Short answer
Fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths in or around the womb. Many cause no symptoms and need no treatment. When they do cause heavy or painful periods, pressure on the bladder or bowel, or fertility problems, options include medicines, removal of the fibroids (myomectomy) and, for some women, hysterectomy.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Symptoms
- Heavy or painful periods
- Tummy pain or lower back pain
- Passing urine often or urgently, or constipation and bloating
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Many fibroids are found by chance on an ultrasound done for another reason, including pregnancy scans.
Who gets them
Fibroids mainly affect women before menopause. They are more likely if you have never had a full-term pregnancy, are overweight, have high blood pressure or diabetes, are of Black or Asian background, or have a close relative with fibroids.
Diagnosis
An ultrasound scan shows how many fibroids there are, where they are and how big they are. A blood test checks for anaemia if your periods are heavy.
Treatment options
- No treatment, with regular check-ups, if they cause no problems
- Painkillers, tranexamic acid or hormonal medicines to control pain and bleeding
- Myomectomy: removing the fibroids and keeping the womb, by laparoscopy, hysteroscopy or open surgery depending on their size and position
- Hysterectomy: removing the womb, for women who do not want more children and whose symptoms are severe
- Other options, such as endometrial ablation or uterine artery embolisation, for selected women
If you plan to have children, discuss this with your doctor first: some treatments end fertility or can affect a future pregnancy.
At Dhruva Hospitals
Our gynaecology team offers medical and surgical fibroid treatment, including laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery, planned around your symptoms and family plans. Call +91 99599 59694 or WhatsApp us to book with our gynaecology team. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Common questions
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
Fibroids are non-cancerous. Cancer in the muscle of the womb is rare. Tell your doctor if a fibroid grows quickly or you have bleeding after menopause, so it can be checked.
Can I get pregnant with fibroids?
Many women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. Fibroids rarely cause infertility or miscarriage, depending on their position. Your doctor can advise whether removing them would help.
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Sources
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.