What Are Fibroids?

Benign tumors in the uterus, called fibroids, are relatively common among women. 50% of all women will have at least one fibroid.   Though their exact cause is unknown, women with a family history of fibroids are at higher risk.

Symptoms of Fibroids 

  • Pelvic pain
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Infertility
  • Bloating and constipation
  • Urinary incontinence and/or increased urinary frequency

 

Solutions 

Treatment depends on the size and location of the fibroids, as well as the patient’s specific symptoms, age and desire to maintain fertility. Fibroids may also be a cause of infertility and removing them may help a woman conceive or have a successful in vitro fertilization treatment. There are new minimally invasive treatments available depending on each patient’s needs. 

 

illustration of vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries

 

Treatment Options

Observation

  • In the absence of problematic symptoms, your physician may wish to keep an eye on fibroids and begin treatment only when you become symptomatic.

Medication

  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may reduce pain and contraceptive steroids may help control abnormal bleeding.
  • Tranexamic acid may reduce abnormally heavy periods or prolonged bleeding caused by fibroids.
  • Hormones may be used to shrink fibroids in preparation for surgical removal.
  • New medications are now available that work by decreasing the body’s estrogen levels, causing fibroids to shrink, and decreasing bleeding by up to 80%.

Surgery

  • Hysterectomy—For women who do not wish to preserve fertility, removal of the uterus results in a high level of patient satisfaction and improved quality of life.
    • Addresses all fibroids
    • Addresses bloating and heavy periods
    • Recovery time: 4-6 weeks
  • Myomectomy—Removing only the fibroids preserves the uterus for future pregnancy, but patients are advised there may be a need for further treatment. Laparoscopic/robotic surgery may be considered for fibroids growing outside of or within the muscle of the uterus.
    • Minimally invasive
    • Addresses most fibroids
    • Addresses heavy periods
    • Recovery time: 4-6 weeks
  • Endometrial ablation may be used to manage bleeding in some cases.
  • The Acessa® procedure is now available.  This laparoscopic procedure uses radiofrequency energy to destroy fibroids causing them to soften, shrink, and in some cases, be reabsorbed.
    • Minimally invasive
    • Identifies more fibroids
    • Addresses fibroids in most locations
    • Addresses bloating and heavy periods
    • Recovery time: 4-5 days