UTERINE FIBROIDS TREATMENTS

If the fibroid is not causing any problems your doctor will simply observe it over time and no immediate treatment is necessary. However, if the fibroid(s) is troublesome, it can be managed either surgically or medically.

Surgical treatment involves either excising the fibroid in an operation called a myomectomy or removing the entire uterus (hysterectomy). Both operations are performed under general anaesthetic. A myomectomy is the treatment of choice for women who have not yet completed their families.

Sometimes medical treatment is recommended. This involves prescribing a drug called a Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) analogue, which prevents oestrogen from being produced. Without oestrogen, the fibroid will shrink in size. The drugs, however, can cause side effects similar to menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, loss of periods and vaginal dryness. Ideally they should only be given for no longer than six months as the loss of oestrogen can lead to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). When the drug has stopped the fibroids can grow in size again.