Gynaecology
Fibroids
Benign growths in the uterine wall that can cause bleeding and discomfort.
What are Fibroids?
The term “Fibroid” is a common name derived from the medical term “Fibromyoma”. It describes a benign tumour of the smooth muscle wall of the uterus.
Why do Fibroids occur?
There are genetic predispositions to developing fibroids, but precisely why some people get them, and others don’t is unknown.
What problems do Fibroids cause?
Fibroids are known to cause:
- Increased/abnormal menstrual bleeding and associated iron deficiency anaemia.
- Increased menstrual pain and abdominal discomfort.
- Pressure effects on surrounding pelvic organs such as the bladder.
- Fertility related problems such as increased risk of miscarriage and infertility.
The degree to which fibroids cause these problems is related to their size and their location in the wall of the uterus.
What treatment options are there for Fibroids?
Treatment can be targeted to either reduce your symptoms or permanently shrink or remove your fibroid/s using non-invasive or surgical procedures
Symptomatic Treatments
Pain
Although most fibroids are painless, some women benefit from anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. More severe pain will need medical assessment and management, such as that offered by our specialists at Gynae North.
Abnormal bleeding
Either an abnormal pattern of bleeding or, more commonly, excessively heavy bleeding can be managed by hormonally manipulating the menstrual cycle using progestins or the oral contraceptive pill.
Pressure effects due to the size of fibroids
Because the growth of fibroids is promoted by oestrogen, using medications that stop oestrogen production by the ovary can help to reduce the size of fibroids.
Infertility
Treatment of fertility related problems associated with fibroids requires permanent shrinkage or surgical removal.
Permanent Treatments
Surgical Procedures (available at Gynae North)
Surgical procedures may be used to either shrink the fibroids, remove them or remove the whole uterus (hysterectomy):
- Hysteroscopy
- Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
- Open surgery – used when fibroids are >5cm or there are more than 3 of them