Fibroids are common benign growths in the uterus. There are different types depending
on the various locations these fibroids may be found within the uterus. However,
fibroid tumours are not only found in the uterus. It is also possible to have ovarian
and breast fibroids. It is unclear what causes fibroids but oestrogens help them
grow. Some of them do not cause problems. Others may cause heavy vaginal bleeding,
anaemia, pelvic pain, back ache, infertility and bladder or bowel symptoms.
Treatment depends on the woman’s age, her general health condition, the current symptoms,
her desire to try for pregnancy and the type, size and number of the fibroids.
Conservative treatment targets the symptoms related to fibroids such as painkillers
for pain, iron tablets for anaemia and special hormones to help them shrink (embolisation).
Medical treatments include techniques that obstruct the blood supply to the fibroid
and cause it to shrink.
Surgical treatments include removal of the fibroid (“myomectomy”) or removal of the
womb (“hysterectomy”). Removal of fibroid can be achieved via minimally invasive
techniques (Keyhole surgery) such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Hysterectomy can
also be performed laparoscopically.
