn't huge yet.
In India, the most common way to detect fibroids is through a pelvic ultrasound (either abdominal or transvaginal). Sometimes, doctors may suggest:
Knowing the exact Size, location, and number of fibroids helps your doctor decide whether treatment is needed.
Just like in real estate, location is everything when it comes to fibroids.
There are three main types based on where the fibroid is located:
Even a small fibroid in a sensitive location can be more hazardous than a large one in a less sensitive area.
Many Indian couples face difficulties conceiving, and fibroids can sometimes be part of the problem.
If you're trying to get pregnant and have been diagnosed with fibroids, ask your doctor about their Size and location and how they may impact fertility.
Radhika, a 34-year-old from Chennai, had been experiencing heavy periods and severe cramps for over a year. An ultrasound revealed a 7 cm intramural fibroid.
She was tired all the time due to anaemia and had difficulty planning a pregnancy. Her doctor recommended a laparoscopic myomectomy (surgery to remove the fibroid without removing the uterus).
Today, she's doing well—and is happily 6 months pregnant!
This demonstrates that timely treatment, especially when the fibroid is larger than 5 cm and causing symptoms, can significantly improve your quality of life.
Here's a quick checklist:
| Situation | Should You Worry? |
|---|---|
| Fibroid under 2 cm with no symptoms | No |
| Fibroid 3–5 cm with mild symptoms | Monitor regularly |
| Fibroid above 5 cm with heavy bleeding or pain | Yes, consider treatment |
| Fibroid in uterus cavity affecting fertility | Yes, even if small |
| Fibroid growing rapidly | Yes, needs further tests |
| Menopausal woman with growing fibroid | Yes, rule out rare complications |
Treatment depends on Size, symptoms, age, and whether you want to have children. Common options include:
If your fibroids are causing heavy periods, your doctor might start with hormonal pills or injections. These can help shrink the fibroids or at least control the bleeding. And if you're feeling constantly tired or dizzy from blood loss, iron supplements can help boost your haemoglobin levels and fight off anaemia.
Don't love the idea of surgery? You're not alone — and thankfully, there are options.
Your gynaecologist will help you choose the best option based on your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
Many Indian women turn to home remedies or Ayurveda for relief. While things like:
Can support your overall well-being, but they don't shrink large fibroids. They're best used alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Let's be real—hearing the word "fibroid" can be scary. But here's the truth: Most fibroids are harmless and never need treatment.
However, if your fibroid is:
Then it needs medical attention.
The best thing you can do? Consult a gynaecologist, undergo a proper ultrasound, and don't ignore your body's signals. Your uterus deserves care, not fear.
1. Can fibroids turn into cancer?
Very rarely. Less than 1 in 1000 fibroids turn cancerous.
2. Can fibroids go away on their own?
Small ones may shrink after menopause, but large ones rarely disappear without treatment.
3. Can I get pregnant if I have a fibroid?
Absolutely! Many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies. It depends on Size and location.
4. Is surgery the only option?
No, there are medications and non-surgical options too. Surgery is needed only if symptoms are severe.
