Most fibroids do not cause problems and women may pass their whole life with no symptoms. However if a fibroid is attached to the uterus by a stem, it may twist. This can cause pain, nausea, or fever. Fibroids may also become infected. In most cases, this happens only when there is an infection already in the area.
In very rare cases, very rapid growth of the fibroid and other symptoms may signal cancer. Fibroids also may cause infertility. Other factors should be explored before fibroids are called the cause of a couple’s infertility. When fibroids are thought to be a cause, many women are able to become pregnant after they are treated.