Fibroids are a common health concern for women, but advancements in medical research and treatment options continue to improve the quality of life for those affected.
Effective treatment for fibroids is available, designed to help you manage your symptoms and reduce the impact of this common condition on your life. Dr Huang offers both surgical and non-surgical fibroid treatment options accompanied by open, honest, and evidence-based advice, actively empowering women to participate in their healthcare decisions.
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous (benign) tumours, commonly seen in women of childbearing age. They are extremely common, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50. Though they can occur at any stage during a woman’s childbearing years, they are most prevalent in women in their 30s and 40s.
Fibroids are composed of muscle cells and other tissues, and develop in and around the wall of the uterus. They can cause differing degrees of symptoms and may compromise fertility depending on their size and location in your uterus.
The exact cause of fibroids are unknown, though factors that may play a role in their development include:
It is possible to have uterine fibroids and be unaware, as at least 50% of women with fibroids are asymptomatic. A fibroid may be noticed only incidentally while having investigations for something else.
Fibroid symptoms may include:
If your symptoms indicate the possibility of a uterine fibroid, Dr Huang may arrange for a pelvic ultrasound. Large or complex fibroids may benefit from other imaging techniques such as MRI, which provides the most accurate diagnosis, or CT scanning.
A hysteroscopy is another effective diagnostic tool for directly visualising certain types of fibroids and to assess their impact inside the uterine cavity. This procedure is minimally invasive, involving a long, thin tool with a camera inserted into your uterus via the cervix. A benefit of hysteroscopic examination is that surgical treatment of fibroids can often be performed at the same time.
Treatment for fibroids depends on several factors, including how severe your symptoms are, the size and location of the fibroid, your age and general health, and whether you are planning for a future pregnancy.
If your symptoms are mild, or if you are asymptomatic, regular monitoring without intervention is standard practice. If the fibroid is monitored conservatively, it is sensible to have regular pelvic ultrasounds to monitor for fibroid growth or changes, which give you an opportunity to access treatment promptly if your fibroids enlarge or symptoms deteriorate. In many cases, fibroids shrink naturally with the approach of menopause.
Due to the role that oestrogen and progesterone play in the growth of fibroids, hormone therapies that regulate these hormones can help to reduce the size of fibroids and relieve the associated symptoms. Hormone medications for fibroids may come in the form of injections, pills, or an intrauterine device (IUD). This approach to fibroid treatment is not suitable if you are trying to conceive, as many also act as contraception.
Several procedures can be performed to manage uterine fibroids, including:
A myomectomy is often the first-line surgical recommendation for women who would still like to retain their fertility, as it leaves the uterus intact.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Testing may help identify ovulation issues, hormone imbalances, ovarian reserve concerns and other factors affecting fertility.
