Fibroids: They are SO common. An estimated 80% of women (yes, 80%!) will develop uterine fibroids, and depending on when they develop, they could cause a whole host of symptoms—or no symptoms at all.
To understand how uterine fibroids could lead to bladder leaks, it is helpful to ground ourselves in what uterine fibroids are in the first place. Sometimes called uterine leiomyomas or myomas, fibroids are typically benign (noncancerous) overgrowths of the smooth muscle tissue in the uterus. Unlike endometriosis, fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus. Hormones including estrogen and progesterone that govern your menstrual cycle during your fertile years often lead to their growth.
Some women find out that they have fibroids only when they run into challenges conceiving—an estimated 5-10% of infertility cases are caused by fibroids. Others may be diagnosed with fibroids after experiencing heavy periods or when they develop a concerning bulk or mass in their abdomen, and some may never realize that they have fibroids at all.
Because fibroids are an overgrowth of a normal kind of muscle tissue, they can form in a few different ways. Fibroids can grow into the uterine cavity, or protrude outward into the abdominal cavity, and they can become quite large, distending the uterus almost as a growing pregnancy would. Depending on the size, location, and position of the fibroids, you can imagine how that could crowd other organs in your abdomen, including your bladder. Dr. Barbara Frank, a practicing OB-GYN and Attn: Grace medical director, explains “Your bladder and uterus are sandwiched together inside your pelvis so any change in shape of the uterus can distort the bladder.”
So how can uterine fibroids could lead to bladder leaks?
1. Fibroids can crowd your bladder and reduce capacity
The most direct link between fibroids and bladder leaks is anatomical: a growing fibroid can physically compress the bladder. This reduces how much urine your bladder can comfortably hold, potentially leading to:
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Urgency incontinence (that “can’t-hold-it” feeling)
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Incomplete emptying (feeling like you still have to go after you just went out)
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Frequent Leaks - especially when your bladder is under pressure
2. Fibroids can cause constipation - which also affects your bladder
When fibroids press against the colon, they can contribute to constipation. A sluggish bowel increases pressure in the pelvis, leading even less room for your bladder to expand. This added bulk can contribute to:
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Reduced bladder capacity
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Accidental leaks
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Increased pressure on the pelvic floor
3. Fibroids can weaken the pelvic floor, leading to stress incontinence
At Attn: Grace, we often say: the pelvic floor is the mother of all bladder leaks. Says Dr. Frank, “With an enlarged fibroid uterus, it puts a big strain on the pelvic floor.” In turn, that could weaken their ability to support the bladder and urethra. This often results in stress incontinence - leaks that happen when you:
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Sneeze
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Laugh
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Jump
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Lift or bend
Basically, during everyday life.
What You Can Do About Bladder Leaks Caused by Fibroids
If you suspect your incontinence is linked to fibroids, your first step should be talking with your doctor. Because the size, location, and number of fibroids can affect how much pressure they’re putting on your bladder or pelvic floor, a tailored plan is essential.
In the meantime, here are a few bladder-support habits that may help:
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Pelvic floor exercises like kegels to rebuild muscle strength
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Avoid bladder irritants (think: caffeine, spicy foods, carbonated drinks)
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Track your symptoms with a voiding diary to spot patterns (download ours HERE)
As always, you deserve to live a full life with or without leaks, regardless of the cause. That’s why we created better incontinence essentials including bladder leak Liners, Pads, and Wipes to keep you comfortable and covered.