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Uterine fibroids
Non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the uterus. Very common, and not all of them need treating.
Fibroids are found in a large proportion of women, and many cause no trouble at all. The question is never simply “do you have fibroids” but “are these fibroids causing you a problem”. A fibroid that is not causing symptoms and is not growing may need nothing more than keeping an eye on.
When they do cause problems
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding, often with anaemia and the exhaustion that comes with it
- Pelvic pressure, or a sense of fullness
- Needing to pass urine more often, where a fibroid presses on the bladder
- Pain during sex, depending on position and location
- Difficulty conceiving, or recurrent miscarriage, with certain positions of fibroid
Assessment
An ultrasound establishes number, size and — importantly — position, which matters more than size for deciding what to do. A fibroid distorting the cavity of the uterus behaves very differently from one sitting on the outer wall.
Treatment
Medical management can control bleeding and, in some cases, reduce fibroid size; my published research was on exactly this. Where surgery is the right answer, myomectomy removes the fibroids while preserving the uterus, and can often be done laparoscopically. The right choice depends on your symptoms, your age, and whether you want to conceive.
Risks and what to expect
Myomectomy carries risks of bleeding — occasionally needing transfusion — infection, adhesion formation, and recurrence of fibroids. Rarely, hysterectomy becomes necessary during the operation. Surgery on the uterus may affect how a future pregnancy is delivered.
Every procedure carries risk, and the risks that matter most depend on you — your history, your anatomy and your general health. They will be explained to you in full, in writing, before you are asked to consent to anything.
Any recovery times given here are typical rather than guaranteed, and outcomes vary from one person to another.
Every case is different, and what is right for one woman is not right for another. The purpose of a first appointment is to work out which applies to you. Arrange a consultation.
The information on this site reflects current international best practice and peer-reviewed literature, together with Dr Sharma’s own clinical experience. It is general information, not advice for your own situation, and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Talk it through
A consultation is a conversation first. Nothing is booked in until you want it to be.