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Gynaecology
Fibroids: When to Watch and When to Treat
By Fehmida Hospital & Fertility Centre
Many women have fibroids and never need surgery. Here is how doctors decide between monitoring, medicine and an operation.
Fibroids are very common
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus. Many women have them without knowing, and they are often found on a routine ultrasound.
When monitoring is enough
Small fibroids that cause no symptoms usually just need a check-up and an ultrasound from time to time, to see whether they are growing.
When treatment is considered
- Heavy or long periods, especially if they cause anaemia
- Pelvic pain or pressure on the bladder or bowel
- Difficulty getting pregnant or repeated miscarriage
- A fibroid that is growing quickly
Treatment options
- Medicines to reduce bleeding and pain
- Hysteroscopic removal for fibroids inside the uterine cavity
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) myomectomy, which removes fibroids and keeps the uterus
- Hysterectomy, usually only when family is complete and other treatments have not helped
Read more: Uterine fibroids · Laparoscopic myomectomy
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Speak to a doctor about your own symptoms.
