Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths or non-cancerous tumours that develop in the womb's muscular walls, causing it to be enlarged. Fibroids may grow as a single tumour or in clusters that fill the pelvis or abdomen. It can be as small as pea to as large as a melon. The levels of oestrogen will cause them to grow or shrink. They tend to grow rapidly in pregnancy because the body has high levels of oestrogen, causing pain. They tend to shrink or stop growing once menopause is reached, as the levels of oestrogen drop.

Tips to spot the signs

• pelvic pain
• constipation
• distended tummy
• difficult or frequent urination
• heavy or lengthy menstrual bleeding
• pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
• reproductive problem

Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

• may not require any treatment, but will require regular monitoring if diagnosed via a pelvic exam or ultrasound
• non-surgical options include hormone therapy and other medication to treat symptoms, but it is noted fibroids continue to grow when medication is stopped
• women with a few fibroids may use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided ultrasound waves treatment
• surgical option 'Myomectomy' to remove fibroids, which can be open or keyhole surgery
• another surgical option 'Hysterectomy' is a permanent cure to remove fibroids, is reserved for women who have completed their families or who do not intend to conceive