Most women have heard of uterine fibroids, and know that they typically shouldn’t worry about them. After all, they’re just harmless cysts. Most women have them, yet never feel any of the signs and symptoms of fibroids.

Yet, scores of women get uterine fibroid treatments or uterine fibroid surgery every year. If they’re so harmless, why then is it the removal of uterine fibroids important enough for these women to get surgery?

They Can Cause Fertility Issues.

Many women seek fibroid treatments when they’re trying to conceive, because these seemingly benign cysts have been known to cause serious complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, submucosal fibroids could prevent an embryo’s implantation and growth. In other cases, fibroids have caused miscarriages or premature births.

Cancerous Fibroids Can Develop.

Believe it or not, there is such a thing as a cancerous fibroid, which is called a leiomyosarcoma. Obviously, women with leiomyosarcomas need to get fibroid treatments to mitigate their risk, but these incidents are very, very rare — less than one in 1,000, in fact. What’s more, women who already have fibroids don’t seem to be at a higher risk of developing leiomyosarcomas, nor can preexisting fibroids turn into leiomyosarcomas.

They Can Get Pretty Painful.

The most common reason women pursue fibroid treatments, though, is because of the pain they can sometimes cause. Fibroids have been known to cause lower back and abdominal pain, pressure on the abdomen, painful menstruation cycles, and pain during intercourse.

If you’re suffering from pelvic pain that won’t go away, heavier periods, pain during intercourse, an enlarged uterus or abdomen, or are having difficulty emptying your bladder, you need to speak to your doctor about possible fibroid treatments.

However, these cysts are typically benign, and none too big of a deal. These symptoms are rare, but can occur, so it’s best to be wary. If you have any questions about fibroids, feel free to ask in the comments.