Fibrosis

These are solid non-malignant growths that develop within the muscle of the uterine wall. One fibroid can grow in isolation or there can be multiple fibroids which can also extend into the cavity of the uterus.

Symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Pain or discomfort from the pressure symptoms
• Bladder irritability symptoms due to pressure from large fibroids
• Subfertility/ miscarriage if fibroid impinges on uterine cavity

After initial examination, a pelvic or abdominal ultrasound scan will assess the number and size of the fibroids. Sometimes these can become extremely enlarged without obvious symptoms until they become visible. 

• Conservative/ Monitoring – if the fibroids are not causing symptoms

• Surgical removal/ Myomectomy- this is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic where the fibroids are enucleated, and the wall of the uterus closed with sutures. Myomectomy tends to be performed on patients who have not yet completed their family and wish to retain their uterus

• Hysterectomy – this is more commonly performed in women past childbearing age or where the uterus is extremely enlarged and causing symptoms

• Embolisation – this is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a radiologist whereby the blood vessels supplying the fibroids are blocked off which then causes the fibroid to shrink away. This is a good alternative for patients wishing to avoid surgery. The rate of shrinkage of the fibroids is variable, but usually there is a significant reduction in size six months after treatment