How Are Uterine Fibroids Treated?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. Some cause no symptoms and can be watched with review and imaging. Others contribute to heavy or irregular bleeding, pelvic pressure, painful periods, bloating, or difficulty getting pregnant. A scan helps show where the fibroids are and whether they change the shape of the uterine cavity.

Medicines can reduce bleeding or pain, and a hormonal coil may help control bleeding for some people. Procedures can reduce or remove fibroid tissue. Myomectomy removes fibroids while keeping the uterus; hysterectomy removes the uterus and ends the possibility of carrying a pregnancy. The suitable choice depends on the individual situation.

Record bleeding patterns, pain, pressure and bladder or bowel changes before your appointment. Ask how the fibroid’s position affects treatment and whether anaemia should be checked when bleeding is heavy. Discuss pregnancy plans before choosing a procedure. Treatment may be unnecessary when symptoms are mild, while worsening symptoms deserve reassessment.

Get urgent help for bleeding that rapidly soaks through protection, fainting, marked weakness, severe sudden pelvic pain, or breathlessness. Seek prompt review for bleeding between periods, persistent pelvic pain, increasing abdominal swelling, or trouble getting pregnant. These symptoms need evaluation and should not be attributed to fibroids without an assessment.

Where are my fibroids, and are they changing the uterine cavity? Could medicine or a hormonal coil help? Which procedures preserve fertility? What recovery and follow-up would each option involve? Should I have a blood count or repeat scan?