Uterine fibroids are a common problem for women aged 30 to 50. Between 70-80% of women will develop fibroids at some point in their lives, most without even realising it. They’re nothing to worry about. Fibroids are almost always noncancerous. But they can still cause heavier periods and pelvic discomfort.
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t fully understood. However, recent research suggests it has something to do with sitting. Sitting for six hours a day can double a woman’s risk of fibroids.
That doesn’t mean sitting alone causes fibroids, of course. But it’s one of several lifestyle factors researchers are starting to look at more closely. And if you do have fibroids, long periods of sitting can sometimes make the pressure and discomfort more noticeable.
What are Fibroids Exactly?
Fibroids (or leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths in women. Some fibroids are as small as a pea, others as big as a melon. They can occur throughout the uterus, from the muscle to the outer walls. The most common age for developing fibroids is between 30 and 50 years old.
Most fibroids don’t have any symptoms, so the true prevalence isn’t known. The incidence is higher in black women, however. For example, a study of women with no previous diagnosis had ultrasound evidence in 59% of black women compared to 43% of white women.
Some Common Fibroid Symptoms
Pelvic Pressure That Feels Worse When Sitting
Fibroids slowly expand, pressing on the surrounding organs. As they press on nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel, it’s common to notice pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
That pressure often worsens after prolonged sitting, which compresses the pelvic area. Often mistaken for posture problems or digestive discomfort, it’s described as a heaviness, fullness, or dull aching.
Frequent Urination (Even Without Drinking More)
A fibroid can press on the bladder, which lies just in front of the womb. Because it reduces the bladder’s capacity, you may need to urinate more often. Similar to pelvic pressure, it’s especially noticeable when sitting or when the bladder fills.
Lower Back or Hip Pain
If fibroids grow in the opposite direction, they can press on nerves or surrounding muscles. Pain or aching in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs is a common fibroid symptom.
Bloating or Abdominal Fullness
You’ll have noticed that many fibroid symptoms involve pressure on surrounding organs. Bloating is no different. Fibroids can compress the digestive tract, leading to increased bloating. If they grow large, the abdomen itself may feel swollen or heavy.
The key difference from ordinary bloating is that the feeling tends to be persistent. They don’t change with food or time of day.
Heavier or Longer Periods
This is one of the most common symptoms of fibroids. Fibroids that grow in or near the uterine lining can interfere with normal uterine contractions during menstruation. That leads to heavier periods and more discomfort. If it’s not treated, women can develop iron-deficiency anaemia from the excessive blood loss.
Why Sitting Can Make Fibroid Symptoms Worse
Nobody fully understands why fibroids occur. They’re made up of an overgrowth of smooth muscle cells and other cells in the uterine lining. Fibroids often grow in response to oestrogen and progesterone, shrinking as hormones decline. (Menopausal women don’t experience fibroids as severely.)
But now it appears they’re linked to sitting.
A 2023 study found that sitting for just six hours a day can double a woman’s risk of fibroids. The study collected background information on 6,623 women aged 30 to 55. Of the group, 8.5% had uterine fibroids. Sitting during leisure activities — such as knitting, reading, watching TV, or playing board games — was associated with a higher risk of developing fibroids.
The researchers also observed associations between sedentary behaviour and several other hormone-related conditions, including endometrial, ovarian, and breast tumours.
It’s not clear what mechanism connects sitting to fibroids. But it’s well worth getting up for a short walk every few hours.
When to Speak to a Doctor
Fibroids are usually harmless, but it’s still important to speak to a doctor if symptoms start interfering with your daily life. A medical professional can confirm whether fibroids are the cause and discuss possible management options.
You should consider speaking to a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent pelvic pressure or pain
- Very heavy or unusually long periods
- Frequent urination or bladder pressure
- Ongoing bloating or abdominal fullness
- Fatigue linked to heavy menstrual bleeding
Early evaluation can help rule out other conditions and ensure you get the right support if treatment is needed.
References
De La Cruz, M.S.D. and Buchanan, E.M. (2017). Uterine fibroids: diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician, 95(2), pp.100–107. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0115/p100.html (Accessed 9 March 2026).
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2023). Fibroids: Background information – Prevalence. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fibroids/background-information/prevalence/ (Accessed 9 March 2026).
Sun, Y., Han, X., Hou, Z., et al. (2023). Association between leisure sedentary behaviour and uterine fibroids in non-menopausal women: a population-based study. BMJ Open, 13, e073592. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073592.
Zimmermann, A., Bernuit, D., Gerlinger, C., Schaefers, M., and Geppert, K. (2012). Prevalence, symptoms and management of uterine fibroids: an international internet-based survey of 21,746 women. BMC Women’s Health, 12(1), p.6. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1472-6874-12-6 (Accessed 9 March 2026).
Thank you for sharing this and shedding light on it. This touched me deeply. As someone who has gone through fibroids and a myomectomy (surgery), I can confirm how real and challenging this can be. I can honestly say awareness like this is so important. Many women ignore the early signs until it becomes overwhelming. Please ladies, if your body feels off, don’t keep quiet. Get checked early.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, your voice truly matters. You’re absolutely right, early awareness is everything. Conversations like this help break the silence, support one another, and ultimately save lives.