Can I Have Fibroids and Endometriosis? Understanding the Overlap Between Two Common Conditions
“Can I have fibroids and endometriosis at the same time?” is a common question asked by those who are experiencing the symptoms of these pelvic pain conditions. The short answer is yes! In fact, it’s not uncommon, with 60% of those who have fibroids also having endometriosis. Both uterine fibroids and endometriosis are conditions that can cause symptoms of pelvic pain, heavy periods, and fertility issues. And because their symptoms often overlap, having both can make diagnosis and treatment more complex, but at PRM, we are experts in identifying, diagnosing, and treating both endometriosis and fibroids.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors made of muscle and connective tissue that develop in or on the uterus. They can vary in size from very small to as large as a melon, and while some people have no symptoms, others may experience:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty getting pregnant
The symptoms someone with fibroids may experience are also dependent on the location of the fibroids. The Mayo Clinic describes the three types of uterine fibroids as the following:
- Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall
- Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity
- Subserosal fibroids project to the outside of the uterus
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. These endometrial-like cells can implant on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, diaphragm, and beyond. Symptoms often include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Painful periods
- Pain with bowel movements or urination
- Pain during sex
- Infertility
- Fatigue and inflammation
As with fibroids, the location and severity of endometriosis lesions in the body dictate the symptoms that someone with endometriosis experiences.
Can You Have Both Fibroids and Endometriosis?
Yes. Many people are diagnosed with both uterine fibroids and endometriosis. In fact, studies suggest that fibroids and endometriosis can coexist in a significant number of patients. This is especially true for those struggling with fertility or ongoing pelvic pain despite treatment for just one of the conditions.
Because symptoms like heavy periods, pain, and bloating can occur with either condition, it’s not always obvious that both are present. And unfortunately, many patients are misdiagnosed or told their pain is “normal” when in fact both fibroids and endometriosis are contributing factors.
Why the Overlap Matters
Having both conditions may intensify symptoms and complicate treatment. For example:
- Pelvic pain may not improve after fibroid removal if endometriosis is left untreated.
- Endometriosis surgery alone may not resolve heavy bleeding if fibroids are also present.
- Fertility treatments may be less effective if both conditions are not properly managed.
That’s why a comprehensive approach to diagnosis is key. At PRM, we want patients to know that imaging tests can quickly and easily help detect fibroids. We are also skilled in identifying the clinical signs of endometriosis, which can be definitively diagnosed through laparoscopic excision surgery.
What if I Have Fibroids and Endometriosis?
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids but still experience pelvic pain, or if your symptoms don’t fully resolve after treatment, you may also have endometriosis.
At PRM, our team of pelvic pain and endometriosis specialists take a whole-body approach to pelvic pain and refer to our on-staff excision surgeons when needed. We understand the complex overlap between fibroids and endometriosis and work with patients to identify and treat the root cause of their pain, not just the symptoms.
Schedule Your Fibroids and Endometriosis Consultation
Yes, you can have both fibroids and endometriosis. If your symptoms aren’t improving, trust your instincts and schedule your consultation with our pelvic pain and endometriosis specialists who care solely for those patients experiencing pelvic pain and understand how these two conditions can interact.
