What happens if I have uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. It is a common problem, but majority of women may not have any symptoms. Up to 80% of women develop fibroid by the time they reach menopause. Even though fibroids are harmless mostly, some women may develop significant symptoms which cannot be ignored.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What symptoms will I have if I am diagnosed with uterine fibroids?

Majority of women have small fibroids and are usually asymptomatic, but they still need medical monitoring. You are at greater risk of having fibroids if they run in family or overweight or you are of Afro-Caribbean descent. Fibroids may grow as a single growth or multiple ones.

Only large fibroids do cause one or more of the following symptoms.

• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Heavy Periods
• Increased frequency or urgency in urination
• Constipation
• Increase in waist size

Will fibroids go away on their own?

Fibroids may go away on their own particularly if the women are asymptomatic. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may encourage the growth of fibroids. They also tend to shrink after childbirth as well as after menopause as oestrogen levels drop.

Nevertheless, not all fibroids resolve by themselves. They tend to grow and shrink and may even come back after going away.

What are the treatment options available?

One size does not fit all when treating fibroids.

These are the common treatment options available:

• Wait and watch: If they are asymptomatic, just regular monitoring of the fibroids without any intervention is sufficient.
• Medications: For those who have symptoms like heavy periods and pressure/pain, hormonal treatments or GnRH antagonists are useful to control the periods and GnRH agonists can temporarily shrink the fibroids.  Additionally non-hormonal drugs like NSAID or TXacid can help control bleeding and pain without the need for surgery.
• Surgery: Uterine Artery Embolization is an option for women who wish to preserve the uterus but not concerned regarding fertility. Myomectomy is another option for women who do not want to try the embolization option or not a suitable candidate for the above. However, the above options do not stop fibroids from growing back.

Hysterectomy is the only cure for fibroids in women who do not have future plans, and the fibroids affect your quality of life.

When to see us?

If you wish to discuss more about your fibroids and get a personalized treatment plan, please contact Rockingham Women’s Health Centre on 0895918943 to book an appointment or www.rockinghamwomenshealth.com.au