Uterine Fibroids Treatment

What causes uterine fibroids, and how are they treated? Learn about fibroid symptoms, treatment options, and when fibroids may require medical care.

About Uterine Fibroids Treatment

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can vary in size and location and may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, your age, and whether you plan to have children.

Available Treatment Options

Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on how much they affect your daily life and reproductive health. Some fibroids may only require monitoring, while others may need medicines or procedures to control symptoms or remove the fibroids.

Medications

Hormonal birth control: Hormonal contraceptives may help manage heavy menstrual bleeding and other symptoms associated with fibroids.
GnRH agonists: These medicines can temporarily reduce hormone levels and shrink fibroids. They may be used for a limited period or before surgery in selected cases.
Tranexamic acid: This medicine may help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding during periods.
Pain-relieving medicines: Pain relievers may be recommended to manage pelvic pain and menstrual discomfort.

Procedures or Therapies

Watchful waiting: Small fibroids that do not cause significant symptoms may only require regular monitoring.
Uterine artery embolisation: This minimally invasive procedure reduces the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound: Focused ultrasound energy may be used in selected patients to heat and destroy fibroid tissue without traditional surgery.
Myomectomy: This procedure removes fibroids while preserving the uterus and may be considered for people who wish to maintain their fertility.
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus may be recommended for severe or recurrent fibroids when other treatments are not suitable or when future pregnancy is not desired.

How should you prepare for this treatment?

Before starting treatment for uterine fibroids, your doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history, reproductive plans, and the size and location of the fibroids. Imaging and blood tests may be recommended to understand the condition and identify the most appropriate treatment.

Keep track of your menstrual cycle, including the amount and duration of bleeding.
Tell your doctor about pelvic pain, pressure, frequent urination, or other symptoms.
Inform your doctor if you are trying to become pregnant or plan to have children.
Tell your doctor about any previous treatments or procedures for fibroids.
Provide a list of medicines, supplements, and hormonal treatments you currently use.
Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or other imaging tests to assess the size and location of the fibroids.
Blood tests may be recommended if heavy menstrual bleeding has caused or may be causing anaemia.
If surgery or another procedure is planned, follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding medicines, food, fluids, and other preparation requirements.

How is the procedure performed?

The treatment procedure for uterine fibroids depends on their size, number, location, symptoms, and your reproductive plans. Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate option based on your individual needs.

Uterine Artery Embolisation

Uterine artery embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the blood supply to the fibroids. As the blood supply decreases, the fibroids gradually shrink and symptoms may improve.

MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound

This non-invasive treatment uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and destroy selected fibroid tissue. MRI guidance helps the healthcare team target the fibroid during treatment.

Myomectomy

Myomectomy involves removing fibroids while preserving the uterus. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, it may be performed through minimally invasive surgery or through a larger abdominal incision.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy involves removing the uterus and provides a permanent treatment for fibroids. It may be considered for severe or recurrent fibroids when other treatment options are not suitable or when future pregnancy is not desired.

What are the benefits?

Appropriate treatment can help control fibroid-related symptoms, improve quality of life, and address problems related to heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, or fertility.

Can reduce heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
May relieve pelvic pain, pressure, and discomfort.
Can reduce pressure-related symptoms such as frequent urination.
Some treatments can shrink fibroids and reduce their effect on surrounding organs.
Myomectomy can remove fibroids while preserving the uterus in appropriate patients.
Uterine artery embolisation can reduce fibroid size without traditional surgery in selected cases.
Appropriate treatment may improve quality of life and daily functioning.
Managing fibroids may help address fertility concerns in selected patients.

What are the risks involved?

Most uterine fibroids are non-cancerous and do not cause serious problems. However, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, anaemia, and fertility-related concerns. Treatment also has potential risks that depend on the procedure or medicine used.

Possible Complications of Fibroids

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Iron-deficiency anaemia due to ongoing blood loss.
Pelvic pain or pressure.
Frequent urination or pressure on the bladder.
Difficulty becoming pregnant in some cases.
Fibroids may grow or symptoms may worsen over time.

Risks Associated With Treatment

Hormonal medicines may cause changes in menstrual bleeding and other hormone-related side effects.
Uterine artery embolisation may cause pain, infection, bleeding, or other procedure-related complications.
Focused ultrasound treatment may cause discomfort or other treatment-specific complications.
Surgery may involve risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, or injury to nearby organs.
After myomectomy, fibroids may develop again in the future.
Hysterectomy permanently removes the ability to become pregnant.

Your doctor will discuss the expected benefits, possible risks, and impact on fertility before recommending a treatment.

What to expect after treatment?

Follow-up after fibroid treatment depends on the treatment you receive, your symptoms, and your reproductive plans. Regular monitoring helps your doctor assess recovery and identify any ongoing or returning symptoms.

Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
Attend follow-up appointments and imaging tests as recommended.
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding physical activity after a procedure or surgery.
Monitor menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, and other symptoms.
Maintain a balanced diet and adequate physical activity as your health allows.
Take iron or other supplements only when recommended by your healthcare provider, particularly if you have anaemia.
Discuss fertility and pregnancy planning with your doctor if you wish to have children after treatment.
Contact your healthcare provider if heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms develop after treatment.